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Letter from the Editor

Welcome to the 9th issue of our quarterly e-newsletter communication, BestConnect.
 
Our Community Showcase this edition highlights a law firm striving to make a positive impact on a shore community in New Jersey after Hurricane Sandy hit. They are one of many doing what they can to help make a difference in their community. As devastating as this storm and others like it can be, it is equally encouraging and reassuring to know that there are individuals and firms that we can count on when the chips are down to help those in need. We are pleased to showcase one of the many that stepped up to the plate and helped out during the course of this event.
 
I hope you enjoy this issue of BestConnect. As always, we value your opinion and welcome your comments at directoriesnewsletters@ambest.com. I look forward to hearing from you.
 
We at A.M. Best Company wish you a happy, healthy and safe holiday season.
 
John Czuba Best regards,
John Czuba
John Czuba
Editor, Best's Directories of Recommended Insurance Attorneys and Adjusters
Member Spotlight
 
Timothy M. Thornton, Jr.
Timothy M. Thornton, Jr., partner with the insurance coverage and litigation firm Nelsen, Thompson, Pegue & Thornton, has more than 25 years experience providing legal counsel to major insurance carriers in coverage disputes. Mr. Thornton is regularly called upon by media and industry organizations to comment on insurance-related issues. He recently gave a presentation to the American Bar Association and authored an article on the same topic, "The Duty to Give Notice to Excess Insurers," published in The Brief, Volume 41, Number 2, Winter 2012. He has also participated in the A.M. Best Insurance Law Podcast, "Coverage for Claims Involving Patent Litigation and Advertising Injury," where he examined recent changes in advertising injury and the challenges presented with the new wave of technologies and coverage matters. Working with partner Elizabeth Farny and associate Michael Salem, Mr. Thornton achieved a partial summary judgment in a matter concerning coverage for violations of a rent control ordinance. The court held that the insurer owed no duty to pay attorney's fees awarded as a result of a knowing violation of the ordinance. A settlement was reached on the remaining claims in which contribution from the insurer was a fraction of potential exposure. With Mr. Thornton's many accomplishments, we are pleased to feature him in this edition.
 
"Member Spotlight" puts the focus on Directory listees who have participated in groundbreaking cases or developed innovative strategies and important thought leadership that affect the insurance industry. If you know of a firm or individual who has made notable or significant achievements in the insurance industry, and would like to make a nomination, visit our "Member Spotlight" FAQ page for additional information or fill out our "Member Spotlight" Nomination Form. Nominations are accepted year-round.

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In the Press In the Press

Each quarter, "In the Press" brings you the most important press releases, announcements and achievements from Directories listees.

Personnel Changes
Title Firm Location/Date/Firm Name
Gross & Welch Law Firm Hires New Associate
(Omaha, NE) October 23, 2012

Awards/Recognitions/Nominations

Title Firm Location/Date/Firm Name
(Columbia, SC) September 17, October 2 & October 31, 2012
Eleven Attorneys Selected by Peers for Michigan Super Lawyers® and Rising Stars 2012
(Grand Rapids, MI) September 26, 2012
Wells Marble Attorneys Recognized for Achievements
(Ridgeland, MS) October 11, 2012
Gross & Welch Law Firm Receives First-Tier Ranking on "Best Law Firms 2012 - 2013"
(Omaha, NE) November 1, 2012
Barrett & McNagny LLP Listed in 2013 "Best Law Firms" Rankings
(Fort Wayne, IN) November 8, 2012

Firm News

Title Firm Location/Date/Firm Name
(Columbia, SC) September 13, 2012
Clausen Miller LLP In London Is Recommended By Legal 500 & Recommended By Chambers & Partners - Latin America 2013
(Chicago, IL) September 25, 2012
Workers' Comp Attorney Speaks at Educational Conference
(Columbia, SC) October 3, 2012
(Columbia, SC) October 8, 2012
Barrett & McNagny LLP Joins International Legal Alliance TAGLaw®
(Fort Wayne, IN) November 30, 2012

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Community Showcase

Cooper Levenson Launches a "Life After Sandy" Disaster Relief Program
 
Cooper Levenson, a law firm based in Atlantic City and Las Vegas, launched a "Life After Sandy" disaster relief program to help the more than 1,500 Atlantic City families with school children affected by Hurricane Sandy. Some families remain in shelters. Others have returned to homes that need repairs and are without heat. Storm water-soaked furniture, household items and clothing line the sidewalks and streets of many neighborhoods. Many children are still without the most basic of needs to return to school.

School officials have worked tirelessly on the overwhelming task of getting these children — many of whom have only the clothes they wore at the time of evacuation — back to "normal," at least during the school day. This has been a ground-up effort. The first step was to have teachers conduct an assessment to determine which families are in need. The results of that assessment were compiled, calls for donations were made, and the school district set up a distribution center where children and their families could go to replace storm-soaked items. Read the full story.
 

"Community Showcase" is a forum for highlighting significant contributions that current Best's Directories listees have made in their communities. Contributions may include pro bono cases, community outreach projects, volunteer work or charity efforts.

Do you know of a firm or individual who has made a difference in their community? Visit our "Community Showcase" FAQ page to learn more about this feature or complete our "Community Showcase" Nomination Form. Nominations are accepted year-round.

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For the Record For the Record
"For the Record" showcases the latest articles from current Directories listees.
 
Title of Article Author/Firm
How Do Captive Insurance Companies Underwrite and Price Direct Procurement Insurance Policies?
Andrew Barile
Social Media and Implications Related to Insurance Operations
Richard J. Fidei, Esq. and Timothy F. Stanfield, Esq.
BACK TO THE BASICS - Simple Steps to Take to Avoid Accidents on your Premises
Maryalyce W. Cox
10 Tactics and Advantages Debtors Have When You File Suit for Debt Recovery
Dennis Falletti
 

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Legally Speaking Legally Speaking

Each quarter, "Legally Speaking" highlights the newest Insurance Law Podcasts from A.M. Best. To listen to a podcast, please click on the podcast title. A new window containing an audio player will open. At the end of the podcast, please close the audio player window to return to your BestConnect newsletter. If you enjoy the podcasts below, be sure to visit our archive for other podcasts you may have missed.

Posted: Mon, 26 Nov 2012
Attorney Rich Fidei from the law firm of Colodny, Fass, Talenfeld, Karlinsky, Abate & Webb, P.A. in Florida discusses privacy concerns with advancing technology in insurance.
Posted: Mon, 15 Oct 2012
Attorney Jean Golden from the law firm of Cassiday Schade LLP in Chicago on insurance coverage liability for foodborne illness and what an insurer can do to minimize its risk.
Posted: Mon, 1 Oct 2012
Attorney Renee DeMoss, from the GableGotwals law firm in Oklahoma, discusses the catastrophic weather conditions in Oklahoma and its impact on homeowners and the insurance industry.
Posted: Wed, 19 Sep 2012
Attorney Sam Sorich, Of Counsel to the Sacramento, Calif., office of the law firm Barger & Wolen LLP, tackles recent legislation passed by the state of California, including a workers' compensation overhaul, and the potential impact on insureds and the upcoming election..
 
Sign up now to have new Insurance Law Podcasts sent directly to you.
 

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The industry received a respite in 2011, as employment and payrolls stabilized and overall net premium written volume increased by 10%. Read more about the challenges facing the workers' compensation line of business in this complimentary issue of Best's Special Report.
 
If you would like to view other reports, visit our Member Center to register.

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In Brief

"In Brief" highlights important insurance industry news from A.M. Best's award-winning news publications. Access to full stories may require a subscription to the publication.

Title of Article Article Date
ORSA Expected to Gain States' Support in Coming Years Friday, November 30, 2012
AM Best: Market Impact of Hurricane Sandy May Be Limited Thursday, November 29, 2012
Atlantic City's Casinos Could Be Hindered by Waiting Period in Post-Sandy Business Interruption Coverage Wednesday, November 28, 2012 
Beazley Underwriter: Hurricane Sandy Highlights Need for Environmental Risk Coverage Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Kemper Expects Sandy Losses of $45 Million Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Florida Supreme Court Delays Ruling in Citizens Property Insurance Case Tuesday, November 20, 2012

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It's the Law

The Law Digest is a summary of the insurance laws for each U.S. state and Canadian province. Our aim is to provide a reference source that covers some of the general insurance principles in leading case decisions.

It's the Law
The following U.S. Law Digests have been recently updated:

To see the full list of updates, click below.

 

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Notable Listings Notable Listings
We are pleased to welcome the following new listees this quarter, and to recognize those who have reached a milestone with Best's Directories.

New Listings

Best's Directory of Recommended Insurance Attorneys

Best's Directory of Recommended Insurance Adjusters

Best's Directory of Recommended Expert Service Providers

 

Notable Listing Anniversaries

Congratulations to the following listees with Major Anniversaries with Best's Directories this quarter:

Years Best's Directory of Recommended Insurance Attorneys Location
50 Davis, Clark, Butt, Carithers & Taylor, PLC Fayetteville, AR
25 Reis, Urso, Ewald & Anderson, PC Rutland, VT
10
Uniondale, NY
 
Wilmington, NC
Philadelphia, PA
Cary, NC
Los Angeles, CA
Tulsa, OK
Bethesda, MD
New York, NY
New York, NY
Raleigh, NC
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Raleigh, NC
Chicago, IL
New York, NY
Tulsa, OK
Lexington, KY
Denver, CO
New Bern, NC
Tulsa, OK
Birmingham, AL
Portland, OR
New York, NY
Years Best's Directory of Recommended Insurance Adjusters Location
10
Watertown, SD
Richardson, TX
Fort Myers, FL
Years Best's Directory of Recommended Expert Service Providers Location
10
New Harbor, ME
Chattanooga, TN
Englewood, CO

 

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Informative A.M. Best Webinars

A.M. Best produces innovative online presentations that connect you with industry leaders and provide the opportunity to learn first-hand about trends and developments facing insurance today. Click on a title to open the video of your choice. At the end of the webinar, simply close the video player to return to the BestConnect newsletter.

It no longer takes a Hurricane Katrina or a Northbridge earthquake to create heavy losses. Why? And does this mean our long-held assumptions are wrong? A panel of experts reviews how societal change, dependence on technology, weather developments, historical patterns, coupled with increased exposures and demands for fuller coverage are creating an environment for increased losses more often, higher expectations and greater vulnerability. Experts on reinsurance, climate, political and social developments and others discuss how insurance and societal leaders can create a better risk framework for today's changed loss environment.
 
As the U.S. health system realigns around hospital and larger-scale health organizations, brokers and insurers need to better understand the corresponding property and non-MPLI risks of large medical facilities. A panel of experts examine the known and emerging issues for large medical facilities and show why this is one of the broadest and most challenging areas to cover.

Don't miss any of the upcoming webinars! View our full webinar schedule, or register to attend a session.

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Upcoming Insurance Industry Trade Shows, Conventions and Events
View the latest schedule for up-to-date information on insurance industry events from the Meetings & Conventions database.
 
 
Upcoming Insurance Industry Trade Shows, Conventions, and Events

Meeting Name / Association

Event Date

Location

 
Jan. 15, 2013 New York, NY
Property Casualty Insurers Association of America
Jan. 20-22, 2013 Naples, FL
National Association of Catastrophe Adjusters
Jan. 20-24, 2013 Houston, TX
Windstorm Insurance Network, Inc.
Jan. 28-30, 2013 Orlando, FL
Reinsurance Association of America
Feb. 12-14, 2013 Orlando, FL
National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies
Feb. 19-21, 2013 Atlanta, GA

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Important A.M. Best Announcements Important A.M. Best Announcements
2013 Print Edition of Best's Directories to be Released!
The 2013 edition of Best's Directories of Recommended Insurance Attorneys and Adjusters will be mailed out during the second week of January. If you do not receive your complimentary copy by the end of January, please contact us at (908) 439-2200, ext. 5571, or directories.group@ambest.com. Let us know if you would like to order a complimentary set of directories.
 

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