Jennifer M. Kearns

Jennifer Kearns devotes much of her practice to the representation of insurance carriers against allegations of breach of contract, “bad faith,” insurance code violations and deceptive trade practices. Her representation includes both commercial and personal lines policies, as well as third-party disputes involving coverage.

Her philosophy in defending insurance carriers and providing effective and efficient representation includes an early determination of the needs of the case based on complexity and potential exposure. Key elements of her practice style include an early informal exchange of relevant information in preparation for an early mediation and possible settlement or to streamline what is necessary in terms of formal discovery to get the case ready for trial. She prioritizes cost-effective legal solutions over unnecessary expenditures, and her record of success speaks to her effectiveness and dedication.

Jennifer has successfully handled thousands of first-party cases over the last 18 years, and in so doing, she has earned respect for her professionalism and knowledge from her peers on both sides of the insurance law bar.

Representative Experience

Managed defense of and resolved more than 1000 residential and commercial lawsuits resulting from recent weather catastrophes occurring throughout the state on behalf of multiple insurance carriers.

Advised Fortune 500 admitted carriers on policy interpretation, policy language revisions and best practices.

Conducted and obtained favorable rulings in over 50 administrative hearings before the Texas Department of Insurance concerning issues involving windstorm damage, underwriting issues, and most notably, "slab" cases on Bolivar Peninsula following Hurricane Ike.

Oversaw numerous appraisals in both commercial and personal lines claims, following which advised carriers on payment of or objecting to subsequent awards, analysis of 542 or 542A issues and/or bad faith claims.

Obtained and acted as liaison counsel for six MDL ("Multi-District Litigation) dockets for the consolidation and coordinated handling of hundreds of residential and commercial lawsuits against multiple insurance carriers stemming from Hurricanes Rita, Ike, Dolly, Harvey, Hanna, and an MDL created for a Fortune 500 carrier involving all wind and hailstorms occurring across the state, resulting in more cost-effective defense for carriers.