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Thompson, Coe, Cousins & Irons, LLP has achieved a top ranking of "Band 1" for Insurance in Texas for work performed in 2018, and four attorneys have been recognized for their work in Insurance and Insurance: Regulation for Texas. This is the fifteenth year in a row Thompson Coe has achieved this recognition.

Chambers USA editors state about Thompson Coe, "Expert group that regularly represents insurers in high-stakes coverage and bad faith litigation as well as in class actions and mass torts. Demonstrates enviable bench strength, fielding attorneys experienced in advising on regulatory and legislative concerns, as well as the corporate aspects of insurance. Acts for an impressive roster of leading clients in the Texas insurance market."

On the firm's strengths, one client comments: "They provide accurate analysis, are great at looking at the big picture,"further adding:"They have great legal skills combined with good strategic thinking."

Another client reports: "For coverage issues it is my go-to firm in Texas," adding: "It has very good knowledge of Texas law and the peculiarities of the local law."

The practitioners are adept at handling a multitude of claims including construction and builders' risk, life and health claims and professional liability. Recent highlights include representing a major insurer as lead counsel in Multi-District Litigation for hail and windstorm litigation in numerous counties, defending a carrier against coverage and bad faith claims in excess of $44 million, acting as legal counsel in drafting important legislation to be supported by IIAT, and obtaining a summary judgment on behalf of an excess insurer in a highly complex case with many coverage issues.

Attorneys recognized in Chambers USA:

Brian Martin, a partner in the Houston office, ranked "Band 1" in Insurance for Texas.  Chambers USA states, "He is held in high regard for his substantial experience advising on complex coverage disputes, including construction defect and toxic tort claims. An impressed client says: "He provides great customer service; he is very timely, understands our business and provides strategic analysis."

Jay Thompson is is highly regarded for his expertise in advising on significant regulatory matters affecting the insurance industry. Clients say: "He is excellent; he is a seasoned attorney with extensive knowledge of insurance laws, rules and regulations." Jay is a partner is the Austin office and is ranked "Band 1" for Insurance: Regulation.

Ellen Van Meir, a managing partner in the Dallas office, is adept at coverage, Stowers' liability and bad faith matters. She acts across a range of insurance disputes, including bad faith, coverage and liability claims."She is very well versed in Texas law," say sources, with others adding: "She is very methodical, has a good depth of knowledge and is reasonable to deal with."She is highlighted for her skill in advising market-leading insurance carriers on a wide range of coverage and bad faith litigation.

Roger Higgins, a managing partner in the Dallas office, is ranked "Band 3" in Insurance for Texas.  He is an experienced litigator who frequently acts for insurers in matters such as catastrophe disputes and fraudulent claims. Roger frequently advises insurance market clients on complex and high-value coverage disputes. Clients remark: "Roger is fantastic: he provides great representation and advice."

According to the Chambers website, “Chambers USA ranks the leading firms and lawyers in an extensive range of practice areas throughout the US and worldwide. The research is in-depth and client focused and the guide is read by industry-leading companies and organizations. It is also widely used by firms in all states for referral purposes. Law firms and individual lawyers are ranked in bands from 1-6, with 1 being the best.

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Roger D. Higgins
Partner

Roger D. Higgins

214-871-8256
Email

Brian S. Martin
Partner

Brian S. Martin

713-403-8282
Email

Jay A. Thompson
Partner

Jay A. Thompson

512-703-5060
Email

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