Chambers USA Recognizes Hinshaw for its Leading Insurance Practice
Five Hinshaw Partners Recognized by the Guide
Chambers USA has announced that Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP's Insurance Practice has been ranked in the 2020 edition of Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business (Chambers USA). The firm's insurance practice was ranked in both Illinois and California.
Five Hinshaw partners received recognition in the guide. Chicago-based Scott M. Seaman, the co-chair of Hinshaw's global Insurance Services Practice Group, received a Band 1 Ranking for Insurance: Dispute Resolution – Illinois. Hinshaw California partners Kent R. Keller and Royal F. Oakes received senior statespeople status for Insurance: Insurer – California, and Spencer Y. Kook, partner-in-charge of the firm's Los Angeles office, also received recognition from Chambers in that category. Partner Rory E. Jurman of the firm's Fort Lauderdale office was recognized as a leading insurance lawyer in the category of Insurance – Florida.
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. As part of its process, Chambers and Partners' researchers interview thousands of lawyers and clients around the world. Firms and lawyers must demonstrate sustained excellence in order to be ranked in the guide.
Firm Insurance Practice Rankings
In ranking Hinshaw 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 U.S. clients.
Strengths: An impressed client reports: "The insurance group does a fantastic job and is a cut above," while another says "I've been impressed with the firm, it has a broad footprint, deep expertise and a good bench."
A third source notes: "The firm is extremely responsive and knowledgeable in complex disputes."
Work highlights: defended Affiliated FM Insurance as an involved party in a large-scale asbestos liability dispute.
In ranking Hinshaw 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: Clients say the team is: "very professional and client-focused."
Work highlights: defended life insurance company Farmers New World in a bad faith claim filed by the insured regarding a life insurance policy.
Individual Attorney Rankings
Rory Jurman: widely acknowledged as an insurance specialist and regularly advises insurance carriers with regard to complex claims disputes. Clients describe him as "very skilled strategically and a persuasive negotiator" and "an excellent partner to have on our side."
Kent Keller: a "seasoned litigator," with "vast experience" in handing casualty claims and reinsurance disputes. His clients include life and annuity insurers.
Spencer Kook: noted for his handling of insurance regulation and compliance matters. Sources highlight his prowess in "administrative litigation and regulatory matters" and describe him as a "good, smart" attorney."
Royal Oakes: a "big player" in the California market, according to market sources. His practice spans bad faith claims and employment-related disputes, among other matters.
Scott Seaman: described by market sources as a "real intellectual," Seaman receives praise for his representation of insurance carriers in environmental, asbestos and product liability disputes. Clients appreciate his "ability to get to the heart of the issues and come up with creative ways to resolve a case."