Insurance Recovery

McGuireWoods has a long history of representing corporate policyholders on insurance matters of all kinds and helping our clients get the most from their insurance programs and policies. We know every aspect of insurance, from advising clients on appropriate coverage and risk management strategies, to pursuing and managing claims, to litigating coverage disputes wherever and whenever it is necessary. We combine our extensive insurance recovery experience with the premier trial and litigation capabilities for which McGuireWoods is well known. The lawyers in our insurance group regularly litigate high-profile, large exposure insurance coverage actions in state and federal courts nationwide, involving a wide range of insurance contracts and cutting-edge issues.

Our insurance practice focuses on representing policyholders in insurance disputes, and our track record of success speaks for itself. Since 2009, McGuireWoods has recovered more than $300 million for policyholders. The team includes more than two dozen lawyers in multiple offices, handling everything from coverage advice to trial. We provide counseling and handle disputes over a broad range of policies and issues, including:

We have a wealth of experience in insurance matters that confront our clients. For example, several of the group’s lawyers spent decades representing insurance companies in coverage disputes and high-stakes litigation throughout the country. Others in the group have been representing policyholders in coverage disputes with insurers for most of their legal careers. This range of experience gives us greater insight into understanding how insurers evaluate claims and litigate coverage actions; where to focus attention in discovery; and how to leverage the law, policy terms and evidence for the best result for clients.

We also recognize the importance of taking proactive steps in coverage matters to reduce the expense and risk of protracted litigation. Where appropriate, we look for cost-effective interim solutions or early settlement opportunities to quickly resolve – or substantially reduce the cost of – insurance disputes. Members of our team have negotiated sophisticated, innovative settlements in a variety of settings. We are adept at negotiating claim handling, interim defense costs, coverage-in-place, risk financing, buyback and other agreements terminating complex coverage disputes. We have also convened and brought to successful conclusion multiparty negotiations involving government and private claimants, multiple carriers and insureds.

Members of our insurance team frequently advise business clients regarding their risk management practices and insurance programs. We routinely provide “insurance audits,” working closely with policyholders and their insurance brokers to ensure that clients have in place complete packages of insurance to protect against the risks they face. We also provide advice to corporations, banks and other business entities on insurance issues as they relate to these and other matters:

• Mergers & Acquisitions
• Regulatory & Corporate Issues
• Receivership
• Initial Public Offerings
• Federal & State Securities

We regularly speak and write on a national level for industry organizations including the American Bar Association, RIMS, the Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel, the Association of Corporate Counsel, Mealey’s and PLI. We also frequently present client seminars and webinars regarding cutting-edge insurance issues.