Chambers USA Ranks Wiley Rein’s Insurance Group in Washington, DC’s Top Tier for Nine Years in a Row

May 29, 2013

For the ninth consecutive year, Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business ranks Wiley Rein’s Insurance Group in the top tier of Washington, DC insurer-side practices. Recognized as “Leading Lawyers” are practice chair Daniel J. Standish and partners Thomas W. Brunner, Laura A. Foggan, David H. Topol and Jason P. Cronic.

With more than 50 lawyers, the “high-quality” practice offers insurance industry clients “impressive depth” in coverage matters, Chambers reports. “The team is particularly singled out for its leading professional liability practice,” but also has extensive experience in reinsurance, healthcare, appellate and regulatory insurance matters. The directory notes Wiley Rein’s representation of a major insurer in a $56 million directors and officers (D&O) liability dispute against one of the country’s biggest commercial banks. Sources tell Chambers, “We have continued working with them and, in fact, made them our primary outside coverage firm due to the consistently excellent level of representation.”

Mr. Standish, ranked in the top tier for seven straight years, is described by sources as an “amazing litigator.” He has a “fine reputation for his expertise in D&O liability claims” and is “highly respected by peers, who single him out as a target for referrals,” Chambers says.

Mr. Brunner, chairman emeritus of the Insurance Group, “is a known and respected presence in the coverage litigation space, where he concentrates on asbestos, pharmaceutical, product liability and emerging insurance issues.”

Ms. Foggan, chair of the Insurance Appellate Group, is an “acknowledged expert in the field” with a “strong reputation in pollution-related exposure cases and general liability matters.” Chambers cites her work on behalf of a trade association of property casualty insurers that often intervenes in insurance appeals.

The directory singled out Mr. Topol for his work on D&O and professional liability matters, highlighting his recent representation of a major casualty insurer in arbitration relating to surety bonds underwriting.

Chambers also recognized Mr. Cronic for D&O and professional liability work, noting that he has represented several prominent insurers and is described by sources as an “excellent attorney.”

The Chambers ratings are based on extensive interviews of law firms’ clients, colleagues and competitors. Inclusion in the directory is determined through a rigorous vetting process.