Press Release
Press Release
01.04.16
WASHINGTON, DC—Building on its momentum from an extremely successful 2015, Pillsbury’s Insurance Recovery practice has announced the addition of a nationally renowned team of insurance litigators to the firm’s Washington, DC, office. The group of seven — led by partners Mark Plumer, David Klein and Alex Lathrop — joins from Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, where Plumer served as chair of Orrick’s national insurance practice and Klein was deputy chair.
Plumer and his team act exclusively on behalf of corporate policyholders, regularly advising mining and energy companies, public utilities and other manufacturers, retailers and transportation companies on the full range of insurance issues and claims. They are consistently recognized by Chambers USA and other leading guides as one of the foremost practices in policyholder-side insurance law.
Pillsbury’s Insurance Recovery group co-chairs Peter Gillon and Robert Wallan described the move as adding strength on strength.
“The arrival of this team represents an incredible infusion of talent for our Insurance Recovery practice,” said Gillon. “Mark, David and their team are among the most sought-after policyholder-side insurance litigators in the United States. We are extremely pleased that they chose Pillsbury over many other options.”
“Pillsbury represents a perfect fit for this team,” added Plumer. “Beyond our alignment in representing policyholders, the firm’s ideal geographic footprint and impressive sector strengths, especially in energy, natural resources, environmental and crisis management, present tremendous opportunities to grow our practice and offer even more to clients.”
Plumer, Klein and Lathrop are joined by four long-time colleagues, several of whom they have worked with for almost two decades. This includes two seasoned litigators in senior counsel Peri Mahaley and counsel Matthew Jeweler; attorney Bryan Coffey, who bears the Associate of Risk Management designation; and engineer and scientific advisor Kirt Suomela. Together, the team delivers a unique interdisciplinary approach that combines in-depth economic and scientific analysis with vast trial experience and extensive insurance business know-how.
“This is an important addition to one of Pillsbury’s most successful practice areas,” noted partner Jim Rishwain. “Our Insurance Recovery practice has experienced great success, including two outstanding jury trial results in 2015: a $55 million win for Victaulic, and, most recently, a $72 million jury verdict for Lion Oil. Now, with standout practitioners like Mark, David and Alex on board, the future is brighter than ever.”
Pillsbury’s Insurance Recovery & Advisory practice was one of the first insurance policyholder practices in the United States—dating back to the Great San Francisco Earthquake and Fire of 1906, when the firm helped business owners recover from their insurers to rebuild the city. The group has recovered nearly $15 billion of insurance proceeds for policyholder clients —including more than $1 billion in each of 2013 and 2014 alone — and regularly helps them obtain broad insurance coverage to address the risks inherent in business today. The group has been lauded by Chambers USA, The Legal 500 U.S. and Best Lawyers in America and was recognized as one of Law360’s Insurance Practice Groups of the Year for 2015.
About Pillsbury
Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP is a leading international law firm with 18 offices around the world and a particular focus on the energy & natural resources, financial services, real estate & construction, and technology sectors. Recognized by Financial Times as one of the most innovative law firms, Pillsbury and its lawyers are highly regarded for their forward-thinking approach, their enthusiasm for collaborating across disciplines and their authoritative commercial awareness. For more information, visit www.pillsburylaw.com.