Chambers USA Once Again Recognizes Hinshaw for its Leading Insurance Practice

May 4, 2018

Chambers USA has announced that Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP's Insurance Practice has been ranked in the 2018 edition of Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business (Chambers USA). Specifically, Hinshaw is recognized for Insurance: Dispute Resolution: Insurer (Illinois: Band 1) and Insurance: Insurer (California: Band 2).

Additionally, five of the partners in Hinshaw's Insurance Services Practice Group—Kent R. Keller, Michael M. Marick, Royal F. Oakes, Scott M. Seaman, and James H. Kallianis, Jr.—were recognized once again by Chambers as leading lawyers.

Published by Chambers and Partners, Chambers USA is a widely respected annual publication that highlights leading law firms and lawyers representing clients in the United States and internationally. Chambers and Partners' researchers interview thousands of lawyers and their clients around the world, providing the basis for the listings.

Insurance Practice Rankings

In ranking Hinshaw in Band 1 in "Insurance: Dispute Resolution: Insurer – Illinois" and quoting members of the insurance industry, Chambers notes:

What the team is known for Widely acknowledged for its representation of insurer clients in complex, high-value coverage arbitration and litigation matters. Experienced in construction defect, first party property and cyber insurance as well as personal insurance claims. Also handles risk management issues. Skilled at acting for international and domestic US clients.

Strengths One client reports: "They are all excellent lawyers who provide excellent customer service."

In ranking Hinshaw as a leading firm in "Insurance: Insurer – California," Chambers states:

What the team is known for Highly capable firm with a reputation for representing both domestic and foreign insurers across the USA. The California team has key expertise in regulatory insurance law and also offers a robust litigation practice, representing insurers in coverage disputes and class actions on a regular basis. Offers further ability in construction defect, professional liability and first-party property insurance matters, among other areas.

Strengths Sources say: "An outstanding firm with a really competent bench of attorneys. They are detail oriented, efficient, knowledgeable and understand our needs."

Sources note: "They bring a wealth of experience to any litigation matter, they are extremely responsive to client inquiries and they do a good job of keeping me informed of developments in the case."

Individual Attorney Rankings

Hinshaw partners ranked individually in this year's edition of Chambers USA—all of whom have been recognized in several consecutive past issues of Chambers USA—include Chicago-based partners: Michael M. Marick (Band 1) a member of the firm's Management Committee; Scott M. Seaman (Band 2) National Co-Chair of the firm's Insurance Services Practice Group, and James H. Kallianis Jr. (Band 3), as well as Los Angeles-based partners Kent R. Keller (Senior Statesmen) and Royal F. Oakes (Band 2).

According to Chambers:

Michael Marick is "a premier insurance coverage litigator with encyclopedic knowledge," say sources, who also remark: "He is an effective strategist who envisions the end game." He is recognized for his handling of complex coverage disputes, including toxic tort and environmental matters.

Scott Seaman is widely acknowledged for his knowledge across the insurance market, regularly handling complex coverage disputes. One client lauds: "Scott's expertise in unsurpassed. His ability to present complex issues in a concise and easy-to-understand manner is astounding."

James Kallianis is "well versed, articulate, responsive and thoughtful," according to sources, who also refer to him as "a strong litigator" who is "good on his feet." He is experienced in coverage litigation and regularly handles cyber and professional liability disputes.

Kent Keller is widely respected for his decades of experience as a litigator in insurance law. He handles significant trial and appellate cases for property and casualty insurers with aplomb. He is commended by a client as "incredibly knowledgeable."

Royal Oakes is a "very accomplished" insurance litigator who concentrates his practice on defense of bad faith claims. He handles individual and representative cases as well as large class actions. He is also well known nationally and in the state of California as a legal commentator.

Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP is a U.S.-based law firm with offices nationwide. The firm's national reputation spans the insurance industry, the financial services sector, professional services, and other highly regulated industries. Hinshaw provides holistic legal solutions—from litigation and dispute resolution, and business advisory and transactional services, to regulatory compliance—for clients of all sizes. Visit www.hinshawlaw.com for more information and follow @Hinshaw on LinkedIn and X.