Steptoe LLP

Steptoe LLP offers a team well-equipped to handle highly challenging direct-side and reinsurance matters involving a wide variety of hot insurance topics, particularly prolific defending insurers’ interests during COVID-19-related coverage litigation. The group is a resource for major insurers in high-stakes disputes concerning large-scale environmental damage and liabilities cases, pandemic business interruption claims, insurance-related bankruptcies, Bermuda form arbitrations, life and health insurance coverage disputes, building risk claims, and cyber policies. DC-based practice head Sarah Gordon, whose experience encompasses complex coverage disputes and reinsurance arbitrations, ERISA litigation, and professional malpractice matters, served as national coordinating counsel for Hartford Financial Services Group’s COVID-19 matters. Gordon is supported by a convoy of partners, including DC-based ‘excellent negotiator’ Antonia Ianniello, who has litigated for insurers in courts all across the country, seasoned disputes expert Roger Warin, who has a strong trial and appellate record across a variety of insurance disputes, and NYC-based Michele Jacobson, who guides clients through high-stakes litigation and conduct investigations by regulators and other regulatory and compliance matters. Also in DC is Harry Lee , who focuses on long-tail direct-side disputes, an area where coverage and class action John O’Connor is also active. In New York, Robert Lewin specializes in claims stemming from natural and man-made disasters. New York-based Beth Clark’s practice spans a range of contentious insurance and reinsurance matters, and Johanna Dennehy was recently engaged in COVID-19 business interruption alongside colleagues in Washington DC.