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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 2019, and four attorneys have been recognized for their work in Insurance and Insurance: Regulation for Texas. This is the sixteenth 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: “[Thompson Coe] is a premier defense firm with incredible depth and really good appellate and trial experience.”

Another source affirms: “It is an outstanding firm with incredible attorneys.”

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.

Insurance 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. He is frequently called upon to represent insurance carriers in a broad array of contentious claims. An impressed client says he is “very knowledgeable, responsive and savvy.

Jay Thompson is a regulatory specialist with expertise across the spectrum of insurance M&A and licensing regulation, in addition to drafting legislation and lobbying on behalf of insurers. Various interviewees describe him as“well known and respected” and “super professional and easy to work with.” He 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 ranked as “Band 2”, is adept at coverage, Stowers’ liability and bad faith matters. She is frequently called upon by insurance companies requiring representation in disputes including claims of professional liability, property damage and personal injury, among others. An impressed source says: “She’s brilliant; a class act, well researched and very creative.” Others add: “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 4” in Insurance for Texas.  He is an experienced litigator who frequently acts for insurers in matters such as catastrophe disputes, reinsurance and related appellate matters. 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.

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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