Choate, Hall & Stewart‘s insurance practice demonstrates skill in navigating intricate disputes for prominent reinsurers and insurers, spanning reinsurance arbitrations to coverage litigation and appeals. With a focus on high-profile issues such as COVID-19, sex abuse claims, environmental concerns, terrorism, and opioid challenges, the practice positions itself at the forefront of insurance coverage discourse. Operating globally from its base in Boston, the practice extends its influence across the UK, Western Europe, Australia, Bermuda, and offshore markets. Guided by three co-heads, the team includes seasoned expert David Attisani, leading significant industry claims for clients like Swiss Re, Munich Re, and Liberty Mutual; J.P. Jaillet, who routinely advocates for major insurers, reinsurers, private equity firms, and corporations in complex business and coverage disputes, including reinsurance arbitration; and Robert Kole, bringing a wealth of experience in insurance/reinsurance advice, coverage opinions, litigation representation, arbitration guidance, and appellate work. Simultaneously, Kevin Finnerty, with a proven track record in various state and federal courts and arbitration settings, enhances the practice, demonstrating notable expertise in the financial services and biotech sectors, while Caroline Trusty supports the litigation department, specializing in insurer clients.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘David Attisani is an aggressive advocate with a good understanding of business considerations.’

  • ‘Partner David Attisani provides unequalled legal work; superior argument and briefing styles; world-class expert in reinsurance and insurance matters, extremely prompt, reliable, superb work-product. Absolute top tier lawyer.’

Key clients

  • Liberty Mutual
  • Sompo
  • Symetra Life Insurance Company
  • GuideOne
  • Helfrich

Lawyers

Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Hall of fameChoate, Hall & Stewart
David Attisani, a partner in Choate’s top-ranked Insurance & Reinsurance Group (#1 reinsurance and litigation firm according to Reactions and highly rated by Legal 500), assists insurers and reinsurers in problem-solving, shaping, and winning high profile disputes. Using the thoroughly personal and intense service style his clients value, David also provides evaluations of coverage, wordings advice, and market intelligence. He has served as lead counsel with respect to the following industry-significant claims: COVID-19 BI and WC; NFL CTE; the California wildfires; 9/11 (WTC); “Obamacare”; life rate increase disputes; spousal continuation problems; Superstorm Sandy; Hurricanes Wilma, Katrina, Harvey; the Puerto Rico Hurricanes (Maria/Irma); the Las Vegas shooting; the “Big Dig” Tunnel Collapse; NY “reviver” molestation claims; Archdiocese of L.A., Society of Jesus, and other clergy abuse claims; Boy Scouts of America and school-related sex abuse problems; J&J talc exposures; the Nikita Levy/ Johns Hopkins “rogue” doctor case; and Sphere Drake. David’s clients include global insurers and reinsurers Swiss Re, Munich Re, Endurance/Sompo, Chubb, Liberty Mutual, The Hartford, Berkley, Partner Re, The Andover Companies, Aeolus, Symetra, and MIIA.
Leading associates
Rising stars with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Choate, Hall & Stewart
Kevin Finnerty represents global insurers and reinsurers in significant coverage disputes, and helps financial services companies, biotech companies, and other industry-leading companies to resolve complex commercial litigation successfully and efficiently. He has handled cases in a variety of state and federal courts, and in arbitration. In 2017, Kevin served as a Special Assistant District Attorney with the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office. Kevin’s clients have included Starr Insurance Companies, John Hancock Financial, and Alnylam Pharmaceuticals.
Leading lawyers
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Choate, Hall & Stewart
J.P. Jaillet, chair of Choate’s Insurance & Reinsurance Group, provides clients with a combination of successful trial results in big-ticket coverage disputes and expertise of the industry and its arbitrators. J.P. routinely represents large insurers, reinsurers, private equity firms, and other companies in complex business and coverage disputes, including reinsurance arbitration. J.P.’s clients include Liberty Mutual, Swiss Re, Munich Re, Sompo, Chubb, Berkley, and General Electric. J.P. is the co-chair of Choate’s Hiring Committee, where he helps lead firm-wide recruitment and summer associate talent development.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

David A. Attisani, Robert A. Kole, J.P. Jaillet