Chambers USA Ranks Wiley Rein's Insurance Group in its Top Tier; Five Attorneys Receive "Leading Lawyers" Honors

June 13, 2011

The 2011 edition of Chambers USA: Leading Lawyers for Business has again ranked Wiley Rein's Insurance Group in the top tier of Washington, DC-area insurer-side practices. Recognized as "Leading Lawyers" are partners Daniel J. Standish, Thomas W. Brunner, Laura A. Foggan, David H. Topol and Jason P. Cronic.

Sources hail the group's breadth and depth, calling it "top-notch. From head to toe, from partner to associate, the lawyers are very responsive, very smart, very practical and very creative." As Chambers reports, the "dedicated group of more than 50 attorneys represents insurers in claims, coverage litigation, underwriting, legislative and regulatory matters, and in complex insurance transactions. Health insurance companies form a significant part of the firm's client base. D&O matters are a key part of the practice . . . . Much of the firm's recent work has involved professional liability, general liability and property/casualty work."

Practice chair Daniel Standish is singled out as "one of the most well-regarded insurance lawyers" in the region. Specializing "in the most complex professional liability insurance coverage matters and disputes," he earns praise as "one of those people who is respected immediately when he walks into a mediation."

Laura Foggan, who heads the firm's Insurance Appellate group, is "a favorite with both clients and peers." Chambers notes that while she has a diverse practice representing insurers on emerging exposures and complex trial and appellate matters, Ms. Foggan "puts in whatever is required to accomplish the task, and she does it on time, which is something not every lawyer does."

Insurance Group Chairman Emeritus Thomas Brunner is commended for his practice focus on "disputes at trial and [the] appellate level." Kudos extend to partners and "really bright guys" Jason Cronic and David Topol, both of whom are "involved in professional liability matters including D&O liability issues, among others."

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.