Chambers USA Ranks Wiley Rein's Insurance Group in Its Top Tier; Five Attorneys Named "Leading Lawyers"

June 14, 2010

The 2010 edition of Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business has rated Wiley Rein's Insurance Practice in the top tier of Washington, DC insurer-side practices and identified five of the group's partners as "Leading Lawyers" in their field. Singled out for accolades are Daniel J. Standish, Thomas W. Brunner, Laura A. Foggan, Jason P. Cronic and David H. Topol.

The leading directory notes the practice is "active in dispute resolution and coverage litigation.  The team consists of approximately 45 lawyers who represent a number of the most significant insurance companies…"  Chambers quotes a source who says "the group is smart, aggressive, action-oriented and outcome-focused."  Among notable work, the firm has "achieved impressive results throughout the country on behalf of the Complex Insurance Coverage Litigation Association." Chambers says the firm also stands out for counseling "insurers on claims arising out of the economic downturn and advises insurers on issues relating to policyholder bankruptcy proceedings."

Clients describe practice chair Mr. Standish as "one of the top in the business," and he was "highly rated for his professional liability expertise."  Peers and clients are impressed with the work of Mr. Brunner, who excels on issues involving "asbestos, mass tort, pharmaceutical, products liability and toxic tort claims.  He is well respected, with years of business knowledge and a real breadth of experience."

Chambers states the practice's litigation focus is "enhanced by specialist insurance litigator Laura Foggan, who has been involved in some of the group's most significant complex work," reporting that "everyone knows her and she does great work for big clients."  Mr. Topol is praised for his litigation skills, and Jason Cronic is lauded as  "thoughtful and thorough" for his handling of D&O and professional liability matters in federal and state courts.

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.