Angela R Elbert

Practice Areas

Angela is chair of the firm’s Insurance Policyholder practice group, a member of the firm’s Executive Committee, and Immediate Past President of the American College of Coverage Counsel. She counsels corporate policyholders on complex risk management and insurance issues and develops custom strategies to maximize recovery when claims arise. With over 25 years of experience, Angela has been instrumental in recovering hundreds of millions of dollars of insurance for her clients through negotiation, mediation and, where necessary, litigation. Her nationwide risk management practice spans a broad range of capabilities, including negotiating insurance with the best terms available, providing strategic assistance on the insurance aspects of complex corporate transactions, resolving financial insolvency concerns and evaluating, preparing and enforcing indemnification agreements.

With considerable experience managing insurance coverage and commercial litigation disputes before state and federal courts and arbitration panels, Angela focuses her national litigation practice primarily on prosecuting policyholder claims for a wide array of insurance lines. Angela is a frequent speaker on insurance topics and is a former chair of the Insurance Committee of the ABA’s Section of Litigation.

Her clients hold numerous, complex insurance policies, and typically need guidance to orchestrate the coverage those policies provide. After thoroughly reviewing clients’ insurance portfolios, Angela assists clients in establishing necessary coverage levels and eliminating gaps that could leave their businesses exposed.

Angela’s enthusiasm for her work helps her build valuable, enduring relationships with clients, peers, and industry leaders, enabling her to solve challenges and close complicated deals. Ranked in various industry sources, her clients say, “She is always on top of the detail, business-focused, and her experience in insurance law is terrific.” – Chambers USA 2017. Clients also say, “Angela is great to work with. She’s extremely knowledgeable about insurance matters and is great at making deals” and “she is superb.” – Chambers USA 2024.

Career

Partner; Chair, Insurance Policyholder Practice Group.

2020 recipient of Thomas F. Segalla Service Award in recognition of dedication and service to the American College of Coverage Counsel

2020 honoree in the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin’s and Chicago Lawyer’s Inaugural Salute! Women in Law Awards.

Named among the "100 Women Who Inspire Us" at the ABA's 2019 Women in Litigation Conference

BTI Consulting Group - 2018 Client Service All-Star

Named among "Chicago’s Notable Women Lawyers" by Crain’s Custom Media, 2018

Professional Memberships

American College of Coverage Counsel

Immediate Past President, Board of Regents (2025-2026)

President, Board of Regents (2024-2025)

President-Elect, Board of Regents (2023-2024)

Secretary/Treasurer, Board of Regents (2022-2023)

Policyholder At-Large Executive Committee Member, Board of Regents (2020-2022)

Member, Board of Regents (2020-present)

Fellow (2014-present)

Chair, Annual Meeting (2019-2020); Vice-chair (2018-2019)

Co-chair, Emerging Risks Committee (2020-2022) and Communications Committee (2018-2019)

American Bar Association, Section of Litigation

Division Director, Division IV (2021-2023)

Regional Co-chair, Illinois Judicial Intern Opportunity Program (2018-2021)

Chair, Insurance Coverage Litigation Committee (“ICLC”) (2015-2018); Vice-chair (2012-2015)

Co-chair, Insurance, Women in Litigation Joint CLE Conference (2019)

Co-chair, ICLC Women Insurance Network CLE Conference (2012)

Managing editor of Coverage, a nationally distinguished ABA publication for ICLC (2003-2010)

Co-chair, ICLC’s CLE Annual Seminar (2008), vice-chair (2007)

NGE

Member, Executive Committee (2021-present)

Co-chair of Women’s Network’s Leadership Team, a committee devoted to the promotion of business and professional development of women professionals. (2006-2011), Member (2018-present)

Member, Income Partner Review Committee (2015-2017)

Chicago Bar Association

Chair, Insurance Committee (2009-2010), Vice-chair (2008-2009), and Secretary (2007-2008)

Chair, Civil Practice Committee, Division III (1999-2000), Vice-chair (1998-1999) and Secretary (1997-1998)

Step Up

Chair of National Board of Directors (2014-2015); Member (2012-2018)

Chair of Chicago Board of Directors (2012-2013); Member (2010-2013)

Art Institute of Chicago Auxiliary Board

Board Member (2010-2017); Emeritus Board Member (2017-2020)

Co-chair, Development Committee (2012-2014)

Art Institute of Chicago Volunteer (2003-2009)

Coalition of Women’s Initiatives in Law

Board member (2009-2012)

Treasurer (2010-2011)

Co-chair of Community Outreach Committee (2008-2010)

Publications

Frequent author and lecturer on insurance topics.

Personal

Indiana University (JD, cum laude, 1996); Hanover College (BA, cum laude, 1993).