Michael Raibman
Counsel
- T:
- +1 202 414 9329 (Washington, D.C.)
- F:
- +1 202 414 9299 (Washington, D.C.)
- E:
- mraibman@reedsmith.com
- Vcard
Mike focuses his practice on complex litigation and alternative dispute resolution, with an emphasis on complex, multiparty insurance disputes. He has broad experience representing policyholders in a variety of disputes, having been a key member of teams that have recovered almost a billion dollars for policyholders. Those recoveries arise from cases Mike has tried to verdict, as well those in which he has negotiated resolution of others. Throughout his career, Mike has been asked to advise clients with respect to most types of insurance, including the following:
- Hurricane and other property damage claims arising under First Party Property Damage policies
- Asbestos, environmental, and construction defect claims arising under comprehensive general liability policies
- Credit insurance of various types, ranging from student loans to home equity loans.
- Employment practices disputes arising under both employment practices liability policies and directors and officers insurance.
- Directors & Officers claims in a variety of contexts.
- Fidelity Bond claims.
Mike also counsels policyholders in non-litigation contexts. For example, he analyzes coverage after a claim has been made or a loss has occurred to assist policyholders in presenting the claim to the insurance carrier. He also assists policyholders in responding to questions raised by insurers and in seeking appropriately tailored insurance when renewing policies.
Beyond the insurance coverage arena, Mike has litigated on behalf of clients in a number of state and federal courts, in matters ranging from products liability to criminal and constitutional law. He also has experience counseling pharmaceutical and medical device clients with respect to a variety of regulatory and litigation issues.
In addition, Mike has an active pro bono practice, handling a variety of cases across the legal spectrum. Those matters include constitutional questions that impact entire communities, such as citizens’ First Amendment rights to free speech and association, as well as matters impacting individuals who wrongfully have been denied benefits to which they are entitled. Consistent with his commitment to the community in which Mike and his family live, he also serves as a trustee of the Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia.
Prior to entering private practice, Mike clerked for Judge Andrew J. Kleinfeld of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and Judge Jan E. DuBois of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
Representative Matters
Representing hotel owners pursuing property damage coverage as a result of many hurricanes, including Katrina and Frances. One such matter resulted in a settlement for more than $200 million.
On the asbestos front, securing a verdict for tens of millions of dollars in an arbitration against an insurer who refused to provide coverage for claims arising from a policyholder's installation of asbestos-containing materials. (So-called "non-products" coverage.) Mike also litigated a non-products matter that resulted in settlements totaling more than $200 million.
Advising clients regarding acceptable terms for credit risk insurance of various sorts.
Developing strategies to maximize coverage in the D&O context where multiple policyholders sought coverage under a single policy.
Advising financial entities regarding a multitude of issues arising under Fidelty Bond and Crime insurance.
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Publications
- "Hard Copy of Insurance Policy Avoids Confusion, Problems," Business Insurance (January 15, 2007)
- "Pair, Set and Match: Replacement of Undamaged Hotel Furnishings to Ensure a Uniform Look," Adjusting Today (December 2006)
Experience
| 2006 | Reed Smith |
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| 2002 | Gilbert Heintz & Randolph LLP |
| 1998 | Arnold & Porter LLP |
| 1998 | Temple Bar Scholar, American Inns of Court (London, England) One of four scholars selected to live in London and observe the English bar |
| 1997 | Law Clerk, Andrew J. Kleinfeld (9th Cir., Fairbanks, AK) |
| 1996 | Law Clerk, Judge Jan E. DuBois (E.D.Pa., Philadelphia, PA) |
Legal Education
| 1996 | J.D., cum laude, University of Pennsylvania Law School University of Pennsylvania Law Review, Senior Editor and Special Projects Editor (co-compiler/editor Bluebook, 16th Edition) 1995-96, Associate Editor 1994-95 American Inns of Court |
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Undergraduate Education
| 1993 | A.B., cum laude, Washington University, History, Political Science |
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Professional Admissions / Qualifications
- District of Columbia
- Pennsylvania
- New Jersey
Court Admissions
- U.S. Court of Appeals - Ninth Circuit
- U.S. District Court - District of New Jersey
- U.S. District Court - District of Columbia
Interests
A native of Livingston, New Jersey, Mike currently resides in the District of Columbia with his wife, their two daughters, and their Boston Terrier.
Community Service
- Legal Aid Society of Washington, D.C.
Member, Board of Trustees