IN THIS ISSUE

President's Message

I am delighted to write my first message as President of the American College of Coverage Counsel. In this message, I want to share some plans for the upcoming year and how members can become involved. 

First, however, I would like to thank Angela Elbert for all her efforts during her productive year as President. Her leadership was reflected in the success of the recently concluded Annual Conference, which boasted a record member attendance.

Now to the coming year. I am delighted to announce that the College’s Annual Law School Symposium will be held at the University of Connecticut in Hartford, Connecticut, on November 7, 2025. I am thrilled to partner with the University of Connecticut because it is one of the few schools in the country specializing in insurance, even offering a Master’s in Insurance. Our Campus friends are excited that we are coming, and we expect great student attendance. The Symposium Co-Chairs are Steve Goldman and Tracy Saxe, both experienced coverage lawyers with a national reputation. They, along with Travis Pantin of the University, have developed a program focusing on insurance issues arising from a cyber-attack and the resulting catastrophic loss following such an attack. Thus, the program will explore areas of insurance such as property, liability, financial services, and more.

Not only will the Program be great, but this year we will make the “night before” dinner really special. We will have a Welcome Dinner - open to all attendees - at the Mark Twain House and Museum in downtown Hartford. This is a truly special place, the former residence of one of America’s greatest writers. Special tours of the home will be offered to our group just before the dinner.

Apart from the Symposium, this year’s plans include continued focus on our wildly successful Pop-up Dialogue webinars, which always draw a good attendance. For the sake of camaraderie, I want to emphasize our city-by-city meet-ups: happy hours and dinners where members can get together in their own locations.

I also intend to appoint a “Silver Tsunami” task force to develop ways in which we can identify younger coverage lawyers and encourage their membership in the College. We have a large and stable membership in the College. Look around, though: many of us are growing older (I, for example, am 67). We need to reach out to outstanding young lawyers who meet our standards and let them know all that the College has to offer: the great programs that explore both the policyholder’s and carrier’s attorneys perspectives, the mentorship from older members, and the sheer enjoyment of getting together with people who know how to have fun.

I also want to highlight a few of my appointments. Given his long service and devotion to the College, I have appointed Mike Hamilton as a member of the Executive Committee. As mentioned above, Steve Goldman and Tracy Saxe are the Co-Chairs of the Law School Symposium. I have appointed Vince Morgan and Christina Bolin as Co-Vice Chairs of the Annual Conference—they will chair the Conference in 2027. I have also appointed Christine Haskett to serve as the policyholder-side Chair of the Membership Committee, alongside the able Lisa Pake, the carrier’s side Chair.

Finally, though, as I am your President for a short while, this is your College. I welcome your ideas and your involvement. Let me know how you want to engage. We are all in this together.

Stephen Pate

2025 Annual Meeting

Conference Planning Committee Co-Chairs:

Rikke Dierssen-Morice

Blank Rome LLP, Chicago, IL

Michael Kiernan

Traub Liberman, St. Petersburg, FL

ACCC 13th Annual Meeting Event Summary

Nearly 200 Fellows and supporting sponsors attended our 13th Annual Meeting at the InterContinental Chicago in May. In addition to the excellent programs detailed below, we welcomed 31 new Fellows into the College, now totaling 439 Fellows. On Thursday night in King Arthur’s Court, we were regaled by the Barrister’s Big Band of musician-lawyers.

The conference planning committee was led by co-chairs  Rikke Dierssen-Morice, Blank Rome LLP, and Mike Kiernan, Traub Lieberman LLP, and co-vice chairs, Karen Dixon, Skarzynski Barick & Black LLP, and Mike Levine, Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP. The committee began planning this event last summer, striving to present diverse, relevant, and timely programming. The conference was kicked off with comments from Angela Elbert, Neal Gerber LLP, ACCC President. The conference included a dinner where our new Fellows and award recipients were recognized. The Thomas F. Segalla Service Award was bestowed upon John Buchanan, Covington & Burling LLP, and Laura Hanson, Meagher + Geer PLLP, recognizing their dedication and service to the College, in which each has demonstrated creativity, visibility, and persistence. The Edward Currie Founder's Award, for a senior lawyer representing the highest level of accomplishment, competence, professionalism, and ethics in the practice of insurance law and/or insurance litigation, and who has inspired others to do likewise, was awarded posthumously to Mike Huddleston, past ACCC President. Mike passed away unexpectedly on May 6, 2024. Mike’s son, Michael Huddleston, accepted the award on behalf of his father.

Our Conference Committee, along with members of the Communications Committee, have summarized the panel discussions from the conference. Conference attendees can view the papers and presentations behind the members-only login area of the ACCC website. Still want more content? Mark your calendar to join us for our 13th Annual Conference, May 6-8, 2026. We will be returning to the InterContinental Chicago.

Thomas F. Segalla Service Award Recipient

John G. Buchanan III, Covington & Burling LLP

with Angela Elbert, Neal Gerber & Eisenberg LLP

Thomas F. Segalla Service Award Recipient

Laura Hanson, Meagher + Geer PLLP

with Angela Elbert, Neal Gerber & Eisenberg LLP

Edward Currie Founder's Award Recipient (posthumous)

Michael W. Huddleston, Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr, PC

Receiving award, son Michael Huddleston

with Ned Currie, Currie Johnson & Myers, P.A. (Ret) & Angela Elbert, Neal Gerber & Eisenberg LLP

- The Duty to Defend in Today's Day and Age Summarized by Bob Allen, The Allen Law Group

Consisting of Sam Arena, Stradley Ronin; Gretchen Hoff Varner, Covington & Burling, LLP; Doug Richmond, Lockton; and Bob Allen, The Allen Law Group, the panel explored the legal landscapes in the various jurisdictions as it relates to the duty to defend. The panel analyzed situations in which diametrically opposite conclusions resulted depending on which state’s law applied. Emphasizing: Location, Location, Location; the panel canvassed the particulars of the leading jurisdictions to illustrate why nothing can be taken for granted when it comes to the duty to defend. While all jurisdictions start with the 8-Corner/Pleading Allegations rule, the analysis that follows depends on the jurisdiction.

- Hammer Letters, Demands Within Limits, Confessed Judgments, and other Pressure Points Summarized by Seth D. Lamden, Blank Rome LLP 

In this presentation, Marialuisa Gallozzi, Covington & Burling LLP, Jodi McDougall, Cozen O'Connor, Jim Murray, Blank Rome LLP, and Catalina Sugayan, Clyde & Co US LLP, discussed strategies for settling an underlying claim when there is a simultaneous coverage dispute. The panel focused on the various pressure points and tools that insurers and insureds use to encourage settlement, such as hammer letters from insureds to insurers and from excess insurers to primary insurers, confessed judgments, and the right to control settlement negotiations when the insurer has issued a reservation of rights. The panel provided strategic advice regarding how to use these pressure points and tools to settle underlying claims when disputes arise among insurers and their insureds.

- Named Insured, Additional Insured, Indemnitee - Belt & Suspenders or Gordian Knot? Summarized by Seth H. Row, Stoel Rives LLP

David Schubert, Schubert & Evans, P.C., and Lara Cassidy, Hunton Andrews Kurth, gave an in-depth presentation on common scenarios in which multiple entities assert a right to coverage under potentially overlapping provisions of a contract, including the very common situation in which a party is both an indemnitee and an additional insured. (Unfortunately, white paper co-author John S. Vishneski III, Reed Smith LP, was ill and unable to join the presentation.) The panel discussed (and their white paper lays out) best practices for additional insured wording in contracts to avoid common coverage limitations, including capping limits at amounts set out in the contract. The panel recommended that practitioners faced with the question "who goes first" do the additional insured analysis first, and then the indemnity analysis. Discussion also involved the indemnity "gauntlet," case law on triggering excess coverage as an additional insured, and getting around state anti-indemnity laws. Audience questions illustrated the many different ways in which these issues can bedevil even experienced practitioners.

- Masterclass in Mediating and Arbitrating Transactional Risk Insurance Disputes Summarized by Seth D. Lamden, Blank Rome LLP 

In this presentation, Nancy Adams, Mintz Levin Cohn Ferris Glovsky & Popeo PC, Peter Rosen, JAMS, and Vince Morgan, Winstead PC, discussed the resolution of Reps & Warranties (“R&W”) insurance claims. The panel provided an overview of R&W insurance, including the risks it is designed to cover and significant policy provisions. The panel also discussed the first substantive decision to interpret a R&W policy, Novolex Holdings, LLC v. Illinois Union Insurance Co., No. 65514/2019, 2024 WL 144990 (N.Y. Sup. Jan. 12, 2024), which focused on the interplay between a materiality scrape in the R&W policy and a no “Material Adverse Effect” representation in the transaction agreement, and the handful of subsequent coverage lawsuits addressing R&W policies. In addition, the panel provided strategic advice regarding the out-of-court resolution of R&W coverage disputes.

- One For The Money, Two For The Show: AI and Bad Faith Litigation Summarized by Rikke Dierssen-Morice & Seth D. Lamden, Blank Rome LLP

The panel, consisting of Ned Currie (retired), Currie Johnson & Myers PA, and Lorie Masters, Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP, and Mary Borja, Wiley Rein LLP, discussed the rapid adoption of AI by the insurance industry, industry goals, and bad faith risks arising out of use of AI. Taking a deep dive into the pros and cons, the panel looked at use of AI in underwriting and first-party and third-party claims adjustment. Potential benefits such as lower premiums and faster resolution of claims were detailed. And, despite much potential, of course, the panel also looked at the possible negative implications from AI’s use by the insurance industry, addressing cons such as possible biases in the design of algorithms and concern about a lack of human input in decision making. Opacity of machine learning models and reliance on historical data as less indicative of future trends were amongst the concerns discussed. The panel also addressed recent AI regulatory efforts around the world and various challenges for litigators when AI is a part of the equation and on trial. Rather than the classic individual adjuster as decisionmaker and witness, bad faith cases will also necessarily expand to also include as witnesses AI engineers, compliance officers and executives over trade secrets, bringing a new set of challenges into insurance coverage litigation.

- When Is Bad Faith a Jury Question? Summarized by Rikke Dierssen-Morice, Blank Rome LLP

This topic was presented by William T. Barker, Dentons US LLP, Sherilyn Pastor, McCarter & English, LLP, with Professor Jeffrey E. Thomas, University of Missouri, Kansas City, moderating between the insurer and policyholder sides of this always intense issue of bad faith. Following discussion on recent case law and the various standards used to determine what constitutes a “reasonable basis” or lack thereof to support an insurer’s denial of coverage, the panel further analyzed exceptions to bad faith as a mixed question of law and fact. One such exception addressed by the panel is when the reasonableness of a denial turns on the interpretation of specific policy or statutory language, a question for the court as a matter of law. Another exception the panel addressed was when the facts are not in dispute regarding the claim denial, such that the court may decide on bad faith as a matter of law. Further illustrating circumstances when the jury or the court should make the bad faith determination, the panel developed several detailed hypotheticals for consideration and discussion amongst panelists and attendees.

- Adria’s Aftermath: Recent Developments in Coverage for Construction Claims Summarized by Seth D. Lamden, Blank Rome LLP 

In this presentation, Eric Hermanson, White and Williams LLP, Jeff Vita, Saxe Doernberger & Vita, P.C. Seth Lamden, Blank Rome LLP, and Laura Hanson, Meagher & Geer, PLLP, discussed liability coverage for defective construction claims, including the current state of the law and how it has evolved from the decision in Weedo v. Stone-E-Brick, Inc., 405 A.2d 788 (N.J. 1979). They focused on the decision in Admiral Insurance Co. v. Tocci, 594 F. Supp. 3d 201 (D. Mass. 2022), and the interplay between the Tocci decision and the decision in Cypress Point Condominium Association v. Adria Towers LLC, 143 A.3d 273 (N.J. 2016).

- An Ethics Conundrum: What Am I? Coverage Counsel? Defense Counsel? Claim Investigator? Summarized by Bob Allen, The Allen Law Group

This topic was analyzed by Neil Posner, Much Shelist, John Bonnie, Weinberg Wheeler Hudgins Gunn & Dial, and Lisa Campisi, BlankRome LLP. The panel analyzed both recurring and unique situations to illustrate some of the difficult situations that coverage counsel can find themselves in. Applying the ABA Model Rules, the panel highlighted how various interpretations of the attorney-client privilege can lead to coverage counsel’s work product being privileged or subject to discovery. The panel’s discussion of the intricacies of establishing and preserving the attorney client privilege served as a serious reminder of the harsh consequences of failing to handle those situations properly.  

- The Resurgence of the "At Issue" Doctrine in Insurance Coverage Litigation Summarized by Rikke Dierssen-Morice, Blank Rome LLP

In this presentation, panelists Jim Cooper, Reed Smith LLP; Christine Haskett, Covington & Burling LLP; and Stephen Melendi, Tollefson Bradley Mitchell & Melendi, LLP, discussed situations during litigation where attorney advice is arguably placed “at issue” and becomes discoverable. The panel delved into three common scenarios: when a settlement’s reasonableness is questioned; when attorneys’ fees are sought; and the classic advice of counsel defense to, e.g., bad faith allegations. Strategies for insurers and policyholders on both sides of the “at issue” debate (each sometimes wanting to pierce through privilege and sometimes wanting to maintain the privilege) were analyzed. Robust discussion, including with animated audience Fellows, focused on the various challenges and strategies on both sides for presenting sufficiently detailed, yet redacted-for-privilege legal bills, to insurers and/or the court for recovery.  

- Do Sexual Abuse/Misconduct Claims Trigger Both Management Liability and General Liability Policies? Navigating the Issues of Which Insurer Defends, Settlement Strategies, Primary vs. Excess and Contribution Summarized by Seth H. Row, Stoel Rives LLP

Seth Row, Stoel Rives LLP, Paul Walker-Bright, Neal, Gerber, Eisenberg, LLP, Karen Dixon, Skarzynski Marick & Black LLP, and Mike Hamilton, Goldberg Segalla, discussed the interplay of sex abuse or misconduct claims and insurance - specifically, how depending on the defendant and the specific claim, both occurrence-based general liability and claims-made management liability policies may be implicated. The panel worked off of a hypothetical involving both gender-based discrimination in the form of abuse and molestation of female tenants and wrongful imprisonment and wrongful invasion of property to illustrate the analytical steps that are necessary in triggering multiple lines of coverage. The panel concluded by examining the role of the "other insurance" clause in determining which policy could "go first," and discussed strategic issues when some policies have a self-insured retention or burning limits but others do not.

Welcome new & first-time Fellows!

Thank You to our Conference Sponsors for their generous support:

ACCC 11th Annual ACCC Insurance Law Symposium

November 7, 2025

University of Connecticut School of Law in Hartford, CT. 

Symposium Planning Committee Co-Chairs:

Stephen Goldman

Robinson & Cole LLP, Hartford, CT

Tracy Saxe

Saxe Doernberger & Vita, P.C., Trumbul, CT

ACCC to Host UConn Symposium on Cyber Insurance and Coverage for Mass Disasters

The American College of Coverage Counsel (ACCC) will host a timely and engaging Fall Symposium on Friday, November 7, 2025, at the University of Connecticut School of Law in Hartford. The day-long program will explore the theme:

“Insurance Coverage for Mass Disasters with a Focus on Cyber Risk and Cyber Insurance.”

Co-chaired by Tracy Alan Saxe of Saxe Doernberger & Vita, P.C. and Stephen Goldman of Robinson & Cole, the Symposium will feature preeminent panels of policyholder and insurer-side counsel, academics, and industry professionals discussing the growing challenges and opportunities surrounding cyber insurance coverage. Topics will include coverage for cyberattacks, ransomware, and other systemic cyber threats, as well as the interplay of coverage across various insurance products—not limited to cyber-specific policies.

The ACCC is especially grateful for the substantial contributions of Professor Travis Pantin, Director of the UConn Insurance Law Center, whose partnership and insights have helped shape a thoughtful and sophisticated agenda. UConn Law, with its nationally recognized insurance program, is an ideal host for this important conversation at the intersection of law, technology, and risk management.

In addition to Friday’s programming, attendees are invited to a Thursday evening event that includes a private tour of the Mark Twain House and Museum, followed by dinner in the historic Hal Holbrook Room—a nod to Hartford’s rich cultural heritage and the literary legacy of its most famous resident.

ACCC President Steve Pate has provided invaluable support throughout the planning process, and we thank him for his leadership and commitment to furthering thought leadership in the field of insurance law.

We look forward to welcoming students, ACCC members, colleagues, and friends to Hartford this November for what promises to be an enlightening and collegial event.

Thank You to our Symposium Sponsors:

2025-2026 Committee Co-Chair Appointments

As ACCC's new fiscal year begins, new committee chair appointments have been made by President Steve Pate for 2025-2026. Join us in congratulating each of this year's new and renewing committee Co-Chairs:

ADR: Tyler Gerking, Farella Braun + Martel LLP and John Mumford, Hancock, Daniel & Johnson, P.C.

Annual Meeting: Karen Dixon, Skarzynski Marick & Black LLP and Mike Levine, Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP as Co-Chairs | Christina May Bolin, Christian & Small LLP and Vince Morgan, Winstead PC as Co-Vice-Chairs

CGL/Excess Liability Insurance: Gretchen Hoff Varner, Covington & Burling LLP and John Harding, McAngus, Goudelock & Courie

Communications: Bob Allen, The Allen Law Group and Debra Varner, Varner & Van Volkenburg, PLLC

Cyber, Computer & Emerging Issues: Mary Borja, Wiley Rein LLP and John Buchanan, Covington & Burling LLP

D&O Management & Professional Liability: Emily Garrison, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP and David Godwin, Squire Patton Boggs (US) LLP

Extracontractual and Bad-Faith Claims Litigation: Clay Crawford, Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice LLC and Mark Boyle, Boyle, Leonard & Anderson, P.A.

First-Party Insurance: Christina May Bolin, Christian & Small LLP and Micah Skidmore, Haynes and Boone, LLP

Insurance Law Symposium: Stephen Goldman, Robinson & Cole LLP and Tracy Saxe, Saxe Doernberger & Vita, P.C.

Membership: Christine Haskett, Covington & Burling LLP and Lisa Pake, Haar & Woods, LLP

Outreach & Regional Meetings: Mike Hamilton, Goldberg Segalla and Chris Mosely, Reed Smith LLP

Pop-Up Dialogues: Alex Henlin, McAngus Goudelock & Courie and Jodi McDougall, Cozen O'Connor

Professionalism and Ethics: Neil Posner, Much Shelist, P.C. and Seth Friedman, Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP

Want to become more involved in the ACCC?

Join a committee!

Our Committee Co-Chairs actively seek volunteers to join and participate on their committees throughout the year. You can learn more about each committee by clicking on the links provided in the Co-Chairs list above.

Press Here to Volunteer Now!

Questions? Contact us at info@americancollegecoverage.org.

Committee Chair Spotlight

D&O, Management & Professional Liability Committee Co-Chair

G. David Godwin

Squire Patton Boggs (US) LLP

San Francisco, CA

By Seth D. Lamden, Blank Rome LLP

David moved around quite a bit he was young, but spent the most time growing up in Michigan and Ohio. After graduating from the University of Michigan, David worked as an engineer. After a few years working as an engineer, a friend convinced him that taking his engineering background to the practice of law would provide a lot of different opportunities, and he was right. After getting his J.D. from the University of San Francisco, David was hired as an associate at Thelen Marrin Johnson & Bridges in San Francisco and has practiced insurance law ever since.

David’s first big insurance coverage case was Atlantic Richfield Co. (ARCO) v Aetna, which involved numerous environmental sites, with the focus on the Anaconda Copper operation in MT. David notes that the biggest change he has seen over his career with respect to coverage litigation has been the evolution of case law on trigger, pollution exclusions, allocation, and other key provisions. When he started his practice, there was little case law on these issues, but today, much of this case law is well-developed so coverage disputes are more focused. David has litigated coverage and bad faith disputes in 10-15 jurisdictions across the country, with jurisdictions that recognize bad faith claims even in the absence of coverage standing out the most.

Outside of work, David loves to backcountry ski in British Columbia, travel with his wife, Diane, fish and play golf.

Several years later, after reading an article in the Los Angeles Times about how much some first-year associates were making, Paul decided to look into the evening law program at Los Angeles law schools. He took two weeks off from his job as a property claims manager to study for the Washington State Bar, but otherwise continued to work in claims until he was hired by a mid-sized Seattle law firm a few months after he passed the bar. The focus of his practice was insurance coverage and bad faith defense. 

One of his most memorable early cases came when he was an associate, when he had the opportunity to work on contesting the reasonableness of an inflated stipulated settlement with a covenant not to execute with two very experienced coverage lawyers. He and his team were able to reduce a $5.75 million covenant judgment to $1.9 million.  Since then, a significant part of his practice has involved opposing inflated stipulated settlements.  

He is licensed to practice in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska, and has handled coverage matters in all of these states and litigated coverage in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Paul notes that Washington is a beautiful state, but it is one of the worst states, if not the worst state, for coverage lawyers who represent insurers.  

Outside of work, Paul loves the outdoors and has a passion for wildlife photography. Whenever possible, he spends his weekends photographing Bald Eagles, Osprey, and other birds and wildlife. He has also photographed bears, bobcats, coyotes, and deer in his own backyard.

Growing up, Josh did not have any family members who were lawyers, and he was not steered into the law profession by any event or individual. But he always enjoyed writing and advocating, and when the LSAT was offered while he was in college, he thought, why not? The rest is history. Josh never considered being any kind of lawyer other than a litigator.

While working for an international firm, Josh learned that a litigation boutique was looking for a lawyer to help run a long-tail coverage case that the firm was about to file in New Jersey state court. He decided to make the leap. The coverage case involved a loss of over $170 million, dozens of insurers that issued policies covering several decades, and numerous complex coverage and allocation issues. Before fully settling on the eve of trial, the case lasted for nine years, and over that period, Josh gained expertise in various other types of coverage matters. 

Outside the practice of law, Josh happily spends his time chasing his children, ages six and four. To prepare for and recover from that unwavering band of energy, he enjoys running in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park, which is close to his family’s Park Slope home. He also enjoys reading (fiction and nonfiction), watching movies, and rooting for his favorite professional (Red Sox, Celtics, and Giants) and collegiate (UConn) sports teams.  

Outside of law, Peter loves to travel, see the world, attend cultural and sporting events, and eat! He has watched baseball in Japan, basketball in Turkey, soccer in Argentina, and much more.

The first large coverage case he worked on was the tail end of a long-running asbestos insurance dispute located in Los Angeles County. It was against the last standing insurer. The case had been going on for so long that many of the pleadings he had been tasked with reviewing as a first-year associate were filed when he was starting middle school!

When asked about the biggest change Peter has seen over his career regarding coverage litigation, he said, "Recently, the sheer volume of pandemic insurance litigation brought insurance coverage to nearly every court in the United States (and many around the world). Many cases were dismissed without discovery, and we are starting to see insurers try to take advantage of these cases to be more aggressive in coverage disputes."

In the jurisdictions where he has handled coverage or bad faith litigation, Peter says those that stand out are the rural counties where local lawyers on both sides and the Judge golfed together, and those remaining courts that rely on paper filing. In the former, local counsel once told him, "Good lawyers know the law, great lawyers know the Judge!"

Jason R. Donovan

Foster Garvey PC

Seattle, WA

By Bob Allen, The Allen Law Group

Jason “Jay” Donovan grew up in Milwaukee and was one of many steered into the practice of law by watching L.A. Law on television. He has been a career-long insurance coverage lawyer, moving to Chicago out of law school and practicing insurance law from the start.

Eventually, Jay migrated to Seattle, and while he has litigated in a handful of states, he finds that his new home state of Washington stands out for its policyholder insurance law. Jay has vivid memories of a commercial property damage case centered around a water leak in a building under construction, which then caused mold to develop throughout the building. There were six different mold exclusions in the builder's risk policy, and they had to deal with the efficient proximate cause rule under Washington law as well. Jay thinks the biggest change he has seen in the practice over his career is the generational shift in attorneys and judges alike. Outside of his practice, Jay plays piano and travels as much as possible.

He describes himself as an avid poker player. His Boston-area home game has been going for 30 years. The game was started by members of the MIT Blackjack Team after they were banned worldwide from playing 21 in casinos.

Bob’s first big insurance case came right after his clerkship. During his clerkship his judge observed that the lawyer who wins discovery usually wins the case. So, on his first day at Latham & Watkins he asked to be assigned to a case that would give him discovery experience. He was promptly assigned as the youngest member of the Montrose insurance litigation team… and before lunch day one of his career, the die was cast that he’d be a coverage attorney. His principal contribution was writing the losing lower-court briefs in Montrose I that ultimately resulted in, as he says it, “better lawyers than me” winning a major California Supreme Court ruling.

Although he believes that he has changed as a lawyer, he feels that our practice area has remained consistent in the ways that matter: “A collegial bar, complex and evolving issues, and deeply interesting cases.” He is grateful to have made a career in coverage work.

Although he has not appeared as a lawyer in all 50 states, he has handled coverage matters arising under the law of each of them. Asked to rank them he demurred: “They are like children… all unique and none that I dare call my favorite.”

Charles A. Henty

Forsberg & Umlauf, P.S.

Seattle, WA

By Seth Row, Stoel Rives LLP

Charlie Henty is a partner at Forsberg & Umlauf based in Seattle, Washington, representing insurers in coverage litigation. Charlie is from the Midwest and spent most of his teenage years in Minnesota. His family moved to Seattle for a few years, and then moved back to Minnesota, but he always knew he wanted to get back to Seattle. So, after law school, he packed a rented SUV with all his possessions and drove from Los Angeles to Seattle. He’s been there ever since.

Charlie’s path to becoming a lawyer will sound familiar to many ACCC fellows. In high school, the guidance counselors administered a career-finder quiz, and his report came back as an investigator. Throughout college, his favorite part of any project was research, and he always gravitated toward writing. Toward the end of undergrad, he was thinking about how he could best use his degrees in film and philosophy and realized that law school was a great option. After law school, his first job as a lawyer was working at a firm that did insurance defense work, and the step to coverage work was a natural one.

Charlie lives in a great part of the country for being outdoors, so his family spends a lot of time hiking in the mountains. Given his long days in the office during the week, being outside with his family is the time they use to catch up without devices. He reports that “Everyone complains at least once, but in the end, walking on the trails with my family, where our focus is on each other and the forest surrounding us, makes for vivid memories and quality time. “

Charlie’s first big coverage case was a declaratory judgment action regarding coverage for pollution caused by historic manufactured gas plants that were part of a Superfund site. The insurance coverage went back to the 1940s, and the relevant operations started in the late 19^th century. Charlie thought the insurance archaeology and learning about gas manufacturing operations that were conducted so long ago were fascinating. As a result, he has focused his practice on long-tail environmental and toxic tort claims ever since.  

Charlie’s take on changes in our profession? “Over the course of my career, the volume of bad faith litigation in Washington has grown to the point that it is now drawing national firms into the Seattle market.”

Charlie works primarily in Washington and Oregon. He thinks Oregon is a more interesting jurisdiction: there is no expert discovery in state court (unless the parties agree otherwise), so trials are full of surprises. Both jurisdictions have a collegial bar, but he has seen the Oregon bar really prides itself on collegiality, so he feels fortunate that a significant portion of his practice is in Oregon.

Matt has handled coverage and bad faith litigation in multiple jurisdictions, including Washington, Alaska, California, Florida, Texas, Louisiana, Colorado, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. Matt notes that while each jurisdiction is a little different, Louisiana stands out for its use of civil law and the individual nature of the rulings received. Matt also notes that the biggest changes over his career with respect to coverage litigation have been the rise of “social inflation” leading to more coverage litigation in general and, specific to the State of Washington, the influx of national firms handling coverage litigation on behalf of insurers.

Matt’s biggest coverage case arose from Hurricane Wilma, which significantly damaged the Sandpiper, a beachfront condominium building located on Marco Island, Florida. Wilma’s 120 mph winds caused a rotational twisting of the Sandpiper, which was shaped like a butterfly with a central core and two wings of units in its 19 floors. The twisting of the ‘wings’ around the core delaminated much of the stucco envelope on one side of the core and wings, and damaged the integrity of the balance of the envelope. When the Sandpiper’s insurer failed to pay for the damage under a commercial property policy, the Sandpiper retained Matt’s firm to sue the insurer for all its losses. After protracted litigation and a week-long appraisal hearing, the Sandpiper was awarded its full, multimillion-dollar policy limits. Following the award, Sandpiper also recovered 100% of its attorneys’ fees.

Outside of work, Matt likes to spend time with his wife and two teenage children, travel, and play golf.   He also makes red wine using grapes from Rattlesnake Hills AVA in south-central Washington. Prior to COVID, he was making enough wine each year to fill a 60-gallon barrel.

Nominate a Fellow

The ACCC Membership Committee routinely vets new prospective Fellows for the College. To maintain the prestige of membership, entry to the College is exclusively made through referrals made by current Fellows (NOT from the same firm as the nominee).

The ACCC Membership Committee regularly seeks nominations of qualified candidates practicing insurance coverage law in the U.S., Canada, and/or Bermuda.

Qualified candidates are lawyers who are actively engaged in the private practice of law, with a concentration primarily in the fields of insurance coverage, bad faith and/or extracontractual claims, licensed to practice in the highest court of their respective states, and who have engaged substantially in the practice of insurance law for at least 15 consecutive years. Time spent as a judge or law clerk may be considered in determining whether the 15-year requirement has been satisfied.

Nominations should be submitted to membership@americancollegecoverage.org. Please include your nominee’s name, basic contact information, and link to the bio on the candidate's firm website. The Membership Committee will conduct initial vetting, including contacting other local Fellows for references, and will then send an application to the candidate as a next step.

Candidates should NOT be aware of their nomination until a member of the ACCC membership committee reaches out to the individual with an invitation to apply. If a candidate is nominated and does not progress to the invitation/application stage, the nominator will be advised accordingly. 

Fellow News

Douglas R. Richmond and Robert H. Jerry, II author new edition of Understanding Insurance Law

Robert H. Jerry, II

University of Missouri School of Law

Columbia, MO

Douglas R. Richmond

Lockton Companies

Olathe, KS

Carolina Academic Press has recently published Understanding Insurance Law, Seventh Edition by Robert H. Jerry, II and Douglas R. Richmond. Robert Jerry is the Floyd R. Gibson Missouri Endowed Professor of Law, Emeritus, at the University of Missouri School of Law. Douglas Richmond is the Managing Director at Aon Risk Solutions.

This comprehensive Understanding treatise can be used as the primary course text or as a supplement to any insurance law casebook. Understanding Insurance Law is designed to make the substance of insurance law accessible to students and general practitioners who are unfamiliar with the subject. For nearly forty years, the previous editions have been widely quoted and cited as authoritative by both federal and state courts. 

Read the full press release here.

Linda Morrison named to Insurance Authority General Liability Editorial Advisory Board

Linda Bondi Morrison has been named to Law360's 2025 Insurance Authority General Liability Editorial Advisory Board. The editorial advisory boards provide feedback on Law360's coverage and expert insight on how best to shape future coverage. Law360 Insurance Authority delivers comprehensive coverage and analysis in general liability, property, and specialty lines insurance. Their experienced insurance reporters provide up-to-the-minute news, alerts, and daily newsletters on the latest events and issues in insurance law.  

Read the full press release here.

Tracy Alan Saxe Featured in ABA's The Brief

Tracy Alan Saxe was recently featured in ABA’s The Brief for an article he co-wrote entitled, “Enhancing Construction Risk Management Through GL-Only Wrap-Ups.” The article explores the benefits and challenges of GL-only wrap-up programs, highlighting how they can streamline coverage, reduce costs, and mitigate risk in construction projects. 

Click here to read the article.

Paula E. Litt Recognized as Notable Litigator & Trial Attorney by Crain's Chicago Business. 

With over 40 years of experience, Paula Litt of Honigman LLP in Chicago, IL, has been identified as a trusted advocate for corporate policyholders, navigating high-stakes insurance and reinsurance disputes. The recognition reflects her longstanding commitment to her clients and the legal profession.

Litt leads Honigman’s insurance recovery and advisory group, handling commercial disputes. She represents clients across industries, maintains a seven-figure book of business, and is an arbitrator on the American Arbitration Association Roster of Neutrals.

She has served as lead counsel for Walgreens in litigation seeking insurance coverage for billions in opioid lawsuit defense and settlement costs. In 2022, Litt filed suit in Cook County against 25 of Walgreens’ insurers.

In addition to the ACCC, Litt is an American Law Institute member and a recipient of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois' Award for Excellence in Pro Bono Service.

Read the Crain’s Chicago Business article here. (Subscription required)

John C. Trimble recognized in rebrand of Lewis Wagner. 

Recognizing the extraordinary contributions of Partner John C. Trimble, Lewis Wagner has announced its rebrand to Lewis Wagner & Trimble, LLP. 

“John embodies everything our firm has stood for over the past 70 years—excellence, integrity, and service,” said Managing Partner Dina Cox. “His leadership has shaped who we are today, and adding his name to ours is a reflection of the impact he’s had on our firm, our clients, and the legal profession.”

A renowned mediator and legal problem solver, Trimble is frequently called upon for complex cases involving catastrophic injury, insurance coverage, and professional liability. He has pro hac vice admissions in over 35 jurisdictions, and he is a trusted local counsel for national firms. His contributions to the legal field have earned him numerous accolades.

Read the full press release here.

Evan Knott moves to Honigman’s Chicago Office

Honigman LLP recently announced that Evan Knott joined its Chicago office as a partner in its Litigation Department. Knott, who spent nearly two decades at Reed Smith, moved his insurance and reinsurance recovery practice to Honigman. 

Knott represents corporate policyholders and insurers in complex insurance coverage disputes and litigation. Working with clients on a national basis, Knott brings extensive experience litigating coverage disputes for claims involving mass tort and environmental liability, product liability, director and officer liability, professional liability, consumer class actions, employer liability, and commercial property and business interruption losses. He has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in insurance assets for those clients.  

“Evan is a sought-after litigator in Illinois. His extensive experience will enhance the exceptional rigor and aptitude of our insurance and insurance recovery practice” said J. Michael Huget, chair of Honigman’s Litigation Department.

Over his career, Evan has represented clients ranging from Fortune 50 corporations to mid-market privately-held businesses, including animal agricultural producers, “big box” retailers, commercial real estate developers and management companies, hedge funds, manufacturers of heavy trucks and agricultural equipment, manufacturers of plumbing products, marine dredging companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, private equity firms, regional oil refineries, scrap metal dealers, and solid waste landfill operators.  

Knott earned his J.D. from the Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law and his B.A. from the University of Michigan.   

Read the full press release here.

Share Your News With Us!

Do you have news to share? ACCC publishes news of Fellows’ achievements, firm changes, awards, wins, etc. If you are quoted or published, please send us that as well. We seek content about our members for Member News, Articles of the Month, and social media posts. Submit news to us at info@americancollegecoverage.org. 

Welcome New Fellows

· Hovsep Afarian, Lax O'Sullivan Lisus Gottlieb, Toronto, ON

· Thomas M. Contois, Phelps Dunbar LLP in Raleigh, NC

· Jason R. Donovan, Foster Garvey PC in Seattle, WA

· Robert J. Gilbert, Latham & Watkins, LLP in Boston, MA

· Peter A. Halprin, Pasich LLP in New York, NY 

· Charles A. Henty, Forsberg & Umlauf, P.S. in Seattle, WA

· Evan T. Knott, Honigman LLP in Chicago, IL 

· Benedict M. Lenhart, Covington & Burling in Washington, DC

· Matthew F. Pierce, Gordon Tilden Thomas & Cordell in Seattle, WA

· Paul M. Rosner, Soha & Lang, P.S. in Seattle, WA

· Timothy J. Wolf, Watters Wolf Bub Hansmann in St. Louis, MO

Upcoming Events

ACCC Pop-Up Dialogue

Diversity Jurisdiction – Does Federal Court

Really Have Jurisdiction to Decide Your Coverage Issue?

Wednesday, June 3, 2025 at 3:00 PM ET

Hosted by the ACCC

ACCC 2025 Insurance Law Symposium

Friday, November 7, 2025 8:00 am to 4:45 PM ET

University of Connecticut School of Law

Hartford, CT