NEW YORK – Reed Smith last night was recognized by The American Lawyer as the world’s top law firm for insurance litigation in 2021, with the firm awarded “Litigation Department of the Year: Insurance” at the annual American Lawyer Industry Awards.

Profesionales relacionados:: David M. Halbreich Jennifer W. Cheng

Trophy on a pedestal under spotlights

Reed Smith was named in October as one of three finalists in the insurance practice category of the legal publication’s biennial “Litigation Department of the Year” contest. Members of the firm’s Insurance Recovery Group accepted the honor last night at the awards ceremony. The firm’s recognition was published in this month’s edition of The American Lawyer.

“This win represents an incredible team effort,” said partner David Halbreich, chair of Reed Smith’s Insurance Recovery Group. “Providing innovative legal services aligned with our clients’ goals and business objectives is what we’re all about, so we’re very pleased at this latest recognition for our insurance recovery practice.”

Reed Smith’s Insurance Recovery lawyers were recognized for their handling of several landmark cases over the past two years. These include serving as co-counsel for AmerisourceBergen in two lawsuits involving thousands of causes of actions filed by states, counties, and other plaintiffs and arising from the misuse of prescription opioids; and defending MGM and obtaining the full $751 million liability insurance coverage in settlement of thousands of claims arising from a 2017 mass-shooting incident in Las Vegas, among others significant matters.

A globally recognized policyholder practice, Reed Smith’s Insurance Recovery Group has assisted the world’s largest companies in resolving their complex coverage disputes. The group is known for its deep bench of experienced lawyers, legacy presence across most industries, flexible fee structures, and innovative technology resources.

As previously announced, partner Jennifer W. Cheng, who serves as U.S. vice chair of the Global Corporate Group, was among six winners of the 2021 “Young Lawyer of the Year” award. Cheng was recognized for her leadership in successfully managing a global practice group of more than 160 lawyers, her contributions in building Reed Smith’s public M&A practice, and for her representation of high-profile clients in significant M&A transactions.

“These are tremendous, well-deserved honors for fantastic lawyers,” said Reed Smith Global Managing Partner Sandy Thomas. “We could not possibly find better colleagues than these.”

Additionally for the 2021 American Lawyer Industry Awards, the firm was among three finalists for “Pennsylvania Regional Litigation Department of the Year,” and the firm’s Knowledge Management team was shortlisted for “Best Business Team.”

At the previously year’s American Lawyer Industry Awards, Reed Smith was named both “Best Business Team” and “2020 Regional Litigation Department of the Year in Pennsylvania.”