Joseph W. Gross

Joe represents clients in connection with complex coverage issues and disputes arising under various types of professional liability and general liability insurance policies. As a litigator, he has extensive experience representing companies in navigating business challenges and delivering practical solutions. Joe has litigated a wide range of cases, including business torts and contract disputes in the automotive and insurance sectors.

Representative Matters

• Litigates insurance coverage disputes in federal and state courts.
• Provides strategic advice and risk assessment to insurers on a variety of complex coverage issues, including applicability of various policy exclusions and conditions.
• Secured summary judgment for insurer in breach of contract dispute with former executives regarding benefit program.
• Analyzed proposed legislation and regulations relevant to the insurance industry arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Opposed motion to enforce subpoena served on insurer seeking highly sensitive materials in high-profile sports litigation and coordinated limited document production.
• Coordinated analysis of French court materials in advance of successful mediation in dispute seeking recoupment of insurance coverage for foreign proceedings.
• Represented insurer in dispute regarding coverage of certain consultants in connection with a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) investigation.
• Represented insurer in dispute regarding coverage for defense costs associated with response to subpoenas and civil investigative demands.
• Implemented successful litigation strategy for largest alcoholic beverage distributor realignment in U.S. history, including filing 56 declaratory judgment actions in state and federal courts.
• Won complete victory for fire apparatus manufacturer on summary judgment in suit alleging breach of contract and business torts.
• Represented low-income tenants, pro bono, in landlord-tenant court.

Professional Experience

• Private law practice (2013-2020)
• Judicial Intern, the Honorable Reggie B. Walton, U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia (2013)
• Law Clerk, U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Tort Claims Act Section (2011)
• Political communications and lobbying (2008-2010)