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 January 10, 2023, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) sued the law firm Covington & Burling LLP (“Covington”) in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The SEC seeks to compel Covington to comply with an investigative subpoena for documents stemming from the November 20
Law firms and their insurance carriers have experienced a rise in both the frequency and severity of high-exposure legal malpractice claims over the past year. As the global economy remains in a period of high inflation and economic uncertainty, there is a risk that this trend may continue.
In two decisions rendered this month, the UK courts have permitted two major class-action lawsuits under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) regime. The suits prove that the GDPR opens the door for large representative suits on behalf of data breach victims..
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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. 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.
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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.
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Nikki counsels insurers in connection with E&O policies issued to professionals, including attorneys, accountants, and other business advisors. She began her legal career as a litigator litigating commercial disputes. The most inspiring part of Nikki’s job is the people. She loves to see how other people do things differently and is inspired when she hears how her colleagues are making Atheria’s work even better. Since Nikki is a strong advocate for pro bono work and giving back to the community, she greatly admires Atheria's commitment to these areas. She is also passionate about equity in education, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, LGBTQ rights, and racial justice. 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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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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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. 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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Karen represents London Market and domestic insurers in connection with claims involving technology, media, and privacy matters. In both 2017 and 2018, Karen was seconded to a domestic insurer where she handled general and professional liability claims. She also has experience litigating insurance coverage cases involving various types of insurance policies, including CGL, E&O, and D&O policies. Karen joined Atheria because the practice is dynamic and cutting-edge. There is never a dull moment with the amazing and inspiring team here. Her biggest accomplishment was passing two state bar exams—New York and California. She received her J.D. from Brooklyn Law School and B.A. in History from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
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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Kelly has more than 25 years of experience working with both domestic and London insurers. Her practice focuses on resolving and managing complex insurance coverage issues with particular interest in technology, privacy & cyber, and professional liability insurance, including errors and omissions, private non-profit management liability, public company directors and officers liability, and employment practices liability. Additionally, Kelly’s practice includes the drafting of policy wording. Kelly has worked in both private practice and as senior in-house claim counsel for a Fortune 500 insurance company and frequently speaks on emerging coverage and legal issues. She is also an advocate for diversity and inclusion, and most recently served as co-leader of the Women At Work Committee for Dive-In America 2021. Panelist - “Insurance Considerations in Employment Cases” The Labor and Employment Section Executive Committee of the ACBA (July 2020)Panelist - “Potential Ethical Issues Relating to Defense Counsel Reporting” Riverstone CLE Presentation (Apr. 2020)Panelist - “Event-Driven Securities and Derivative Suits and How D&O Insurance May Provide Appropriate Cover” ABA Section of Litigation - 2020 Insurance Coverage Litigation Committee CLE Seminar (Mar. 2020)
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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Marisa supports Atheria’s Professional Indemnity practice group. She previously worked as a paralegal at a firm that provides coverage and monitoring services to global and domestic insurers. She also has experience providing litigation support for attorneys specializing in intellectual property. The best part of Marisa’s career at Atheria is witnessing smart people find creative ways to solve very complex problems on a regular basis. It inspires her to be more creative in her own personal problem-solving. Marisa graduated with honors from Pepperdine University and has a B.A. in English with a concentration in writing and rhetoric.
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Michael represents insurers in respect of cyber and privacy losses and technology, media, and intellectual property matters. He regularly counsels clients on a variety of complex legal and coverage issues arising under errors and omissions and cyber/privacy policies, particularly those relating to high-stakes litigation and coverage disputes turning on novel or unsettled areas of law. His notable experience includes assessing coverage and advising insurers regarding large data breach incidents, regulatory liabilities, and consumer class-action litigation impacting a wide range of industries and business sectors, as well as significant business interruption losses impacting manufacturers and providers of outsourced technology services. Michael received his J.D. (magna cum laude) from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, and his B.A. (cum laude) from Saint Mary’s College of California.
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Victor advises insurers in connection with errors and omissions policies issued to a variety of professionals including but not limited to architects, engineers, and other design professionals. Prior to joining Atheria Law, Victor gained significant experience litigating insurance coverage cases involving various types of insurance policies, including Commercial General Liability, Professional Liability, Environmental Liability, Automobile Liability, and Homeowner policies. Victor received his J.D. from the University of San Francisco School of Law, and his B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley.
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”
