Absolute pollution exclusions are intended to exclude coverage for virtually all pollution-related claims under commercial general liability insurance policies. However, jurisdictions across the country have varied in their treatment of these exclusions, with some jurisdictions applying  the exclusion only to instances of “traditional” environmental pollution while others apply a broader, literal interpretation of the exclusion.

Law Bulletin Publishing Company, through its Leading Lawyers Division, has recognized BatesCarey LLP partners R. Patrick Bedell and Jordon S. Steinway, and associate Kelli Biggam Fleming, as “Emerging Lawyers” in its 2017 publication in the areas of Insurance, Insurance Coverage, and Reinsurance Law. The Emerging Lawyers distinction recognizes the top two percent of lawyers...

Jason P. Minkin and Jonathan A. Cipriani have published an article in the Tulane Maritime Law Journal entitled Guam Federal Court Shows Deference to International Arbitration Agreement in P&I Club Rules.  The article discusses a recent court decision enforcing a Norway arbitration clause against the wife of a deceased Jones Act seaman who sought to enforce a judgment against...

BatesCarey LLP once again ranked as a top-tier insurance coverage firm in Chambers USA, the legal industry’s most respected rankings list.

BatesCarey  partner, Robert J. Bates, Jr., has been ranked as the number one “Thought Leader” in North America by Who’s Who Legal.  Who’s Who describes “Thought Leaders” as “worthy of special mention owing not only to their vast expertise and experience advising on some of the world’s most significant and cutting-edge legal matters, but also their ability to innovate, inspire and go above and beyond to deliver for their clients.”

BatesCarey launched its Admiralty and Maritime practice in May, led by Jason P. Minkin, Jonathan A. Cipriani and Nicole M. Gallagher.

With the opioid epidemic now the worst drug crisis in American history, BatesCarey has formed the nation's first opioid coverage task force.

Jason P. Minkin and Jonathan A. Cipriani have published an article in Superyacht News entitled The Duty of Procuring a Superyacht’s Insurance Policy.  The article discusses a recent court decision analyzing when a marine insurance broker owes heightened duties to a client in procuring insurance.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) proposed plans to tighten the Jones Act shipping rules by preventing foreign vessels from carrying equipment used in offshore operations.  However, on May 10, 2017, CBP announced it was formally withdrawing the proposed plans, which was well received by many in the intra-coastal shipping industry who would have been impacted by the new rules.

The article discusses how arbitration and service of suit clauses co-exist in harmony in the same agreement, as the arbitration clause provides a choice of forum for resolving disputes under the contract, whereas the service of suit clause requires a party to consent to the jurisdiction to enforce an arbitration award.