We are a diversified, regional law firm oriented towards trial practice. We resolve disputes ethically, thoroughly and cost- effectively. We also provide business planning advice with an eye towards avoiding disputes and speeding their resolution.

Through our wide-area computer network, our three-to-six lawyer offices can share and accumulate large-firm style resources, while maintaining the host of benefits that come from small-firm practice.

Technology, accountability, experience and enthusiastic effort are the ingredients we combine to assure our clients' advantage.

Our work frequently involves all varieties of insurance issues -- from insurance agents' errors and omissions defense, coverage, regulatory matters, to reinsurance disputes.

Another core part of our work centers around all forms of transportation risks: by road, railroad, boat or air.

Our third largest practice area is energy-related liability and contractual claims.

For further details on our practice and experience, please review any of the list below:

THESE ARE OUR AREAS OF PRACTICE:

• ADMIRALTY
  Cargo, collision, sinkings, strandings, Jones Act, Maintenance and Cure, MEL, passenger liabilities, limitation of liability, hull claims, terminal operators', wharfingers', marina operators', and ship repair claims.
  
  

• AUTO, COMMERCIAL AUTO, AND TRUCK LIABILITY
  Defense of liability claims, and advice on coverage of liability incidents arising out of personal auto, commercial auto including buses, delivery services, ambulance, and rental cars. Trucking claims are handled by attorneys with years of truck experience and familiarity with the equipment, and with regulatory and reporting requirements.
  
  

• AVIATION
  Passenger and bystander personal injury claims, products and component manufacturers liability defense, airport and FBO claims, FAA regulatory and enforcement action defense.
  
  

• COMPREHENSIVE GENERAL LIABILITY
  Premises liability and advertising injury defense, hotel, motel and assisted living center liabilities, sporting and recreational activities liabilities, construction and maintenance liabilities.
  
  

• CARGO
  Prosecution of damaged and lost cargo claims, and defense of cargo claims under bills of lading or statutory limitations.
  
  

• CLASSACTIONS
  Leading, liaison, administrative, or speciality counsel assignments in connection with class actions in federal and state courts.
  
  

• CONSTRUCTION
  Contractor's liabilities, including completed operations, workers' comp disputes, structural and engineering-related claims.
  
  

• EMPLOYMENT
  Discrimination, harassment and retaliatory discharge claims.
  
  

• ENVIRONMENTAL AND TOXIC TORTS
  Sudden, accidental, and long-term exposure liability defense and coverage disputes, including management of punitive damages exposures where present.
  
  

• ERRORS AND OMISSIONS
  Professional liability defense for: attorneys, accountants, directors and officers, architects and engineers, physicians, vetetinarians, and other health care professionals.
  
  

• EXCESS/UMBRELLA
  Monitoring and quality control for significant exposure claims.
  
  

• F.E.L.A. AND L.H.W.C.A
  Rail, harbor workers, and other statutory employees' liability defense.
  
  

• HEALTH CARE INSURANCE
  ERISA,COBRA, and related health care insurance issues.
  
  

• INSURANCE COVERAGE AND CONSTRUCTION
  Coverage is a significant part of the firm's work. We draft wordings and offer advice under state laws, on the effect of existing wordings. We resolve coverage disputes through direct negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or litigation. We offer advice and supervision of claims adjustment practices and procedures.
  
  

• INSURANCE INSOLVENCY AND REGULATION
  Our locations in and near state capitols allow us convenient access to the insurance commissioners with whom we maintain collegial and respectful relations. We act on behalf of insurers, brokers, and agents in regulatory compliance and in defense of administrative actions.
  
  

• MEDICAL MALPRACTICE
  See Errors and Omissions above.
  
  

• OIL AND GAS
  Liability defense, contractual claims prosecution and defense.
  
  

• PUNITIVE DAMAGES
  Representation of underwriters or assured's interests in cases where covered and non-covered exposures are presented jointly, or where a significant basis for compensation is punitive or extracontractual.
  
  

• PRODUCTS
  Defense of component and product manufacturers in negligence and strict liability cases, including management of punitive damages exposure where present.
  
  

• PROFESSIONAL AND DIRECTORS' LIABILITY
  See Errors and Omissions above.
  
  

• PROPERTY
  Mold claims, special investigations, arson, coverage disputes.
  
  

• REINSURANCE AND RETROCESSION
  Advice on disputes, and prosecution and defense of reinsurance claims on behalf of reinsurers and ceding insurers.
  
  

• SUBROGATION
  We handle subrogation claims under contingency fee, hourly, and blended-fee retainer agreements.