FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
DO YOU WORK FOR INDIVIDUAL OR BUSINESS POLICYHOLDERS AGAINST INSURANCE COMPANIES?
No, though I do represent insurers against other insurers, assuming there is no conflict.
I AM A CLAIMS MANAGER OR OTHER INSURANCE PROFESSIONAL IN SEARCH OF A RESPONSIVE OUTSIDE COVERAGE LAWYER WE CAN USE AS IN-HOUSE COUNSEL, BUT WITHOUT THE OVERHEAD - CAN YOU DO THAT?
Yes. I maintain a small roster of good insurance company clients to which I provide very responsive service as panel counsel. Please let me know if you would like a reference from a current client.
ARE YOU LIMITED TO CRANKING OUT COVERAGE OPINIONS? OR CAN YOU ALSO HANDLE LITIGATION?
I can do it all. Quick general coverage question? Need a complete coverage assessment and full opinion on a complex matter? Input for reserving rights? A complete ROR letter for your signature or mine? Declaratory judgment action? Respond to a threat of bad faith or defend a bad faith suit? No problem. Insurers also contact me for second opinions on other firms' coverage work, and hire me to attend/monitor remote litigation involving complex coverage issues. Your usual firm has a conflict? Give me a call. Please note that I need to have reviewed sufficient information/documentation before opining, even informally, on particular coverage matters.
I TYPICALLY WORK WITH A MULTI-LAWYER FIRM. WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF HIRING A SOLO?
You need one reasonable, congenial, and competent lawyer who can quickly analyze complex issues and clearly communicate digestible solutions to your management, the courts, other insurers, your insureds, and their counsel. I am that lawyer. Individual attention means greater efficiency, and a better work product. When you hire me, you deal with me, and I do your work. I don't need to keep 15 associates lit with billable hours. When you call me about your case, I pick up the phone and I actually know the facts and law. I do not need anybody else in the room to handle your call or do my job, and that means you pay for one lawyer, not two. You save time and money, and you get a better product. Working with me means less-expensive peace of mind for you.
DO YOU HANDLE TORT DEFENSE WORK FOR OUR INSUREDS?
No.
DO YOU ASSIST INSURERS WITH THE CLAIMS HANDLING PROCESS, INCLUDING EUO'S, INVESTIGATIONS, ETC.?
No. My services are limited to the provision of legal advice, correspondence, and litigation regarding coverage and claims handling-related legal issues, and I do not participate in the claims handling process between an insurer and its insured. However, due to the legal complexity that unavoidably attends the insurer's required conveyance of its law-based coverage positions to its insured (e.g. Reservations of Rights and denials of coverage) during the claims handling process, my services include assisting insurers with the communication of those technically specialized legal positions, but only with respect to the legal aspects of the insurance coverage and claims handling issues that may be said to arise from the claim itself.
WHAT ARE YOUR RATES & HOW DO YOU BILL?
Call me to discuss. My rate is similar to that charged by other well-regarded Seattle-area coverage lawyers with my experience. I charge by the billed hour and I do not charge for non-lawyer work. I typically bill every month, but I am prepared to accommodate insurers' usual billing requirements, including electronic billing (e.g. all LEDES-based billing companies, including Bottomline/Allegient, etc.) and payment periods.
IN WHAT STATES ARE YOU LICENSED?
Washington, active (all state/federal courts). Oregon, Texas, and Colorado, inactive. Please know that if you have potential work for me in Oregon, Texas, or Colorado that requires active licensure, it is quick and easy to activate those licenses, or I can appear via the pro hac vice process with your local counsel.
CAN YOU PROVIDE REFERENCES?
Yes. I am happy to provide references from my insurer clients' representatives, and from well-regarded lawyers who know my work and case approach, including lawyers I have opposed.
CAN YOU PROVIDE SAMPLES OF YOUR WORK, COURT DECISIONS, ETC.?
Yes. Please see the Document Room page on this site. Let me know if there is something else you would like to see.
Please let me know if you want to know anything else. I always appreciate receiving questions that prospective clients want to see addressed here, so please call or drop me an email and I will update this FAQ with my answer to your question.