Calfee’s Insurance Coverage practice group serves corporate insurance policyholder clients, in Ohio and nationwide. Our principal purpose for more than 25 years has been to help our clients protect against and mitigate risk through the use of insurance. We collaborate with and counsel our clients on all aspects of their insurance coverage legal needs. Our core values are: creativity, focusing on the issues that matter, and attentiveness to clients.
To help manage and minimize the risks, losses, and liabilities that pose threats to our clients, Calfee’s Insurance Coverage attorneys provide advisory and claims services. We assist our clients with the placement and enhancement of their insurance policies, reviews of their existing policies, shaping and pursuing claims to get losses paid by their insurance companies, negotiating resolutions to disputed insurance claims, litigating coverage lawsuits against their insurers, and finding solutions for insurance coverage issues in corporate M&A deals.
We have experience with a wide array of policy types, from newer products such as cyber and M&A representations and warranties insurance, to more traditional policy forms such as commercial general liability (CGL), umbrella, excess, property, D&O, professional liability, and EPL policies, to more specialized policies such as builder’s risk, liquor, and aviation.
Certified Insurance Law Specialist by the Ohio State Bar Association
The leader of Calfee’s Insurance Coverage practice, James Sullivan, is one of only 24 lawyers in the state of Ohio certified as insurance law specialists by the Ohio State Bar Association.
Chambers USA Band 1 Ranking in Insurance: Policyholder (Ohio)
Calfee's Insurance practice group was ranked by Chambers USA in Band 1 for Insurance: Policyholder in Ohio, one of only three law firms ranked in this practice in the state. Chambers USA 2021 commentators note that the team "Boasts an impressive reputation with decades of experience in policyholder insurance representation. Well known for its capabilities in risk mitigation and cost recovery strategies. Provides representation in all aspects of insurance coverage policy disputes, including those surrounding M&A transactions. Impressive roster of clients that includes those in the academic, healthcare and manufacturing sectors.
Clients interviewed by Chambers USA researchers said, "The team is creative in devising solutions to coverage problems that don't begin with antagonistic litigation." "The Calfee lawyers have been outstanding, professional and articulate in resisting the denial of coverage," enthuses another source.
Chambers USA 2020 researchers cited client feedback: "They couldn't have done a better job. They are the best outside counsel I have ever used."
Calfee's Insurance Recovery practice leader and Partner, K. James Sullivan, was ranked by Chambers USA 2021 in Band 1 for Insurance: Policyholder in Ohio. Chambers USA researchers noted, "[James] is held in high esteem for his approach to complex recovery claims, which sees him handle a wide range of coverage disputes." Clients interviewed by Chambers USA researchers remarked, "He is eager to learn about our business and that pays dividends in the quality of his work." Another adds, "He is able to communicate complex issues effectively." Another client commented, "James is the most intelligent, hard-working and consistent coverage attorney I have worked with."
U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” Rankings
Calfee was selected for inclusion in the 2021 "Best Law Firms" rankings by U.S. News – Best Lawyers in Insurance Law (National Tier 3, Metropolitan Tier 1 Cleveland) and Litigation - Insurance (National Tier 1 Cleveland).
Our team frequently presents on various insurance coverage topics, including, most recently:
"Calfee, Halter & Griswold has a respected practice representing policyholders. They are pragmatic in their approach and are results oriented. They try to resolve disputes when they can, but they can also get more aggressive when necessary."
"[Calfee's Insurance team] is creative in devising solutions to coverage problems that don't begin with antagonistic litigation."
"The Calfee lawyers have been outstanding, professional and articulate in resisting the denial of coverage."
Client comments from the Chambers USA 2021 Guide
