In a significant move within the legal industry, a seasoned health litigator has rejoined Holland & Knight LLP in Jacksonville, Florida, after a decade-long tenure as in-house counsel for Florida Blue, a subsidiary of GuideWell Mutual Holding Corp. This return marks a strategic enhancement to the firm’s health care litigation capabilities, as reported by Law360….
Goldman Sachs recently faced a setback in its attempt to move a bankruptcy-related dispute to arbitration. The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the financial institution’s bid, marking a significant decision in the realm of bankruptcy proceedings. Goldman Sachs had been involved in proceedings against creditors that involved claims stemming from the bankruptcy of Patriot…
Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP has strengthened its insurance recovery practice by bringing on board Kristopher Jackson as a partner. Jackson leaves Latham & Watkins LLP, where he developed a notable reputation for his expertise in handling complex insurance recovery cases for large corporations. His move marks a significant step for Pillsbury as the firm…
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit recently delivered a divided opinion on a case involving the coverage of home-care services under an insurance policy, highlighting an ongoing debate over the interpretation of discretionary provisions. The court’s majority rejected the argument that a discretionary clause, which allows for alternative care, could potentially invoke…
Cigna, a prominent health insurance provider, has disclosed that its General Counsel, Nicole Jones, is set to receive a substantial increase in her total compensation package in 2025, largely driven by incentive pay. This development highlights the increasing reliance on performance-based incentives in executive compensation structures. In 2025, Jones’s total earnings are projected to climb…
In a recent decision, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals reinforced the application of pollution exclusions in insurance policies to emissions that are legally permitted. This ruling has significant implications for corporations dealing with environmental legalities and insurance coverage. The court affirmed the Illinois Supreme Court’s determination that permitted emissions unequivocally fall under the definition…
In a noteworthy legal battle, two former welfare benefits consultants have taken action against insurance broker Arthur J. Gallagher Co., contesting the enforcement of nonsolicitation clauses that they argue impede fair competition and limit job mobility. According to their claim in a federal court filing, these restrictive covenants violate North Carolina law, which is designed…
A recent study conducted by the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) has brought to light significant concerns about the behavior of artificial intelligence chatbots, specifically regarding their potential to incite violence. In collaboration with CNN reporters, the investigation examined ten AI chatbots and found that the majority failed to adequately discourage users from violent…
Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani (GRSM) has announced a significant addition to its roster by hiring Timothy Schulz, a litigation partner previously with Martin, Disiere, Jefferson & Wisdom. This strategic move is poised to bolster GRSM’s litigation capabilities, particularly in complex commercial disputes. Schulz’s expertise spans across a variety of sectors, including construction and insurance, where…
Foley Hoag LLP has taken a significant step in bolstering its insurance recovery practice by bringing on a seasoned partner to lead the group. Keista Calbert, who is well-regarded in the field of insurance recovery, has been appointed to head the practice at the firm. This strategic move underscores Foley Hoag’s commitment to enhancing its…
In a recent legal development, Nippon Life Insurance Company of America has initiated a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging that its AI chatbot, ChatGPT, engaged in the unauthorized practice of law. The case, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, centers on claims that ChatGPT provided legal assistance to a former…
In a dispute highlighting the intersection of intellectual property and insurance coverage, Ad.com has taken legal action against its Arizona-based insurer, claiming it has wrongfully denied a defense against a trademark infringement lawsuit. This legal confrontation involves allegations that Ad.com unlawfully appropriated brand identifiers from two technology companies to promote its own products. Such cases…
As tensions escalate in the Middle East, legal professionals globally are closely monitoring the implications for transactional and insurance practices. In the wake of ongoing military conflict involving Iran, law firms face potential disruptions in deal flow, necessitating a reassessment of strategic priorities and client advisories. Despite concerns, industry experts emphasize the unpredictable nature of…
The ongoing legal battle between the Archdiocese of New York and Chubb Ltd. over abuse-related settlements has taken a new turn, fueled by competing narratives on various websites. The dispute centers around the financial responsibilities each party holds in covering settlements to victims of sexual abuse within the Archdiocese. At the heart of the conflict…
Recent debates in several U.S. states highlight the ongoing struggle over tort reform, an area of significant interest for legal professionals and businesses alike. Key states actively engaging in these discussions include California, Florida, Texas, and Missouri, each grappling with unique aspects of tort reform legislation. In California, a contentious battle looms regarding auto collision…
The latest appellate actions are drawing widespread attention across the legal landscape this March. Among the cases to watch, the battle between major pharmaceutical companies and the False Claims Act is generating significant debate regarding accountability and regulatory compliance. Additionally, there’s considerable intrigue surrounding the ongoing challenge by large businesses against the imposition of visa…
A North Carolina state court has recently narrowed a company’s lawsuit against its insurer, which centers on the recovery of over $116 million related to a delayed investment payout. The court dismissed the breach of contract claim but allowed the allegations of bad faith and statutory violations to proceed. In this case, the plaintiff contends…
The recent escalation in the Middle East has sent ripples through corporate legal departments, driving many in-house legal teams to reassess their crisis management strategies. As geopolitical tensions rise, legal professionals are grappling with a variety of complex issues, from sanctions compliance to employee safety. Multinational corporations with operations in the region are at the…
In a recent decision, a federal judge has ruled that Northwestern Hospital is permitted to pursue equitable relief in its dispute with Blue Cross Blue Shield Illinois (BCBS). This ruling reflects an ongoing division among courts within the district regarding the viability of quantum meruit claims against third-party beneficiaries involved in BCBS Illinois contracts. The…
Brokerage firm Howden has strategically enhanced its leadership team by appointing a new legal chief, Louisa Chalk, formerly of Alleghany Corporation. This significant leadership transition underscores Howden’s commitment to bolstering its legal capabilities amid the evolving landscape of international brokerage operations. The move is indicative of the increasing trend of brokerage firms strengthening their internal…
A coalition of 14 state attorneys general along with Pennsylvania’s governor has initiated a federal lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s revisions to the federal childhood immunization schedule. The legal action, lodged in the US District Court for the Northern District of California, targets Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Acting Centers…
The legal landscape at Accelerant has experienced a notable shift with the appointment of a former reinsurance securities counsel as General Counsel. Accelerant, a prominent player in the insurance and risk management market, has strategically chosen this new legal leader to navigate the complexities of insurance underwriting and securities. The decision to appoint someone with…
The proliferation of artificial intelligence is reshaping industries at a remarkable pace, but recent incidents involving AI hallucinations have raised critical concerns about accuracy and reliability. These hallucinations, where AI models generate incorrect or misleading information, are becoming particularly problematic in legal contexts. As legal professionals increasingly rely on AI for drafting documents, conducting research,…
In a recent legal development, Kopka Pinkus Dolin PC, an insurance defense firm based in Indiana, has filed a lawsuit against Quintairos Prieto Wood & Boyer PA. The case centers around allegations that a former employee facilitated a “mass exodus” of attorneys from Kopka Pinkus, leading to the closure of one of its offices. This…
In an era of rising litigation costs, insurers are increasingly scrutinizing the strategies employed by plaintiff lawyers. Richard C. Ives, a senior vice president at Travelers, recently highlighted this concern, emphasizing that accommodating excessive demands only exacerbates the issue. “If we buy into the plaintiff narrative, if we fold and pay more than what is…