Atheria’s Professional Liability group is a robust team of lawyers and legal professionals, each with extensive experience representing insurers in connection with a wide variety of claims against lawyers, architects, engineers, accountants, and other professionals.
Our clients’ insureds range from solo practitioners to the largest professional services firms in the world. We are routinely involved in bet-the-company claims with alleged damages in the billions of dollars. Our team prides itself on our zealous representation of insurers’ interests without losing sight of our clients’ valuable relationships with brokers and their insureds.
In this capacity, we regularly:
On November 28, 2023, the Oregon Supreme Court confirmed the existence of an outside deadline for pursuing legal malpractice claims apart from the statute of limitations. At issue in Marshall v. PricewaterhouseCoopers, 371 Or. 536 (2023) was the applicability of a statute of repose to actions
We report on a significant recent development in the Marriott data breach putative class action litigation. Following oral argument on May 3, 2023, the Fourth Circuit just issued its decision vacating the district court’s largely unprecedented decision (from May 2022) which certified certain classes
On June 3, 2023, the Nevada governor signed AB398, a law prohibiting insurers from issuing or renewing defense within limits liability policies in the State of Nevada, effective October 1, 2023. Thus, any liability policy issued or renewed in Nevada after October 1, 2023, must provide a defense...
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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.
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Tina advises insurers with respect to complex claims reported under policies issued to global design and construction professionals. She also represents Lloyd’s syndicates and domestic insurers in a broad range of insurance coverage issues arising under professional liability, general liability, and excess/umbrella policies. Tina’s practice is resolution-focused, and she has negotiated multi-million dollar settlements of large, high-profile claims and coverage disputes during her career, which spans over 20 years. The first ten years of her practice were focused on complex litigation and trial work, including multi-party insurance coverage disputes, but also product liability, construction defect litigation, and medical malpractice. Tina’s trial experience is the foundation upon which she has built her current monitoring and counseling practice. As a founding member of Atheria, the firm’s growth, team-based approach, and mission of inclusion are among Tina’s proudest accomplishments—secondary to her two children and adorable puppy, Pepper. Tina received her J.D. from the University of San Francisco School of Law and her B.A. (cum laude) from Santa Clara University.
Thank you for your interest in contacting us. Before doing so, please understand that your email will not create an attorney-client relationship with Atheria and will not preclude Atheria from representing a party with interests adverse to yours. Atheria cannot represent you until we have confirmed that our representation of you will not create a conflict of interest and you and the firm have entered into a formal engagement agreement. In the absence of an attorney-client relationship, Atheria has no duty to keep information that you transmit to us confidential. Accordingly, please do not send us any information unless and until Atheria confirms for you that an attorney-client relationship has been formed.
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Tina advises insurers with respect to complex claims reported under policies issued to global design and construction professionals. She also represents Lloyd’s syndicates and domestic insurers in a broad range of insurance coverage issues arising under professional liability, general liability, and excess/umbrella policies. Tina’s practice is resolution-focused, and she has negotiated multi-million dollar settlements of large, high-profile claims and coverage disputes during her career, which spans over 20 years. The first ten years of her practice were focused on complex litigation and trial work, including multi-party insurance coverage disputes, but also product liability, construction defect litigation, and medical malpractice. Tina’s trial experience is the foundation upon which she has built her current monitoring and counseling practice. As a founding member of Atheria, the firm’s growth, team-based approach, and mission of inclusion are among Tina’s proudest accomplishments—secondary to her two children and adorable puppy, Pepper. Tina received her J.D. from the University of San Francisco School of Law and her B.A. (cum laude) from Santa Clara University.
Thank you for your interest in contacting us. Before doing so, please understand that your email will not create an attorney-client relationship with Atheria and will not preclude Atheria from representing a party with interests adverse to yours. Atheria cannot represent you until we have confirmed that our representation of you will not create a conflict of interest and you and the firm have entered into a formal engagement agreement. In the absence of an attorney-client relationship, Atheria has no duty to keep information that you transmit to us confidential. Accordingly, please do not send us any information unless and until Atheria confirms for you that an attorney-client relationship has been formed.
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David concentrates on counseling professional liability insurers and their insureds in matters involving up to billions of U.S. dollars in claimed damages. His professional liability practice includes complex matters across six continents, involving some of the largest architectural and engineering firms in the world. He received his J.D. from Vanderbilt University School of Law and his B.S. (summa cum laude) from the University of Alabama.
Thank you for your interest in contacting us. Before doing so, please understand that your email will not create an attorney-client relationship with Atheria and will not preclude Atheria from representing a party with interests adverse to yours. Atheria cannot represent you until we have confirmed that our representation of you will not create a conflict of interest and you and the firm have entered into a formal engagement agreement. In the absence of an attorney-client relationship, Atheria has no duty to keep information that you transmit to us confidential. Accordingly, please do not send us any information unless and until Atheria confirms for you that an attorney-client relationship has been formed.
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Eric 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 represents insurers with respect to general liability, employment practices liability, event contingency, and miscellaneous E&O policies. Earlier in his career, Eric worked in London, practicing alongside clients and working in-house with several Lloyd’s syndicates. He has litigated on behalf of both insurers and their insureds. Eric helped found Atheria with a group of partners/friends he has known his entire career. Even after more than 20 years of practice, Eric learns something new every day from collaborating with the incredible Atheria team. He received his J.D. from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law, and his B.A. (magna cum laude) from Georgetown University.
Thank you for your interest in contacting us. Before doing so, please understand that your email will not create an attorney-client relationship with Atheria and will not preclude Atheria from representing a party with interests adverse to yours. Atheria cannot represent you until we have confirmed that our representation of you will not create a conflict of interest and you and the firm have entered into a formal engagement agreement. In the absence of an attorney-client relationship, Atheria has no duty to keep information that you transmit to us confidential. Accordingly, please do not send us any information unless and until Atheria confirms for you that an attorney-client relationship has been formed.
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Nick counsels insurers in connection with professional liability policies issued to design professionals. His global practice regularly includes complex matters in which the amount at issue exceeds $1 billion. He represents insurers, and often entire insurance towers, in all aspects of insurance coverage, including the evaluation of coverage, risk/liability analysis of the underlying dispute, and settlement negotiation. The most inspiring part of Nick’s job is solving complex problems for his clients and their insureds. He joined the Atheria team for the opportunity to work with a talented group of people that truly cares about each other. Nick received his J.D. from the University of California, Davis School of Law, and his B.A. (cum laude) from the University of California, San Diego.
Thank you for your interest in contacting us. Before doing so, please understand that your email will not create an attorney-client relationship with Atheria and will not preclude Atheria from representing a party with interests adverse to yours. Atheria cannot represent you until we have confirmed that our representation of you will not create a conflict of interest and you and the firm have entered into a formal engagement agreement. In the absence of an attorney-client relationship, Atheria has no duty to keep information that you transmit to us confidential. Accordingly, please do not send us any information unless and until Atheria confirms for you that an attorney-client relationship has been formed.
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Nikki advises domestic and international insurers in connection with claims reported under errors and omissions policies issued to attorneys, law firms, accounting firms, healthcare organizations and facilities, and other professionals. She represents domestic and international insurer clients in all aspects of insurance coverage nationwide. Nikki also provides advice to insurers and executives on risk management issues, best practices, and ethics issues. In addition, Nikki also serves as Legal Counsel to the firm. Nikki began her career as a litigator, with an emphasis in commercial and business litigation. She also has experience representing attorneys in professional liability disputes. Nikki is a strong advocate for pro bono work and leads Atheria’s pro bono efforts. Nikki received her J.D. from the University of San Francisco School of Law, and her B.A. (cum laude) from Boston College.
Thank you for your interest in contacting us. Before doing so, please understand that your email will not create an attorney-client relationship with Atheria and will not preclude Atheria from representing a party with interests adverse to yours. Atheria cannot represent you until we have confirmed that our representation of you will not create a conflict of interest and you and the firm have entered into a formal engagement agreement. In the absence of an attorney-client relationship, Atheria has no duty to keep information that you transmit to us confidential. Accordingly, please do not send us any information unless and until Atheria confirms for you that an attorney-client relationship has been formed.
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Aishlin advises insurers in connection with errors and omissions and cyber security policies issued to professionals, including law firms, accountants, and real estate professionals. She represents insurers in connection with a broad range of coverages such as general liability, employment practices, and management liability policies. Aishlin also has experience counseling law firms and lawyers regarding risk management, representing insurers in coverage disputes, and defending professionals in malpractice actions. The best part of Aishlin’s career at Atheria is working alongside and learning from lawyers at the top of the profession. Outside of work, she is happiest spending time with her family outdoors. Aishlin received her J.D. (cum laude) from the University of California, Hastings College of Law, where she served as the editor in chief of the Journal on Gender and the Law (formerly known as the Women’s Law Journal), and her B.A. (magna cum laude) from Saint Mary’s College of California.
Thank you for your interest in contacting us. Before doing so, please understand that your email will not create an attorney-client relationship with Atheria and will not preclude Atheria from representing a party with interests adverse to yours. Atheria cannot represent you until we have confirmed that our representation of you will not create a conflict of interest and you and the firm have entered into a formal engagement agreement. In the absence of an attorney-client relationship, Atheria has no duty to keep information that you transmit to us confidential. Accordingly, please do not send us any information unless and until Atheria confirms for you that an attorney-client relationship has been formed.
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Andrew advises insurers in connection with errors and omissions policies issued to a variety of professionals including architects, engineers, attorneys, real estate agents, and mortgage professionals. Andrew’s practice includes representation, coverage advice, and coverage analysis of high-valuer claims concerning lawyers’ professional liability, architect/engineers’ errors and omissions, and real estate brokerage disputes. He has also represented insurers in connection with general liability and property insurance policies. Some of the causes Andrew supports include the SPCA, Asian American Legal Defense Fund, and Women Against Abuse. Outside of work, he is happiest spending time with his fiance Blossom, playing board games, tennis, and going hiking together. Andrew received his J.D. from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law, and his B.A. (cum laude) also from the University of California, Berkeley.
Thank you for your interest in contacting us. Before doing so, please understand that your email will not create an attorney-client relationship with Atheria and will not preclude Atheria from representing a party with interests adverse to yours. Atheria cannot represent you until we have confirmed that our representation of you will not create a conflict of interest and you and the firm have entered into a formal engagement agreement. In the absence of an attorney-client relationship, Atheria has no duty to keep information that you transmit to us confidential. Accordingly, please do not send us any information unless and until Atheria confirms for you that an attorney-client relationship has been formed.
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Arianna supports the professional liability group based in San Francisco. Before joining Atheria Law, she graduated from UCLA with a Bachelor of Science in Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology. Additionally, she was involved with cardiology research and science education outreach. She decided to transition to a career in the law and looks forward to applying her research and analytical training to the work Atheria performs for its clients. Outside of work, Arianna enjoys playing tennis, experimenting in the kitchen, and spending time with family.
Thank you for your interest in contacting us. Before doing so, please understand that your email will not create an attorney-client relationship with Atheria and will not preclude Atheria from representing a party with interests adverse to yours. Atheria cannot represent you until we have confirmed that our representation of you will not create a conflict of interest and you and the firm have entered into a formal engagement agreement. In the absence of an attorney-client relationship, Atheria has no duty to keep information that you transmit to us confidential. Accordingly, please do not send us any information unless and until Atheria confirms for you that an attorney-client relationship has been formed.
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Cory advises and represents insurers on policies involving lawyers’ and accountants’ liability, errors and omissions, employment practices liability, cyber liability, D&O insurance, and general liability insurance. Some causes that Cory supports are the UCLA Law Fellow Program and Kitten Rescue Los Angeles. Cory received his J.D. from UCLA School of Law and his B.A. (magna cum laude) from Gonzaga University. While in law school, he served as a judicial extern to the Honorable Larry Burns, Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California.
Thank you for your interest in contacting us. Before doing so, please understand that your email will not create an attorney-client relationship with Atheria and will not preclude Atheria from representing a party with interests adverse to yours. Atheria cannot represent you until we have confirmed that our representation of you will not create a conflict of interest and you and the firm have entered into a formal engagement agreement. In the absence of an attorney-client relationship, Atheria has no duty to keep information that you transmit to us confidential. Accordingly, please do not send us any information unless and until Atheria confirms for you that an attorney-client relationship has been formed.
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Cynthia is an experienced Executive Assistant supporting the professional liability Lawyers and Architects & Engineers teams. Cynthia has worked with the same team of attorneys founding Atheria Law for twenty years assisting with all aspects of practice and client support. Cynthia earned her paralegal degree in 2014. She is from the Bay Area and enjoys volunteering for various organizations, the arts and exploring the delicious food scene.
Thank you for your interest in contacting us. Before doing so, please understand that your email will not create an attorney-client relationship with Atheria and will not preclude Atheria from representing a party with interests adverse to yours. Atheria cannot represent you until we have confirmed that our representation of you will not create a conflict of interest and you and the firm have entered into a formal engagement agreement. In the absence of an attorney-client relationship, Atheria has no duty to keep information that you transmit to us confidential. Accordingly, please do not send us any information unless and until Atheria confirms for you that an attorney-client relationship has been formed.
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Jami supports Atheria’s Professional Indemnity practice group, focusing on complex claims reported under policies issued to professional-service firms. At Atheria, Jami feels inspired by working with a great group of people who are invested in supporting meaningful causes. She is an advocate for both The National Innocence Project and California Innocence Project. Jami received her J.D. from Creighton Law School and B.S. from Wayne State College.
Thank you for your interest in contacting us. Before doing so, please understand that your email will not create an attorney-client relationship with Atheria and will not preclude Atheria from representing a party with interests adverse to yours. Atheria cannot represent you until we have confirmed that our representation of you will not create a conflict of interest and you and the firm have entered into a formal engagement agreement. In the absence of an attorney-client relationship, Atheria has no duty to keep information that you transmit to us confidential. Accordingly, please do not send us any information unless and until Atheria confirms for you that an attorney-client relationship has been formed.
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Jessica counsels insurers in connection with E&O policies issued to professionals. She represents insurers in connection with a broad range of coverages including professional liability, general liability, employment practices, and more. Jessica also counsels law firms on risk management, representing insurers in coverage disputes, and defending professionals in malpractice actions. For nearly two decades Jessica has worked with the founding partners of Atheria. She is inspired by collaborating with folks from all over the world on some of the most cutting-edge legal and insurance issues. It’s a joy for her to team with the amazing group of intelligent, sophisticated attorneys at Atheria. Jessica received her J.D. from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, and her B.A. from the University of California, Davis.
Thank you for your interest in contacting us. Before doing so, please understand that your email will not create an attorney-client relationship with Atheria and will not preclude Atheria from representing a party with interests adverse to yours. Atheria cannot represent you until we have confirmed that our representation of you will not create a conflict of interest and you and the firm have entered into a formal engagement agreement. In the absence of an attorney-client relationship, Atheria has no duty to keep information that you transmit to us confidential. Accordingly, please do not send us any information unless and until Atheria confirms for you that an attorney-client relationship has been formed.
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Joan represents insurers in respect of technology, media, intellectual property, and privacy claims, including data security and privacy breaches. Her team has worked on thousands of data breach incidents, from individual matters to the largest healthcare, retail, hospitality, education, and government incidents reported. Joan also counsels insurers and their insureds in respect to professional liability matters. Joan is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion. She founded Atheria with a committed group of partners to continue doing what they love in an environment that uses the best technology available and creates a strong culture of inclusion and teamwork. Joan is recognized by Chambers USA in California in the Insurance: Insurer category and was selected to Thomson Reuters Super Lawyers list in 2004, 2006 and 2022-2023. She received her J.D. from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law, and her B.A. (magna cum laude) from the University of California, San Diego.
Thank you for your interest in contacting us. Before doing so, please understand that your email will not create an attorney-client relationship with Atheria and will not preclude Atheria from representing a party with interests adverse to yours. Atheria cannot represent you until we have confirmed that our representation of you will not create a conflict of interest and you and the firm have entered into a formal engagement agreement. In the absence of an attorney-client relationship, Atheria has no duty to keep information that you transmit to us confidential. Accordingly, please do not send us any information unless and until Atheria confirms for you that an attorney-client relationship has been formed.
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Shane M. Abergel represents insurers in connection with errors and omissions claims issued to a variety of professionals. Prior to joining Atheria, Shane gained significant litigation experience working at a Los Angeles law firm on its professional liability team where he handled cases from inception through trial on behalf of insurers and their insureds. Shane attended Chapman University Fowler School of Law, where he received his J.D. with an emphasis in Advocacy and Dispute Resolution, and became a certified mediator. During law school, Shane served as a judicial extern for the Honorable Scott H. Yun of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of California. Prior to attending law school, Shane worked for the University of Miami football team in operations. Shane enjoys watching sports and trying new restaurants.
Thank you for your interest in contacting us. Before doing so, please understand that your email will not create an attorney-client relationship with Atheria and will not preclude Atheria from representing a party with interests adverse to yours. Atheria cannot represent you until we have confirmed that our representation of you will not create a conflict of interest and you and the firm have entered into a formal engagement agreement. In the absence of an attorney-client relationship, Atheria has no duty to keep information that you transmit to us confidential. Accordingly, please do not send us any information unless and until Atheria confirms for you that an attorney-client relationship has been formed.
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Teshi earned her bachelor’s degree from San Francisco State University, cum laude, with a B.A. in Sociology and minor in Criminal Justice. Since college, she has worked as a legal assistant in the areas of family law, mass tort litigation, and criminal defense. Teshi has held a goal of becoming a practicing attorney from a very young age, fueled by her passion for equity and representation, and has plans to attend law school in the future. In her free time, Teshi enjoys landscape and lifestyle photography, spending time with her family and friends, and trying new brunch spots around the Bay Area.
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..
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..
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”
