WRF Insurance Practice and Attorneys Recognized Among the Best

June 8, 2006

Washington, DC - Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business has recognized Wiley Rein & Fielding's Insurance Practice as one of the best insurer-side practices in the nation's capital and singled out partners Thomas W. Brunner, Laura A. Foggan, Theodore A. Howard, Daniel J. Standish and John C. Yang as leading lawyers.  Ratings are based on extensive interviews of law firms' clients, colleagues and competitors.

The 2006 edition of the guide notes that over the past year, the group built "on its core foundations of traditional insurance work" and expanded into the regulatory, international and legislative arenas, commenting that, "The increasingly rigorous nature of insurance regulation, in particular, has ensured that the firm has been busy on compliance work at both a federal and national level.  In this work, it has been aided by the fact that a close nexus exists between the firm's government and insurance departments, allowing lawyers from each to feed off one another's knowledge." 

As the insurance group expands the breadth of its practice, it continues to dominate the field in the area of coverage.  Chambers notes that the group's efforts in this area are "top-notch" and that clients "say the firm has been 'phenomenal' in assessing coverage issues, drafting opinions and acting as litigation counsel in coverage disputes."

Accolades extend to several partners in the practice, including the group's chair, Tom Brunner, who "is acknowledged to be something of a pioneer in insurance law," with "more experience than just about anyone" in the area of insurance coverage.  Brunner is praised as a "zealous advocate of his clients' position" who "is always able to come up with 'fresh and creative solutions.'"

Honors go to Laura Foggan, who is "universally 'trusted to get superb results for her clients.'"  Foggan also is commended for the diverse range of her practice and for "directing commercial litigation across the country."  Leading lawyer Theodore Howard, heralded by clients for being "all around professional and businesslike, " is recognized for his experience handling a wide range of insurance coverage and reinsurance disputes and litigation.

Professional Liability Group chair Daniel Standish is singled out for his reputation as "one of the key people in the industry," a reputation that "has been sealed through his prowess in D&O and professional liability. Clients appreciate his level of expertise, while peers acknowledge that he…has been instrumental in some recent key decisions, particularly concerning rescission."  Clients contacted by Chambers praised John Yang as "reliable and knowledgeable" with skills that complement those of other members of the team.

In compiling the Chambers USA guide, researchers from London-based Chambers and Partners evaluate law firms and attorneys on several factors, including: technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, commercial awareness/astuteness, diligence, commitment and other qualities most valued by clients.