Aishlin Cook advises insurers on errors and omissions policies for a wide range of professionals, including lawyers, financial services firms, and real estate organizations. She also represents insurers on matters involving general liability, employment practices, management liability, and cyber and technology coverages. In addition, she counsels law firms on risk management, handles coverage disputes, and defends professionals in malpractice actions. She received her J.D., cum laude, from the University of California, UC Law San Francisco, where she served as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal on Gender and the Law. She earned her B.A. from Saint Mary’s College of California. Aishlin values the opportunity to work alongside colleagues she has collaborated with for more than a decade, and she takes pride in building lasting partnerships with her clients. Outside the office, she enjoys exploring Northern California with her husband and children.
An insurer that brings an action against its insured in California where the insured asserts a counterclaim alleging bad faith may consider filing a motion to strike based on California’s anti-SLAPP statute. However, a recent federal appellate decision suggests that the insurer will face an uphill..
Alex Pinto received his B.M. in Trumpet Performance from Oberlin College and Conservatory of Music in 2019. In addition to his legal and administrative background, Alex has worked as a music educator and freelance performer, and he continues to maintain an active teaching studio. Outside the office, Alex enjoys making music, playing and watching basketball, and spending time with his fiancée, family, and cats. An accomplished whistler, he earned first place in the 2024 Global Whistling Championship.
Alexander Nguyen advises and represents London Market and U.S. cyber insurers, focusing on cybersecurity, data breach, and privacy matters. His practice includes coverage evaluation, risk mitigation, and litigation management for claims of all sizes, and he regularly assists in front-line incident response. He received his J.D. from Brooklyn Law School in 2012 and his B.A. from the University of California, San Diego. Alexander is admitted to the State Bar of California and is an active member of the Professional Liability Underwriting Society (PLUS), the California Minority Counsel Program (CMCP), the Asian Americans Insurance Network (AAIN), and the Los Angeles County Bar Association (LACBA). He was recognized in the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America (2026 edition). Outside the office, Alexander enjoys time with his wife and two young children. He is also an avid home cook and continually explores new recipes and cooking techniques.
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Based in Atheria’s London office, Amelia Jones provides coverage advice to insurers on cybersecurity, privacy, media, and technology matters. She has particular experience with first- and third-party coverage of privacy incidents, including ransomware and cyber extortion, business interruption claims, and litigation and regulatory proceedings following data breaches. Amelia earned her LL.B., First Class Honours, from the University of Aberdeen and qualified in Scots Law. She later completed the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme (QLTS) in 2021 to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales. She is also the author of Beyond First Party Costs: Third Party Exposures Resulting from Personal Data Breaches (2025). Outside of work, Amelia enjoys dinghy sailing, reformer Pilates, running, and exploring London’s rooftop bars.
Andrew Watson Brown serves as monitoring and coverage counsel to traditional and Insurtech carriers in London, the E.U., and the U.S., advising on matters involving data breaches, ransomware, business interruption, and financial fraud. He also counsels insurers on third-party exposures, including privacy class actions, Pixel liability, mass arbitration, and regulatory claims under HIPAA and GDPR. His work emphasizes managing early risk and mitigating downstream third-party exposure arising from complex claims and parallel coverage litigation. Andrew earned his J.D. from Santa Clara University School of Law in 2019, where he served as Research Editor for the Santa Clara Law Review and received the CALI Excellence for the Future Award in Constitutional Law II. He also holds a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He is admitted to the State Bar of California and is certified as an IAPP Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/US). His scholarship includes China and the United States: Yin and Yank Intestacy, 50 Santa Clara L. Rev. 239 (2019). Andrew is a member of the American Bar Association and the International Association of Privacy Professionals.
Introduction Courts across the United States universally have been impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. While some jurisdictions have coped well, other jurisdictions have struggled to provide safe and meaningful access to courts...
An insurer that brings an action against its insured in California where the insured asserts a counterclaim alleging bad faith may consider filing a motion to strike based on California’s anti-SLAPP statute. However, a recent federal appellate decision suggests that the insurer will face an uphill..
Andrew T. Chan is an IAPP Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/US) who represents London Market and U.S. cyber insurers in matters involving technology, cyber, and privacy. His work includes coverage evaluation, risk mitigation, and litigation management for data breach incidents, consumer privacy class actions, and regulatory investigations. With more than a decade of experience litigating business and insurance disputes, including appellate matters, Andrew also assists insurers with policy wording for cyber coverage and has worked directly with claims and underwriting teams while seconded to an international cyber insurer. Andrew received his J.D. from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles, and his B.A. from the University of California, Los Angeles. He is admitted to the State Bar of California. He has been recognized as a Southern California Rising Star by Super Lawyers and is active in organizations including the Asian American Insurance Network, the California Minority Counsel Program, and the St. Thomas More Law Honor Society. Andrew also contributes to the profession through publications and speaking engagements on cyber and privacy litigation trends, Silent Cyber exposures, and evolving coverage issues. Beyond his practice, Andrew is a dedicated volunteer and recipient of the Outstanding Volunteer Award from the Justice & Diversity Center. In his free time, he enjoys golf and cheering on the UCLA Bruins, Lakers, and Dodgers.
There have been positive developments for defendants in the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (“TCPA”) landscape this week.On February 19, 2020, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals issued the much-awaited opinion in Gadelhak v. AT&T Servs., Inc., No. 19-1738, 2020 WL 808270 (7th Cir. Feb. 19, 2020)
Andrew Le represents domestic and international insurers in connection with errors and omissions policies issued to professionals such as architects, engineers, law firms, and real estate brokerages. His practice includes advising on complex coverage issues and developing risk-management strategies in high-stakes professional liability claims and disputes. He has also represented insurers on matters involving general liability and property insurance. Andrew earned his J.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law in 2017 and his B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley. He is admitted to the State Bar of California and is a member of the Professional Liability Underwriting Society (PLUS). Beyond his legal practice, Andrew supports organizations including the SPCA, the Asian American Legal Defense Fund, and Women Against Abuse. Outside the office, he enjoys time with his wife and family, is an avid board-game player, and an aspiring golfer.
Texas Supreme Court will consider an opportunity to reshape the contours of the Stowers doctrine, which requires insurers to consider settlement demands within policy limits with a “degree of care and diligence which an ordinarily prudent person would exercise in the management of his own business”
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Antoinette advises insurers on cyber and privacy matters and represents insurers in matters related to E&O, employment practices, management liability, and general liability policies. She has significant experience litigating complex coverage and commercial disputes nationwide, including at the appellate level. Previously, she spent nearly a decade at major insurance brokers advocating for policyholders and drafting policy language, experience that gives her a unique, 360° perspective. Outside of work, Antoinette enjoys dancing, exploring new places, and spending time with friends and loved ones. She’s fluent in French and is working on her Spanish.
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Arianna represents insurers in regard to matters involving intellectual property, cybersecurity, technology, media and privacy. Arianna began her legal practice in San Francisco as a Bank of America Foundation Legal Fellow at the National Housing Law Project. Upon completing her fellowship, she continued working at local nonprofits, most recently at Legal Assistance to the Elderly. Outside of work, Arianna enjoys vinyasa yoga and Carl Hiaasen novels. Arianna received her J.D. from Notre Dame Law School, and her B.A. in Philosophy from Vassar College.
Autumn Lee earned her B.S. from Loyola Marymount University in 2016, where she double majored in Women’s Studies and Sociology. She went on to receive her M.P.A.from California State University, Long Beach. Outside the office, Autumn is a dedicated foodie who loves cooking, traveling the world, and attending concerts with friends and family.
Bill has years of experience representing professionals, insurers, and reinsurers, in litigation and arbitration. Bill’s practice includes professional liability disputes worldwide of significant size and scope. Bill also has significant law firm management experience and represents lawyers and law firms in risk management and law firm operational matters and disputes. Bill’s practice also includes litigation and counseling regarding wine industry claims and disputes, including litigation regarding counterfeit wine claims. Bill is an active participant in mediation throughout the United States, and other jurisdictions. He has been recognized by Chambers USA in California in the Insurance: Insurer category since 2007 and has been included in The Best Lawyers in America® list for Insurance Law (San Francisco, CA) since 2013. Additionally, he has earned a Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent Rating® and was selected to Thomson Reuters Super Lawyers in 2004, 2006–2014 and 2017–2023. Bill graduated from Stanford University in 1980 with an A.B. in Political Science and received his J.D. from Santa Clara University School of Law in 1984.
Brett Carmody represents insurers in claims involving intellectual property, technology errors and omissions, media liability, and cyber and privacy. He has particular experience with intellectual property disputes and issues arising from emerging technologies, which often present novel coverage challenges. Brett received his J.D. from McGeorge School of Law in 2015 and is admitted to the State Bar of California. He is also a member of the Professional Liability Underwriting Society (PLUS).
Casey advises insurers regarding cybersecurity, technology, media and privacy, as well as professional liability matters. During law school, Casey received a Business Law Certificate and was a founding member of the Society of Women in Golf. She was a summer associate at Atheria in 2024 and worked as a research assistant for Dean Afra Afsharipour, focusing on issues of gender inequality in IPO legal teams. Outside of work, Casey is a staunch Philadelphia sports fan, and enjoys cooking, golfing, and reading. Casey received her J.D. from UC Davis School of Law and her B.S. from Haverford College. During the Summer of 2024, Casey worked with the firm as a summer associate.
Charlotte Worlock leads Atheria’s UK team and focuses her practice on technology, cyber, intellectual property, and privacy law. She is dual-qualified and regularly provides coverage advice and monitoring counsel to insurers in connection with international data privacy and cybersecurity incidents involving both private companies and public sector organizations. Her experience includes advising on claims under cyber liability, technology, media, intellectual property, and professional liability policies, as well as assisting insurers with the development of new cyber insurance products in the U.S. and UK. Charlotte earned her LL.M. in European Legal Studies and her M.A. (Hons) in English and Scottish Literature from the University of Glasgow. She went on to complete her Graduate Diploma in Law in 2004 and the Bar Vocational Course in 2005 at the College of Law, before being called to the Bar of England and Wales by the Honourable Society of Middle Temple. She is admitted as a solicitor of England and Wales, a member of the State Bar of California, and holds both the CIPP/US and CIPP/E certifications. Charlotte has been recognized with scholarships and awards from the Middle Temple, including the Queen Mother’s Scholarship, the Harmsworth Scholarship, and the Blackstone Exhibition. She is an active member of the International Women’s Cyber Association (IWCA) and regularly participates in diversity initiatives such as Visionpath’s Futures Academy. Charlotte also mentors emerging leaders in the UK and U.S. insurance markets. Her publications include articles in Law360 on topics such as post-Brexit data protection considerations and cyber ransom payments, and she has spoken at international conferences on privacy, cyber, and business interruption coverage issues. Outside of work, Charlotte enjoys reading, music, and traveling with her husband and their two daughters.
On Dec. 31, the Brexit transition period ended, and the U.K. formally exited the European Union. Perhaps surprisingly, despite such a seismic shift in the U.K. constitution, the key principles of U.K. data protection law remain fundamentally unchanged...
Ransomware attacks continue to proliferate across the globe and it is expected that 2020 will see continued attacks. Trend Micro Inc. reported a 77% surge in ransomware[1] attacks during the first half of 2019
As we approach the end of an unprecedented year, we look ahead to the next twelve months. In addition to the ongoing strain on company resources caused by the pandemic, we expect companies operating in the UK and their insurers will face additional data protection burdens in 2021
Christina C. Marshall, known as Tina, advises London Market and domestic insurers on complex claims under policies issued to licensed professionals, including global design and construction firms, healthcare providers, real estate professionals, and law firms. She also represents insurers in a wide range of coverage matters involving professional liability, general liability, and excess and umbrella policies. Resolution-focused in her approach, she has negotiated multi-million-dollar settlements of significant, high-profile claims and disputes during her 25-year career, and she has extensive experience litigating and trying multi-party coverage cases. As a founding member of Atheria, she takes pride in the firm’s team-based culture and commitment to inclusion. She earned her J.D. from the University of San Francisco School of Law in 2000 and her B.A. from Santa Clara University. Christina is admitted to the State Bar of California and to practice before the U.S. District Court for the Northern, Eastern, and Central Districts of California. She is also a member of the Professional Liability Underwriting Society (PLUS) and contributes to the San Francisco community through her involvement with City Hope. She has been a featured speaker on professional liability claims and California Fair Claims Practices Settlement Regulations. Outside the office, Christina enjoys life with her two children and her puppy, Pepper.
Christina Terplan represents insurers in matters involving cyber, privacy, and intellectual property, including data breaches, class action litigation related to consumer data collection and use, regulatory investigations, and cyber extortion. She also works closely with insurers in developing policies, endorsements, and manuscripted coverages addressing cyber and intellectual property risks. Christina earned her J.D. from the University of California, UC Law San Francisco and her B.S. from the University of California, Davis. She is admitted to the State Bar of California and is registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. She has been recognized as one of Business Insurance’s 2020 Women to Watch and serves on the Board of Governors for UC Law San Francisco. Christina is active in the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) and the International Women’s Cyber Association (IWCA). She is a frequent speaker at national industry conferences, including RSAC, NetDiligence, the ABA TIPS Cybersecurity and Data Privacy Conference, and the ACC Privacy Summit, and her insights have been featured in publications such as Attorney at Law, Law.com, and Attorney at Law’s National Women in Law Special Edition. Outside the office, Christina enjoys spending time with her daughters, catching up with friends over a glass of wine, and pushing herself on the stationary bike.
Law Firm Leaders: Atheria Law's Christina Terplan
2020 Women to Watch: Christina Terplan
RSA Conference Panel: Your Cybersecurity Insurance Questions Answered
An insurer that brings an action against its insured in California where the insured asserts a counterclaim alleging bad faith may consider filing a motion to strike based on California’s anti-SLAPP statute. However, a recent federal appellate decision suggests that the insurer will face an uphill..
On Dec. 31, the Brexit transition period ended, and the U.K. formally exited the European Union. Perhaps surprisingly, despite such a seismic shift in the U.K. constitution, the key principles of U.K. data protection law remain fundamentally unchanged...
Christopher counsels insurers regarding cybersecurity, technology, media and privacy matters. During law school, Christopher was involved in multiple clinics including the Startup and Small Business clinic as well as the Intellectual Property, Arts and Technology clinic where his project focused on California Consumer Privacy (CCPA) rulemaking activities. Outside of work, Christopher enjoys playing basketball, exercising, and watching movies. Christopher received his J.D. from the University of California, Irvine School of Law, and his B.A. in Political Science from the University of California, Los Angeles.
Christopher K. Wong advises insurers on errors and omissions policies issued to a wide range of professionals, including architects, engineers, and other design professionals. He also counsels domestic and London Market insurers in connection with general liability policies. He earned his J.D. from Chapman University, Fowler School of Law and his B.A. from the University of California, Irvine. He is admitted to the State Bar of California. Outside the office, Christopher enjoys spending time with his wife and daughters.
An insurer that brings an action against its insured in California where the insured asserts a counterclaim alleging bad faith may consider filing a motion to strike based on California’s anti-SLAPP statute. However, a recent federal appellate decision suggests that the insurer will face an uphill..
On large projects, construction and design firms may purchase project-specific insurance policies to provide a single source of available insurance for claims related to that particular project..
Chriszayda has over 12 years of experience in office administration, including HR, Accounting, and Facilities departments. Before joining Atheria, she served as Office Administrator for a global international law firm. Chriszayda prides herself on the many strong interpersonal relationships she’s built over the years. She strives to adhere to the best piece of advice she’s ever been given: don't worry about making everyone happy, because that isn’t possible. Instead, aim to always give your best and know that you tried. Chriszayda grew up in San Francisco and enjoys going to local sporting events in her free time.
Cory Stumpf represents London Market and U.S. insurers in a wide range of coverage matters, with a focus on professional liability, general liability, and employment claims. His practice includes advising on coverage and policy drafting, as well as litigating insurance disputes. Cory has successfully resolved numerous matters in mediation across the United States, applying a diplomatic and results-driven approach. He earned his J.D. from UCLA School of Law in 2016 and his B.A. from Gonzaga University in 2013. He is admitted to the State Bar of California and is a member of the Professional Liability Underwriting Society (PLUS). Cory has authored articles on insurance and risk mitigation, including “Risk Mitigation in Face of Rising Legal Malpractice Claims,” published in Law360 (2022). Outside the office, Cory enjoys reading historical biographies and fantasy novels and spending time with his wife and daughter.
For decades, debt collection agencies have operated within a regulatory framework that requires compliance with a hodgepodge of dated legislation subject to various interpretations across different jurisdictions.
As most insurers know, a reservation-of-rights letter is only useful to the extent that it can be enforced at a later date...
On April 1, 2021, the United States Supreme Court issued a unanimous 9-0 decision in Facebook, Inc. v. Duguid..
Cynthia Winter is an experienced Executive Assistant supporting Atheria’s Professional Liability and Architects & Engineers teams. She has worked alongside the same group of attorneys for more than twenty years, including at the founding of Atheria, assisting with all aspects of practice and client service. Cynthia earned her paralegal degree in 2014 and continues to draw on her deep knowledge of the field to support both colleagues and clients. A Bay Area native, she enjoys volunteering with community organizations, exploring the arts, and discovering the region’s food scene.
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David W. Jordan counsels professional liability insurers and their insureds in complex matters involving claims reaching billions of dollars. His practice spans six continents and includes representing some of the largest architectural and engineering firms in the world. He earned his J.D. from Vanderbilt University School of Law in 1993 and his B.S. from the University of Alabama. David is admitted to the State Bar of California and the State Bar of Georgia, where he is active in the Professional Liability Section and the Tort and Insurance Practice Section. He is also a member of the Professional Liability Underwriting Society (PLUS).
EJ Kim focuses her practice on cyber, privacy, media, and technology risks, including the development of bespoke policy wordings and new cyber insurance programs. She advises insurers on coverage issues and monitors claims arising from computer network and data breaches, consumer lawsuits, regulatory investigations, and litigation concerning media and intellectual property. EJ also counsels insurers on cyber policies and the broader cyber insurance market, including drafting policies, establishing programs, and coordinating with vendors and service providers. Before concentrating her practice in this area, she spent nearly a decade litigating complex insurance coverage disputes, class actions, and commercial cases. She earned her J.D. from the University of California, UC Law San Francisco in 2006 and is admitted to the State Bar of California. EJ has been a featured speaker at industry events, including the NetDiligence Cyber Risk Summit in Philadelphia (2024), where she addressed supply chain risk in cyber coverage.
Eric Moon represents insurers in connection with errors and omissions (E&O) policies issued to professionals including attorneys, architects, engineers, accountants, real estate agents, insurance brokers, business managers, and mortgage professionals. He also advises insurers on general liability, employment practices liability, property, event contingency, and miscellaneous E&O policies, and has litigated matters on behalf of both insurers and insureds. Earlier in his career, Eric practiced in London, where he worked closely with Lloyd’s syndicates and their clients. In 2019, he co-founded Atheria with partners he has collaborated with throughout his career. Eric earned his J.D. from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law in 2000 and his B.A. from Georgetown University. He is admitted to the State Bar of California and is a member of the Professional Liability Underwriting Society (PLUS). Eric has been recognized in Chambers USA (2025) and has served on the boards of several nonprofit organizations. He has also spoken at industry events including the London Professional-Indemnity Claims Roundtable and the Bar Association of San Francisco’s program “London Calling: What Every Coverage Attorney Needs to Know about Lloyd’s.” Outside the office, Eric enjoys spending time with his family and watching, coaching, and playing sports.
Gabriela Slabine represents insurers in matters involving cybersecurity, data breach, and privacy claims. She advises clients on both first- and third-party coverage of privacy incidents. Her experience gives her extensive knowledge of claims processes across multiple lines of coverage. Gabriela earned her J.D. from the University of California, UC Law San Francisco in 2017 and her B.A. from the University of San Francisco. She is admitted to the State Bar of California and has been recognized as a Northern California Rising Star (2025). A San Francisco native, Gabriela enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and two rescue dogs. Despite her Bay Area roots, she is an enthusiastic supporter of Boston sports teams.
Gabrielle Walter supports Atheria’s Technology, Privacy & Cyber practice group. She has more than twenty years of experience providing high-level administrative support to senior executives across the legal, higher education, and nonprofit sectors. She earned her M.F.A. from The New School in New York and her B.F.A. from New York University. Outside the office, Gabrielle enjoys writing, cooking, gardening, and treasure hunting at flea markets.
Jaime Monroy brings more than ten years of technology experience in financial and professional services to his role at Atheria. He focuses on practical, user-centered IT solutions and combines frontline problem-solving skills with a thoughtful, client-focused approach to technology support and infrastructure. He has extensive experience managing digital environments and believes that well-tended systems deserve the same careful attention as any other resource. Outside the office, Jaime enjoys spending time with his family and finding peace among the redwoods in his backyard, often with his dog by his side.
Based in Atheria’s London office, Jake Gibbs provides coverage advice to insurers on cybersecurity, privacy, media, and technology matters, with a particular focus on international issues. Jake earned his LL.B. from the University of Nottingham in 2019 and holds two LL.M. degrees from the University of Connecticut School of Law: one in Insurance Law (2019) and one in U.S. Legal Studies (2020). He was admitted to the State Bar of New York in 2022 and to the roll of solicitors in England and Wales in 2024. Outside the office, Jake enjoys gardening, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Jamie is one of the founding partners of Atheria Law. Acting as coverage and monitoring counsel, he represents London Market and U.S. insurers on claims across the globe involving technology services and products, cyber, privacy class actions, online defamation, and intellectual property infringement. Clients know they can count on his creativity and deep industry knowledge to efficiently resolve complex claims and coverage disputes. He also prepares bespoke policy wordings for insurers. He has over two decades of legal and insurance experience, including eleven years litigating coverage actions in federal and state courts on behalf of policyholders and insurers. He has written and spoken extensively on issues involving insurance law and civil litigation, including through the Professional Liability Underwriting Society (PLUS) and the Practising Law Institute (PLI). He holds the Certified Information Privacy Professional / United States (CIPP/US) designation from the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP), and is Secretary of the Board of the PLUS Northern California Chapter. Jamie is fiercely proud of his Basque heritage and sits on the Board of Directors of the non-profit San Francisco Basque Cultural Center. He received his J.D. from Boston University School of Law, and his B.A. from the University of California, Los Angeles.
On September 9, 2021, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida followed the recent trend of Florida state and federal courts by dismissing a putative class action lawsuit alleging that Costco’s use of session replay software violates the Florida Security of Communications Act
Jaqueline Herrera, known as Jay, brings more than seven years of experience as a legal assistant, providing comprehensive support to attorneys in both transactional and litigation practices. She is particularly drawn to the fast-paced nature of litigation and the evolving intersection of law and technology. At Atheria, she values contributing to a forward-thinking team where innovation and legal expertise meet. She is continuing her education with a focus on emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. Outside the office, Jaqueline enjoys spending time with her family and expressing her creativity through oil painting, often inspired by the natural world.
Jeffrey Leight advises domestic and international insurers on cybersecurity incidents and related regulatory investigations and litigation, including data breaches, cyber extortion, electronic fraud, and privacy class actions. He has worked with government agencies, educational institutions, and companies across industries such as manufacturing, technology, food and beverage, media, and healthcare to address complex privacy and cyber liability issues. As lead coverage counsel on hundreds of data breach and privacy matters, Jeffrey has managed and resolved significant incidents impacting hundreds of thousands of individuals worldwide. He earned his J.D. from Southwestern Law School in 2013 and his B.S. from California Baptist University. Jeffrey is admitted to the State Bar of California. Outside the office, he enjoys spending time with his wife and young son, and he is an avid outdoors enthusiast who especially enjoys backpacking and alpine fishing.
Jessica L. Kelly counsels insurers on errors and omissions policies issued to professionals and represents insurers across a broad range of coverages, including professional liability, general liability, and employment practices. She also advises law firms on risk management, handles coverage disputes, and defends professionals in malpractice actions. For nearly two decades, Jessica has worked alongside the founding partners of Atheria, collaborating with clients and colleagues on complex and cutting-edge legal and insurance issues. She earned her J.D. from the University of California, UC Law San Francisco in 2002 and her B.A.s from the University of California, Davis. Jessica is admitted to the State Bar of California and is a member of the Professional Liability Underwriting Society (PLUS). She also serves on the boards of two educational nonprofit organizations and is a member of the National Charity League. Outside the office, Jessica enjoys running and playing tennis.
Jessica E. Scott represents insurers in first- and third-party matters involving cyber and privacy losses, as well as technology, media, and intellectual property claims. Her practice includes facilitating front-line incident response to data breaches and ransomware events, advising on statutory and regulatory liabilities, and monitoring complex individual and class action litigation. Jessica has also handled high-stakes exposures involving consumer privacy, advertising, intellectual property, and software implementation disputes. Jessica earned her J.D. from the American University Washington College of Law in 2014 and her B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley. She is admitted to the State Bar of California and to practice before the U.S. District Court for the Central and Northern Districts of California. She has been recognized as a Northern California Rising Star by Super Lawyers (2025). Jessica is also a member of the Professional Liability Underwriting Society (PLUS) and the California Minority Counsel Program, and she serves as Co-Chair of Atheria’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee.
Joan D’Ambrosio represents insurers in matters involving technology, media, intellectual property, and privacy claims, including data security and privacy breaches. She has overseen thousands of data breach incidents, ranging from individual claims to some of the largest healthcare, retail, hospitality, education, and government breaches reported. Joan also advises insurers and their policyholders on professional liability matters. A passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, she co-founded Atheria with colleagues she has worked alongside for decades, creating a firm built on teamwork, innovation, and a strong culture of inclusion. Joan earned her J.D. from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law in 1991 and her B.A. from the University of California, San Diego. She is admitted to the State Bar of California and is a member of the Professional Liability Underwriting Society (PLUS). She has been recognized by Chambers USA in California (Insurance: Insurer, 2023–2024) and has repeatedly been selected to the Super Lawyers list, including most recently in 2024. She contributes to the broader legal and insurance community as a frequent author and speaker on cyber and privacy issues, with appearances at industry conferences including NetDiligence, PLUS, and Zywave Cyber Risk Insights. Beyond her professional commitments, Joan supports educational and community initiatives through organizations such as Stevenson School Alumni and Rise Up.
Joshua S. Leach represents and advises cyber insurers on coverage for losses and claims arising from breach events of all sizes, and he frequently assists with front-line incident response. With more than a decade of experience in insurance coverage disputes, he has handled litigation involving the scope of insurance coverage, bad faith, equitable contribution among co-insurers, and equitable subrogation between primary and excess insurers. Joshua earned his J.D. from the University of California, Davis School of Law in 2000, as well as his B.A. and M.A. from the University of California, Davis. He is admitted to the State Bar of California. Outside the office, Joshua enjoys spending time with his two daughters and is passionate about cooking, podcasts, movies, video games, and kayaking.
Julie Choi Hawkinson represents insurers in technology, media, intellectual property, privacy, and directors and officers liability claims. She has particular experience with complex and high-stakes class actions involving consumer privacy, data breaches, defamation, software implementation, advertising, and intellectual property disputes. Julie is a founding member of Atheria and is most proud of building a firm with colleagues who champion diversity, inclusion, and belonging. She earned her J.D. from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law in 2000 and her B.S. from the University of Southern California. Julie is admitted to the State Bar of California and is active in the California Minority Counsel Program (CMCP) and the Asian American Insurance Network (AAIN). She is also a dedicated advocate for underrepresented groups, serving her community through organizations such as the Koreatown Youth + Community Center (KYCC) and the Hollywood Food Coalition, and she is a member of Atheria’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. Julie contributes to the field through publications and frequent speaking engagements. She has written on emerging issues in cyber and biometric litigation and has spoken at national industry events including NetDiligence Cyber Risk Summits and programs hosted by the ABA Litigation Section and the California Minority Counsel Program. Outside the office, Julie enjoys spending time with her family and engaging in community-based initiatives.
Julie McSorley brings more than twenty years of human resources experience to her role at Atheria, with a background spanning employee relations management at a large national retailer and consulting for a portfolio of smaller companies. She focuses on building effective workplace solutions that reflect both organizational goals and employee well-being. Julie earned her B.A. from San Jose State University. She also holds a PHRca certification from the Human Resource Certification Institute (2021). Outside the office, Julie enjoys interior decorating, gardening, wine tasting, and spending time with her family.
Kelly T. Nugent has more than 30 years of experience representing both domestic and London Market insurers. Her practice focuses on resolving and managing complex coverage issues, with particular emphasis on technology, privacy and cyber, and professional liability insurance. She regularly advises on errors and omissions, management liability, directors and officers liability, and employment practices liability, and she has significant experience drafting policy wordings. Kelly has practiced in both private practice and as senior in-house claims counsel for a Fortune 500 insurance company, and she frequently speaks on emerging coverage and legal issues. She earned her J.D. from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in 1993 and is admitted to practice in California state and federal courts, as well as before the U.S. Supreme Court. Kelly is a member of the Professional Liability Underwriting Society (PLUS) and a longtime volunteer with DiveIn America, where she has served in leadership roles including co-leader of the Women at Work Committee. An advocate for diversity and inclusion in the insurance industry, Kelly also contributes to the field through speaking engagements at national programs hosted by organizations such as the ABA, Riverstone, and the Alameda County Bar Association. Outside the office, Kelly enjoys supporting community initiatives and mentoring colleagues in the profession.
As we approach the end of an unprecedented year, we look ahead to the next twelve months. In addition to the ongoing strain on company resources caused by the pandemic, we expect companies operating in the UK and their insurers will face additional data protection burdens in 2021
On September 9, 2021, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida followed the recent trend of Florida state and federal courts by dismissing a putative class action lawsuit alleging that Costco’s use of session replay software violates the Florida Security of Communications Act
Kevin M. Haithcox represents insurers in technology, media, intellectual property, and cyber/privacy matters, including errors and omissions claims and data security and privacy breaches. He assists insurers with developing and implementing claims resolution strategies and has extensive experience in coverage analysis and litigation involving cyber, general liability, business automobile, and professional liability policies. His background also includes handling catastrophic injury, environmental, and toxic tort litigation. Kevin earned his J.D. from Cornell Law School in 1992, where he concentrated in trial advocacy, and his B.A. from Pomona College. He is admitted to the State Bar of California. Outside the office, Kevin enjoys reading great books by the ocean.
Based in Atheria’s London office, Lauren Spanjar-Hewitt provides administrative support to the firm and its attorneys. She brings years of executive assistant and management experience, including overseeing the administration department within the Law Society’s Membership Services Directorate. Lauren earned her B.A. in Film and Media Studies from Middlesex University in the United Kingdom. She is also certified in yoga instruction, having completed 400 hours of teacher training with the BWY. In addition, she volunteers with Mosaic Trust, an LGBT+ youth charity, and has been active for more than 14 years in the Al-Anon Family Group recovery program, where she sponsors individuals affected by alcoholism. Outside the office, Lauren enjoys practicing yoga and traveling.
Madisen Ro is a graduate of the University of California, San Diego. She brings global perspective to her work, having lived in both South Korea and France. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Madisen enjoys attending Dodgers games, exploring new restaurants and cafés, and working on puzzles in her free time.
Maria represents insurers on matters involving intellectual property, cybersecurity, technology, media and privacy. While in law school, Maria served as a Student Associate in the Entrepreneurs’ Law Clinic, counseling startups on intellectual property and corporate issues such as privacy policies, trademark clearance, and copyright protection. She also held multiple leadership roles and was honored with the Dean’s Leadership Award for her service to the law school community. Outside of work, Maria enjoys baking, exploring new restaurants, and spending time with family and friends. Maria received her J.D. from Santa Clara University School of Law, where she earned a High-Tech Law Certificate in Intellectual Property, and her B.S. from the University of Florida. She is admitted to practice law in Florida and California and speaks Spanish fluently.
Marisa Stumpf supports Atheria’s Professional Indemnity practice group. Marisa earned her B.A. from Pepperdine University. Outside the office, she enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, going to the beach, and playing the piano and ukulele.
Mark Cooley is the Business Manager at Atheria and is based in the San Francisco office. He began his career in marketing for high-tech companies in Silicon Valley and brings extensive business and operations experience to his role at Atheria. Mark earned his M.B.A. from Santa Clara University and his B.A. from the University of California, San Diego. Outside the office, Mark enjoys playing golf, hiking, going to the beach, and cooking.
Michael G. Niebuhr represents insurers in complex claims arising under cyber, privacy, technology, media, intellectual property, and professional liability policies. He regularly counsels clients on coverage issues and litigation strategy, particularly in matters involving novel or unsettled areas of law. His experience includes providing coverage opinions and managing exposure assessment and mitigation for large data breaches, regulatory liabilities, consumer class actions, and commercial disputes affecting a range of industries. Michael also advises insurers on systemic risk trends in digital privacy and multimedia, helping clients proactively identify and address emerging concerns. He earned his J.D. from the University of California, UC Law San Francisco in 2017 and is admitted to the State Bar of California. Michael has been recognized by Super Lawyers as a Northern California Rising Star (2024–2025) and is listed in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch (2025).
Michelle is a senior paralegal who assists Atheria’s attorneys in their representation of insurers with regard to technology-based error and omission, media, data and privacy breach, and intellectual property claims. Michelle previously worked with most of the Atheria team for five years at Clyde & Co. She joined Atheria so that she could continue working with people who feel like family to her. In her free time, Michelle is happiest when baking, spending time with her family, and learning to play the piano. Although she’s a lifelong Bay Area native, Michelle attended California State University, Northridge where she earned a B.A. in Political Science. She continued her education at the University of California, Los Angeles to receive her Paralegal Certificate.
Naaley Khounpaseuth is a legal assistant at Atheria, where she supports attorneys representing insurers in matters involving cybersecurity, data breach, and privacy claims. She brings strong organizational skills and a background in political science to her role. Naaley earned her B.A. from San Francisco State University. While at San Francisco State, she also participated in the Moot Court program. Outside the office, Naaley enjoys training in Muay Thai, skating at Ocean Beach, and cooking meals for her friends and family.
Nekea Littlejohn provides support to Atheria’s Technology, Media, and Privacy team. She brings more than 15 years of experience in retail operations, project management, and customer relations, and she is passionate about combining education and service in her work with clients and attorneys. Nekea earned her B.S. from Howard University. She is also active in community outreach through her church. Outside the office, Nekea enjoys traveling, connecting with nature, and spending time with her family.
Nick Bastovan represents insurers in connection with policies addressing technology, media, privacy, and breach incidents, including both first- and third-party claims. He also draws on his litigation background from practice prior to joining Atheria. Nick earned his J.D. from Santa Clara University School of Law in 2021, where he completed the High Tech Law Certificate program and was awarded the CALI Excellence for the Future Award (2018). He received his B.A. from the University of California, Davis. He is admitted to the State Bar of California and is a member of the San Francisco Bar Association. Nick also serves on the board of the local nonprofit Tri-Valley CAREs and has published scholarship on the environmental impacts of nuclear warheads. Outside the office, Nick enjoys playing the guitar, spending time with his wife, and cheering on the San Jose Sharks.
Nick Lieberknecht counsels insurers on professional liability policies issued to design professionals. His global practice regularly involves complex matters with exposures exceeding $1 billion, and he frequently represents insurers — and sometimes entire insurance towers — in all aspects of coverage, including evaluating coverage, conducting risk and liability analysis of the underlying dispute, and negotiating settlements. Nick values the challenge of solving complex problems for his clients and their insureds and appreciates working with the collaborative team at Atheria. He earned his J.D. from the University of California, Davis School of Law in 2007 and his B.A.s from the University of California, San Diego. He is admitted to the State Bar of California and is a member of the Professional Liability Underwriting Society (PLUS). Nick is also the author of From Innovation to Exposure: Artificial Intelligence Risks for Legal Professionals (2025).
Nicole Culp is an Executive Assistant supporting Atheria’s Technology, Media, and Privacy/Cyber team. She has more than a decade of experience supporting attorneys and senior executives, including ten years with a Chicago-based intellectual property law firm. Nicole earned her B.S. from the University of Illinois at Chicago. A Bay Area native, she enjoys spending time with family and friends and exploring the region’s food and culture.
Nicole Herbert has more than 16 years of experience as a legal assistant and paralegal. She has worked in civil litigation, bankruptcy, family law, and disability insurance, and she brings extensive litigation support experience to her role at Atheria. Nicole values the variety and challenge of her work, finding motivation in the opportunity to learn something new every day while supporting her team and clients. She earned her Associate in Arts degree from American River College. Outside the office, Nicole enjoys traveling, fishing, trying new recipes, and spending time with her family.
Nicole Zappala Shapiro, known as Nikki, is a partner in Atheria’s Professional Liability group. She advises domestic and international insurers on claims reported under errors and omissions policies issued to attorneys, law firms, accounting firms, healthcare organizations, and other professionals. She represents clients nationwide in all aspects of insurance coverage and also counsels insurers and executives on risk management, best practices, and ethics issues. In addition to her practice, Nicole serves as Atheria’s General Counsel. Earlier in her career, she focused on commercial and business litigation and represented attorneys in professional liability disputes. She earned her J.D. from the University of San Francisco School of Law in 2002 and her B.A. from Boston College. Nicole is admitted to the State Bar of California and is a member of the Professional Liability Underwriting Society (PLUS), the Association of Professional Responsibility Lawyers, and the Legal Management Resources General Counsel Roundtable. She has been a featured speaker at industry events, including the CLM Annual Conference (2024), the U.S. Professional Liability Roundtable (2024, 2025), and CLM’s Litigation Bootcamp (2025). Beyond her professional commitments, Nicole serves her community through leadership roles with the Claire Lilienthal School, including as PTA President (2023–2024) and Site Counsel Vice Chairperson (2018–2020). She enjoys spending her free time exploring new places with her husband and two daughters.
Quinlan Moslander advises insurers on cybersecurity, privacy, media, and technology matters, as well as on professional liability policies issued to architects and engineers. She has been involved with Atheria since the beginning of her legal career and values the firm’s dedication to positive culture and inclusion. Quinlan is also active in Atheria’s Leadership Liaison Committee and its Corporate Culture and Community Involvement Committee. She earned her J.D. from the University of California, UC Law San Francisco in 2022 and her B.A. from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Quinlan is admitted to the State Bar of California and is a member of the Professional Liability Underwriting Society (PLUS). Outside the office, she enjoys golfing, cooking, and exploring restaurants.
Rachel Davis advises insurers on cybersecurity, privacy, media, and technology matters, including incident response, regulatory investigations, and litigation arising from data breaches and consumer privacy claims. She brings a practical, solutions-focused approach informed by her research experience and early exposure to complex coverage issues. She earned her J.D. from Santa Clara University School of Law in 2024, graduating with the High Tech Law Certificate with Honors, and her B.A. from the University of Washington. Rachel is admitted to the State Bar of California and has served as a research assistant to Dean Michael Kaufman.
Rebekah Rose Shapiro has more than a decade of experience representing domestic and international insurers. Her practice includes handling first-party and third-party cyber claims worldwide, as well as litigation and counseling involving technology errors and omissions, media liability, commercial general liability, and other types of coverage. Rebekah earned her J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law in 2008 and her B.A. from Thomas Aquinas College. She is admitted to the State Bar of California. Rebekah has been recognized by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Insurance Law (2024) and was selected to the Northern California Super Lawyers Rising Stars list for Insurance Coverage (2017–2019). She contributes to the profession as a contributor to Liability Insurance Practice: Claims and Litigation (2021–present) and as a contributing editor to the Rutter Practice Guide: California Civil Procedure Before Trial: Claims and Defenses (2012–present). Outside the office, Rebekah serves her community as Librarian at St. Joseph Parish in San Mateo, California, and previously as its pro bono General Counsel.
Rhesa Tran is a paralegal in Atheria’s Los Angeles office, where she supports the Technology, Media, and Privacy team. She has broad experience assisting attorneys in civil litigation, family law, and insurance coverage, and she brings both legal and technical expertise to her role. Rhesa earned her B.A. from the University of La Verne and her A.A. from Cerritos College. She also holds a Mediation Certificate from the Pacific Mediation Project (2023) and a Legal Technology Certificate from the National Society for Legal Technology. She is an active member of the Los Angeles Paralegal Association (LAPA). Dedicated to her community, Rhesa co-created Cops4Compassion, a program in partnership with law enforcement and schools in Los Angeles County to promote diversity and inclusion, and she teaches interviewing skills through the University of La Verne’s Paralegal Internship Course. Outside the office, Rhesa enjoys spending time with her family, playing video games, and performing as guitarist and vocalist in an all-female rock band.
Richard advises insurers regarding cybersecurity, technology, media, and privacy, as well as professional liability matters. During law school, Richard was a member of the Honors Society, served as Senior Production Editor of the UC Law Journal, and competed on the Moot Court team. In his third year, he published a note in the UC Law Journal analyzing the impacts of the 2023 SEC amendments to beneficial ownership reporting on shareholder activism. Outside of work, Richard enjoys running, playing guitar, and supporting the Golden State Warriors and Valkyries. Richard received his J.D. (cum laude) from the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco, and his B.A. in Philosophy with a minor in Cognitive Science from the University of California, Los Angeles. During the Summer of 2024, Richard worked with the firm as a summer associate.
Rika Miyashita earned her B.A. from Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, where she focused on Spanish and political science. Before joining Atheria, she worked as a translator and in customer relations, experience that informs her work supporting attorneys and clients. Outside the office, Rika enjoys attending dance classes and exploring new restaurants in the Bay Area.
Rozie Argueta earned her B.S. from the University of California, Davis. She brings that experience to her role at Atheria, where she is driven by a passion for justice and advocacy. Rozie is actively involved in her community, volunteering with youth programs that support children in foster care, providing free tutoring to students, rescuing dogs from high-risk shelters, and participating in local homeless outreach efforts. Outside the office, Rozie enjoys camping, reading, baking, and spending time with her dog and cats.
Shannon Wang provides administrative support to Atheria’s Technology, Media, and Privacy team. She graduated from the University of California, Riverside. Outside the office, Shannon enjoys working on jigsaw puzzles, writing novels, and painting.
Sharon Park provides administrative support to Atheria’s Professional Liability group in the San Francisco office. She earned her B.S. from San Jose State University. Outside the office, Sharon enjoys attending concerts and spending time with her cat, Potato.
Susannah Eichele represents insurers in claims involving cyber and privacy issues, including data and security breaches, cyber extortion, regulatory compliance, media liability, and related lawsuits such as class actions. She also has extensive experience litigating coverage cases involving CGL, property, errors and omissions, and directors and officers liability policies. Susannah has litigated complex matters in state and federal trial and appellate courts throughout the United States. Before beginning her legal career, she negotiated advertising campaigns for one of the nation’s largest wireless companies. She earned her J.D. from Loyola Law School in 2009 and her B.A. from the University of California, Irvine. Susannah is admitted to the State Bar of California and to practice before the U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Central, Southern, and Eastern Districts of California. She served as Chair of the Insurance Section of the Orange County Bar Association in 2020.
Teshi Sakani is a legal assistant at Atheria and a member of the firm’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee. She has experience in family law, mass tort litigation, and criminal defense, and she brings a strong commitment to equity and representation to her work. Teshi has aspired to a career as an attorney from a young age and plans to pursue law school in the future. She earned her B.A. from San Francisco State University. Outside the office, Teshi enjoys landscape and lifestyle photography, spending time with family and friends, and discovering new brunch spots around the Bay Area.
Timothy Bricker advises insurers on professional indemnity as well as technology, media, and privacy matters. He has been part of the Atheria team for several years, first as a paralegal, then as a summer associate, before joining the firm as an attorney. His earlier experience includes four summers as a legal intern with the San Francisco Public Defender’s Office and fundraising work for the Nature Conservancy through Dialogue Direct. He earned his J.D. from the University of California, UC Law San Francisco in 2024 and his B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley. Timothy is admitted to the State Bar of California.
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