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Linking Expert Insight with Insurance Industry Decision-Makers |
Letter from the Editor
We at A.M. Best recently had the pleasure of speaking with a number of attendees at the Property Loss Research Bureau (PLRB) Conference in Orlando, Florida. Many of these insurance professionals confirmed that they find the Insurance Law Digest an invaluable resource for researching general insurance principles in case decisions throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Since 1931, the Digest has been a respected mainstay of our publication. We endeavor each year to have the digests for every state and province reviewed and updated by a trusted law firm listed in Best's Directories.
If you haven't yet used the Digest, I encourage you to do so. I am certain that you will find it to be a beneficial resource, as have countless insurance professionals through the decades.
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.
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Best regards, John Czuba Editor, Best's Directories of Recommended Insurance Attorneys and Adjusters |
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Member Spotlight
 Michael Panish, Expert Witness & Legal Consultant, is licensed in the State of California as a contractor in the following areas: general building; cabinetry & millwork; door, lock & security equipment; electrical; and paint and finish. He has over 30 years of hands-on experience in the construction industry and is considered a highly regarded expert witness for all construction-related claims, automatic door injury cases, all types of door & hardware lawsuits and cabinetry defects and injuries. Mr. Panish has also offered consulting services, inspection and testimony for insurance claims and lawsuits. Most recently, he has been retained on his 300th case as an expert witness.
Michael Panish is the author of many informative articles relating to his specialties and services. These articles are quickly becoming the "standard reference" used by university students and legal professionals alike. Below are two of Mr. Panish's recent articles and the full press release regarding his landmark achievement. |
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"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.
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 |
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| Gross & Welch Announces New Attorneys |
(Omaha, NE), March 30, April 17 & May 15, 2012
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| Respected Real Estate and Business Attorney Joins Hull Barrett, PC |
(Augusta, GA), April 23, 2012
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Awards/Recognitions/Nominations
| Title | Firm Location/Date/Firm Name |
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| Clausen Miller Celebrates 10 Years in London |
(Chicago, IL), March 17, 2012
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| State Defense Attorneys' Association Selects Attorney to Serve on Medical Malpractice Committee |
(Columbia, SC), April 25, 2012
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| Jack E. "Bobby" Truitt of The Truitt Law Firm Named to the 2012 Super Lawyers |
(Covington, LA) April 26, 2012
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| Nelsen Thompson Pegue & Thornton Named 2012 "Best Law Firm" by U.S. News - Best Lawyers® |
(Los Angeles, CA), April 26, 2012
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| Several Attorneys at Wells Marble Receive Honors |
(Ridgeland, MS), June 1, 2012
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Firm News
| Title | Firm Location/Date/Firm Name |
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| Independent Adjustment Company (IAC) Opens Branch Office in Little Falls, NJ |
(Patchogue, NY), March 12, 2012
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| Shareholder with MehaffyWeber Passes Louisiana Bar Exam |
(Beaumont, TX), April 26, 2012
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Community Showcase |
United Claims Service Donates to sOccket to Bring Electricity to Impoverished AreasSince 1969, United Claims Service has provided multi-line investigative services including trial preparation to the New York, New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania and lower Connecticut areas. The company is also very concerned about the world's environment and issues within and outside their local community. United Claims Service strives to find ways that they can help or contribute to society in order to make a difference. They recently made a donation to Uncharted Play, Inc. and their sOccket program, which provides families in need with immediate access to an energy source that is clean, simple and portable.
The sOcckect is the world's first eco-friendly portable generator in the form of a soccer ball. Created for resource-poor communities in the developing world, the sOcckect harnesses the kinetic energy generated during play with the ball, and stores it as electrical energy that can be used to power different appliances like lamps and water sterilizers.
To find out more information on United Claims Service and the sOccket program, visit their Web site at www.unitedclaims.com/Events-News.html.
"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" showcases the latest articles from current Directories listees.
| Title of Article | Author/Firm |
| Effectively Obtaining Additional Insured Status in Illinois |
Michael L. Young
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| Door Injury Cases Pertaining to the Insurance Carrier |
Michael Panish, Door Expert Witness
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| Private Equity / Hedge Funds Investing in Global Insurance Industry |
Andrew J. Barile, CPCU, MBA, President and Chief Executive
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| All in a Day's Work |
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.
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Posted: Tue, 22 May 2012
Attorney Bruce H. Raymond from the Raymond Law Group LLC, with offices in Connecticut and Massachusetts, discusses the latest issues and concerns with cyber risk and the impact on the insurance industry. |
Sign up now to have new Insurance Law Podcasts sent directly to you.
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A.M. Best Co. notes that any review of a company's risk management process needs to be focused on the identification of risks and how they are measured and managed, and should be viewed as an opportunity to learn about the company, as discussed in the recent Best's Briefing, "As Risk Management Evolves, Focus Must Be Results-Oriented."
If you would like to view other complimentary reports, visit our Member Center to register. |
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 |
|---|---|
| Securities Lawyers: Dewey & LeBoeuf's $125 Million Bond Sale Could Spark Insurer Litigation | Wednesday, May 16, 2012 |
| Nationwide CFO: Company Would Like to Keep Bank if Washington Would Work With Us | Wednesday, May 16, 2012 |
| Allstate Expanding Agencies Along East Coast | Tuesday, May 15, 2012 |
| Florida's Hurricane Catastrophe Fund Faces Possible Shortfall | Monday, May 14, 2012 |
It's the LawThe 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. |
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The following U.S. and Canadian Law Digests have been recently updated:
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Alaska courtesy of Hughes Gorski Seedorf Odsen & Tervooren, LLC, Anchorage, AK
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Arkansas courtesy of Anderson, Murphy & Hopkins, L.L.P., Little Rock, AR
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Montana courtesy of Corette Pohlman & Kebe, Butte, MT
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Nebraska courtesy of Lamson, Dugan and Murray, LLP, Omaha, NE
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Wyoming courtesy of Buchhammer & Kehl, P.C., Cheyenne, WY
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Prince Edward Island courtesy of Murphy Collette Murphy, Moncton, NB
To see the full list of updates, click below.
We would like to welcome our new revisors:
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Boggs, Avellino, Lach & Boggs, LLC
St. Louis, MO
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
| Brunini, Grantham, Grower & Hewes, PLLC |
Jackson, MS
Indianapolis, IN
St. George, UT
Irvine, CA
Tacoma, WA
Fort Worth, TX
Tyler, TX
Seattle, WA
Colorado Springs, CO
Cheyenne, WY
Salt Lake City, UT
Mobile, AL |
Best's Directory of Recommended Insurance Adjusters
| Orange Beach, AL
Oxford, GA |
Best's Directory of Recommended Expert Service Providers
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Stanley L. Lipshultz, JD, CPCU - Insurance Expert
Kineticorp - Accident Reconstruction |
North Bethesda, MD
Greenwood Village, CO |
Best's Directory of Third Party Administrators
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Dublin, OH |
Best's Directory of Actuaries
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Bloomington, IL |
Notable Listing Anniversaries
Congratulations to the following listees with Major Anniversaries with Best's Directories this quarter:
Informative A.M. Best WebinarsA.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.
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Don't miss any of the upcoming webinars! View our full webinar schedule, or register to attend a session.
Upcoming Insurance Industry Trade Shows, Conventions and EventsView the latest schedule for up-to-date information on insurance industry events from the Meetings & Conventions database.
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Meeting Name / Association |
Event Date |
Location |
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National Association of Independent Insurance Adjusters (NAIIA) |
June 18-21, 2012 | Rio Grande, PR |
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SEAK, Inc. |
July 17-19, 2012 | Cape Cod, MA |
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American Risk and Insurance Association |
Aug. 5-8, 2012 | Minneapolis, MN |
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Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters (CPCU) |
Sept. 8-11, 2012 | Washington, DC |
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National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies |
Sept. 16-19, 2012 | Grapevine, TX |
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National Asscoiation of Professional Surplus Lines Offices, Ltd. |
Oct. 8-11, 2012 | Atlanta, GA |
Important A.M. Best Announcements 
Our Recommended Listings Are Being Updated!
Our listings are updated throughout the year, but changes are typically extensive during late spring and early summer. Visit Best's Directories frequently to get the most up-to-date information on the firms that have the industry expertise you need. We strive to provide the insurance industry with the most accurate and timely information possible, for your outsourcing needs. Remember to mention you found or saw listed firms in Best's Directories.
Our listings are updated throughout the year, but changes are typically extensive during late spring and early summer. Visit Best's Directories frequently to get the most up-to-date information on the firms that have the industry expertise you need. We strive to provide the insurance industry with the most accurate and timely information possible, for your outsourcing needs. Remember to mention you found or saw listed firms in Best's Directories.
Nominations Are Being Accepted for "Member Spotlight" & "Community Showcase"
"Member Spotlight" is a BestConnect forum for highlighting the insurance-related efforts and achievements of individuals or firms that are currently listed in Best's Directories. The "Community Spotlight" highlights significant contributions that current Best's Directories listees have made in their communities. If you know of an individual or firm that has made a difference in the industry or their community, please let us know. Download our Member Spotlight or Community Showcase nomination forms for more information, or forward them to a firm that might be interested in being featured.
"Member Spotlight" is a BestConnect forum for highlighting the insurance-related efforts and achievements of individuals or firms that are currently listed in Best's Directories. The "Community Spotlight" highlights significant contributions that current Best's Directories listees have made in their communities. If you know of an individual or firm that has made a difference in the industry or their community, please let us know. Download our Member Spotlight or Community Showcase nomination forms for more information, or forward them to a firm that might be interested in being featured.