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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 2016, and four attorneys have been recognized for their work in Insurance and Insurance: Regulation for Texas. This is the thirteenth 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.”

Sources repeatedly commend the firm’s client service: “They give outstanding value and service to their client. They are top-notch legal minds and have an outstanding ability to communicate with non-lawyer clients.”

Another client states: “I can’t imagine what more they could do in terms of their level of expertise and overall customer service, aside from being free!”

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 $20 million, and acting as legal counsel in drafting important legislation to be supported by IIAT.

Attorneys recognized in Chambers USA:

Brian Martin, a partner in the Houston office, ranked “Band 1” in Insurance for Texas.  Chambers USA states, Brian is highlighted for his strength in wide-ranging insurance disputes, including bad faith claims, construction litigation and toxic torts. Sources describe him as a “great trial lawyer” who can“articulate an outstanding legal argument on motion or appeal while at the same time translating complex legal arguments into people-speak.”

Jay Thompson is “very well regarded in the industry, exceedingly knowledgeable and very well connected,” according to impressed sources. He is held in high regard for his extensive regulatory practice, which includes representing the interests of insurance clients in legislative proceedings. Jay is a partner is the Austin office and is ranked “Band 1” for Insurance: Regulation.

Roger Higgins, a managing partner in the Dallas office, is ranked “Band 2” in Insurance for Texas.  He is an experienced litigator who frequently acts for insurers in matters such as catastrophe disputes and fraudulent claims. He is “extremely knowledgeable with regard to insurance law and has an excellent understanding of the Texas judiciary,” according to clients.

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. One commentator describes her as the “smartest lawyer I have ever dealt with,”while another adds: “She is an excellent coverage attorney and is very good both on paper and in court.”Ellen is ranked as “Band 2” for Insurance in Texas.

According to the Chambers website, “Chambers USA ranks the leading firms and lawyers in an extensive range of practice areas throughout 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.

Related People

Brian S. Martin
Partner

Brian S. Martin

713-403-8282
Email

Jay A. Thompson
Partner

Jay A. Thompson

512-703-5060
Email

Roger D. Higgins
Partner

Roger D. Higgins

214-871-8256
Email

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