I have over 23 years’ experience in employee benefits and first-party insurance litigation, counseling and defending insurers, administrators and employers involved in employee benefits and fiduciary lawsuits arising in both the ERISA and non-ERISA cases. My clients include national life, disability, and accident insurance companies, and I advise them about coverage issues and compliance with DOL regulations. I have successfully defended or assisted clients resolve more than 600 actions in federal and state courts, including complex actions alleging unfair claims practices and RICO violations. I recognize the importance to corporate clients of cost-effective representation, and work closely with my clients at the outset of litigation to develop a practical and goal-driven defense strategy. I was asked to serve as an arbitrator by one of the nation’s largest health insurers, and have lectured and published numerous articles concerning ERISA Best Practices and insurance litigation.
ERISA – Defense of ERISA civil enforcement actions and ERISA regulatory claims brought against employers and insurers in connection with group and supplemental life, health, and disability benefit plans.
Civil Appellate – Since 1995, served as lead appellate counsel in more than 40 appeals with arguments before state and federal appellate courts in personal injury, products liability, first-party insurance, toxic tort, medical malpractice, premises liability, and ERISA cases.
Insurance Defense – Representation of first-party insurers in civil lawsuits involving life, accident, and disability claims, coverage disputes, rescission actions, interpleader actions, unfair claims practices, and RICO claims.
Professional and Civic Involvement
- American Bar Association
- The Florida Bar (Appellate Practice and Advocacy Section;
- Appellate Court Rules Committee, 2006 - 2009)
- Defense Research Institute
- Florida Bar Standing Committee - Appellate Court Rules