Publications

(Article from Insurance Law Alert, September 2020)

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Bryce Friedman was quoted in an article by The Wall Street Journal titled, “Insurance Firms Gain Early Lead in Coronavirus Legal Fight With Businesses.” The article highlighted that, as courts begin to address the flurry of COVID-19 business-interruption coverage disputes, U.S. property insurers have recently won more judicial rulings than policyholders. In discussing trends in the early decisions, Bryce noted, “[t]he initial decisions indicate, on the whole, these cases can ultimately be resolved consistent with insurers’ underwriting intent as reflected in the language of the policies.”  Bryce was also quoted in a Reuters article on the recent decision by the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation rejecting petitions for a nationwide, multi-district litigation proceeding to determine whether businesses that shut down in response to COVID-19 are entitled to insurance coverage based on claims of property damage or loss as a result of rules issued by civil authority. Bryce noted that this decision may mean that judges who were awaiting a decision on a potential MDL will move ahead to issue decisions on pending motions in individual cases quickly and that upcoming decisions will likely clarify the viability of policyholders’ suits.

Mary Beth Forshaw and Lynn Neuner are among the six Simpson Thacher partners named among this year’s “Top 250 Women in Litigation” by Euromoney’s Benchmark Litigation. The feature honors the accomplishments of America’s leading female litigators who have participated in some of the most impactful litigation matters in recent history and who have earned the respect of their peers and clients. Benchmark selects its honorees through extensive research, client feedback surveys and one-on-one interviews. In addition to being named to the “Top 250 Women in Litigation” list, Lynn was also recognized as a “Top 10 Female Litigator” in the United States.

Susannah Geltman and Craig Waldman were named to Benchmark Litigation’s fifth annual “40 & Under Hot List.” The feature honors the most notable up-and-coming litigation attorneys in the U.S. under the age of 40 and is based on extensive research and feedback from peers and clients.