John’s practice centers on serving as coverage counsel for insurance companies. He enjoys the process of assisting claims professionals transform chaotic and complex situations into orderly, straightforward matters.
John considers thoughtful listening to his client’s particular needs, plus meticulous attention to detail, as key to effective and efficient representation. Combining his attorney-client partnership approach, significant experience in handling coverage disputes under a wide range of insurance products, and knowledge of coverage law in numerous states, he quickly develops and executes a solution-based strategy that best protects his client’s interests.
John has handled a vast array of coverage cases involving third-party liability insurance, including CGL, PL, LPL, EPL, D&O, E&O, cyber, environmental, warehouse, commercial auto, personal auto, homeowners, umbrella, and excess. He has also handled many first-party insurance matters, including property, fidelity, commercial crime, UM/UIM, life, and disability.
As a civil defense attorney in the earlier stages of John’s career, he built exceptional litigation and trial skills to where his insurer clients still call on him to defend their insureds directly. Also, his coverage and litigation background provides a uniquely beneficial foundation for the insurance producer defense part of his practice.
Whether drafting a coverage opinion or arguing a motion for summary judgment, John’s heightened focus, grounded in quality client communication, allows him to see the “little things” that could make the biggest difference in the outcome. Some of John’s recent in-court successes include:
- Obtained dismissal of UIM insurer based on policy’s time limitation provision;
- Obtained declaratory judgment in favor of CGL insurer based on employer’s liability exclusion;
- Obtained dismissal of bad faith claim via choice of law motion in disability insurance case;
- Obtained summary judgment dismissing bad faith claim against property insurer; and
- Obtained dismissal of insurance agency based on statute of limitations.
Admissions
- Illinois
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois
Memberships
- Chicago Bar Association
- Illinois State Bar Association
- Hellenic Bar Association