This week's Team Contender Derek Chaiken, Esq., a member of the Merlin Law Group Los Angeles team and five-year veteran of the firm, is a planner. As an experienced trial attorney who tirelessly advocates for justice on behalf of his clients, Derek stresses the need for pro-active practices. “People and companies need to rely on Merlin as experts, not just after a loss or years into litigation but ahead of time to plan and anticipate needs and how to address problems as they arise,” says Derek. “By specializing in insurance policyholder advocacy, we have the obligation to stay on top of changes in law and public trends. Merlin is made up of people who have committed their careers to achieving this goal.” Derek is one of those people, dedicating his practice to representing home and business owners in recovering compensation from their insurers and third parties when their property has been damaged. Derek has represented a wide array of clients, including homeowners, small and large business owners, schools, churches, product manufacturers, distributors, veterinarians, and surgical centers. He has recovered over $100 million in insurance benefits for his clients. He has had significant success litigating on behalf of his clients at mediation, appraisals, arbitration, and trial. As a result of his professional accomplishments, Derek was named a Thomson Reuters Super Lawyers “Rising Star” from 2019-2022 and a “Super Lawyer” in 2024. Derek graduated from the University of Michigan and the University of Detroit-Mercy School of Law. In law school, he served as a clerk for the Honorable Bernard A. Friedman in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. Derek is licensed to practice law in all of the state and federal courts in California. He is a member of the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles (CAALA), and the Beverly Hills Bar Association. He has been a Keynote Speaker at the Pacific Coast Association of Public Insurance Adjusters, formerly known as the California Association of Public Insurance Adjusters, and a speaker on appraisal in California at the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters; a presenter of the CLE program, Handling and Litigating Wildfire Claims in California, Continuing Education of the Bar (CEB); and given multiple lectures on the use and liability of drones in property claim adjustments. #contenders #LosAngeles #team #MerlinLawGroup #policyholder #insurance #law
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EANYC Member Spotlight: Frank Winston, Esteemed Partner at Lerner, Arnold & Winston, LLP We are thrilled to highlight Frank P. Winston in our member spotlight, an acclaimed partner at Lerner, Arnold & Winston, LLP. His dedication and expertise in the field of insurance law have led to significant achievements and recognition, including being a consistent Super Lawyers selectee from 2017 to 2023. 𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐊𝐆𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐃: Frank, a seasoned lawyer with over 28 years of experience, specializes in representing individuals and businesses in complex insurance coverage and bad faith actions. His career is marked by countless victories for clients affected by major natural disasters such as Hurricanes Irene, Sandy, Maria, and Irma. 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓: Lerner, Arnold & Winston, LLP isn’t just a law firm; it’s a beacon of hope for those unjustly denied by insurance companies. Frank’s practice includes a broad array of legal services, from mediations and trials to appeals, focused on securing justice for policyholders and injury victims alike. 𝐇𝐎𝐖: Under Frank’s guidance, the firm commits to the highest standards of advocacy, ensuring each client receives dedicated and effective legal representation. Frank’s approach is about more than just legal success; it’s about restoring fairness and helping clients rebuild their lives: "Every case is a personal commitment to seeking justice and advocating vigorously for our clients." 𝐍𝐄𝐗𝐓 𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐏: Learn more about Lerner, Arnold & Winston, LLP in the comments below. Their commitment to client advocacy and excellence in insurance law reflects Frank’s unwavering dedication and expertise. For those interested in the intricacies of insurance law or seeking expert legal representation, Frank P. Winston invites you to connect. Under Frank's leadership, Lerner, Arnold & Winston, LLP exemplifies a steadfast commitment to justice and client service in the field of insurance law. #EANYC #InsuranceLaw #LegalServices #LernerArnoldWinston #Leadership #ClientAdvocacy If you're inspired by Frank’s story, hit the like button and share your thoughts in the comments. At EANYC, we celebrate the profound impact our members have on our community. Learn more about EANYC and our members below!
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Insights from a Coverage Lawyer: Unpacking the Intricacies of Insurance Law: Beth A. Jenson Prouty, a partner at Arthur Chapman in Minneapolis, Minnesota, specializes in insurance coverage law. She transitioned to this niche after initially focusing on complex motions and appeals in various practice areas. Prouty highlights the appeal of insurance coverage law as akin to solving a puzzle, applying facts to policy terms and researching case law to determine coverage. This field often leads to resolving cases on summary judgment as a matter of law. Prouty’s career in coverage law has involved significant cases, like Earthsoils, Inc. v. Farm Bureau and Rodenburg LLP v. Cincinnati Insurance Company. These cases have explored definitions of "property damage" and the application of exclusions in commercial general liability policies. Her experience demonstrates the evolving nature of coverage law and its critical role in clarifying insurance policies and claims. For new lawyers in this field, Prouty advises persistence despite the steep learning curve and limited courtroom opportunities. She emphasizes the importance of gaining real-world experience and not shying away from court appearances, as insurance coverage law is a continually learning process that requires balancing other legal skills development. #Education #Training #Litigation #Liability #Legislation
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Are you facing a legal battle? Our insurance defense attorneys have a proven track record in safeguarding your interests. From claims to litigation, we're your strong defense. Explore our comprehensive approach to insurance law. #InsuranceDefense #InsuranceLawyers
Philadelphia Insurance Defense Lawyers - Insurance Coverage Law Attorneys Norristown, PA
https://sherrlawgroup.com
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Insurance disputes require skilled defense. Our team of insurance defense attorneys are well-versed in protecting your interests. Trust us to provide robust legal representation. #InsuranceDefense #LegalProtection
Philadelphia Insurance Defense Lawyers - Insurance Coverage Law Attorneys Norristown, PA
https://sherrlawgroup.com
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Are you facing a legal battle? Our insurance defense attorneys have a proven track record in safeguarding your interests. From claims to litigation, we're your strong defense. Explore our comprehensive approach to insurance law. #InsuranceDefense #InsuranceLawyers
Philadelphia Insurance Defense Lawyers - Insurance Coverage Law Attorneys Norristown, PA
https://sherrlawgroup.com
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Galloway, Johnson, Tompkins, Burr, & Smith has been recognized for the third year in a row as a leading firm in Louisiana for insurance law by Chambers USA. As one of the most respected and referenced legal directories in the world, Chambers and Partners bases and validates its ranking system with extensive and exhaustive third-party research with clients, legal peers, and industry leaders. Managing Director Jason Waguespack commented, "With gratitude to our clients for participating in this research and for trusting us as partners, our firm’s ranking in Chambers USA is a validation of our attorneys’ hard work, fierce advocacy, and representation that goes above and beyond to exceed expectations. Daily, I am filled with pride for Galloway’s rich history, the dynamic strides we are taking today, and the bright future ahead. Chambers and Partners is the world's leading legal rankings and insights intelligence company. For over 30 years, Chambers has differentiated the very best legal talent by identifying and ranking law firm departments and lawyers globally. Galloway attorneys provide results-driven representation, strengthened by the firm's regional reach and years of positive outcomes as valued business partners and advocates for their clients. Our firm has been consistently recognized as a premier bad faith and extra-contractual defense firm in the Gulf South, and our attorneys have significant expertise in all areas of insurance defense, including claims, coverage disputes, and liability. Galloway's expert trial attorneys are trusted to handle complex, significant insurance litigation matters. Our 24/7 Emergency and Rapid Response Team provides immediate representation and counsel to investigate, produce evidence, and advise when accidents occur in the maritime, transportation, and other industries. Galloway's responsiveness is crucial to handling a large volume of claims and lawsuits following hurricanes and other catastrophic events. #Chambers #Insurance #Claims #Louisiana #GallowayLawFirm
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#ThrowbackThursday to another landmark legal decision ... this one that is important for every insured driver in Nevada! Following an accident, State Farm agreed to defend its at-fault insured, but did so under a reservation of rights. The insured then settled with Hansen (the injured driver of the other vehicle). He then assigned his rights to sue State Farm to Hansen. Hansen proceeded to sue State Farm for bad faith, because the insurer refused to provide its insured with independent legal counsel. Eventually, the case escalated to the Nevada Supreme Court, which clarified crucial aspects of Nevada’s conflict-of-interest rules in insurance litigation: (1) Nevada law mandates that insurers must provide independent counsel to their insured when a conflict of interest arises; and (2) An insurer is compelled to provide this independent counsel when there is an actual conflict of interest, not just a potential one. Based on this ruling, insured individuals have the right to receive fair and independent legal representation -- paid for by their insurance company -- when the insurer's interests diverge from its insured's interests. If you are the defendant in a lawsuit and you believe your insurance company -- and the attorneys they hired for you -- are not looking out for your interests, you can give us a call. Attorney Jason Lather will review the facts of your case for free.
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Owner and Managing Attorney at Trinity Estate Planning PLLC, a virtual law firm providing comprehensive estate planning services to clients in Illinois and Michigan
Getting group legal insurance through your workplace benefits is becoming more and more common. 🧑🏭 Group legal insurance seems like an easy option to save on your family’s estate plan, but it’s often inadequate for creating the kind of plan you really need to protect your assets, your choices, and your loved ones. In fact - the type of estate plan created through legal insurance programs could leave your family with a big mess. ☹️ In this week’s blog, I’m exploring the potential pitfalls of using group legal insurance for estate planning and sharing suitable alternatives to ensure your assets are properly protected and that your loved ones are left with a legacy of love, ❤️ and not a big mess. Read the full blog here >>> https://lnkd.in/gBK_keGg #estateplanning #wills #trust #willsandtrusts #guardian #planprovideprotect #michiganestateplanningattorney #illinoisestateplanningattorney #grossepointeestateplanningattorney #estateplanninglawyer #livingtrust #powerofattorney #assetprotection #estateplan #legacy #familywealth #familylegacy #peaceofmind #yourpersonalfamilylawyer #leavealegacy #trinityestateplanning #specialneedsplanning #specialneedstrust #specialneedsadvocate #advocate
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As the need for affordable legal services becomes even more important in today’s world, it's common to opt for group legal insurance offered through your workplace benefits. These group insurance plans provide free legal assistance for a variety of needs from law firms that have contracted with the insurance company to provide the legal work. While group legal insurance might seem like an easy option to save on your family’s legal needs, it’s often inadequate for creating the kind of estate plan you really need to protect your assets, your choices, and your loved ones. In fact - the type of estate plan, will, or trust created through legal insurance programs could leave your family with a big mess. Here are the reasons why estate planning for your family demands a heart-centered, counseling-oriented approach and guidance beyond the scope of your group legal insurance coverage. We’ll help you understand the potential pitfalls of using group legal insurance for estate planning and share suitable alternatives to ensure your assets are properly protected and that your loved ones are left with a legacy of love, and not a big mess. Read more.... (Link in comments)
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Working Closely With You Throughout A Car Accident Lawsuit When you suffer injuries in an accident caused by the carelessness or recklessness of another driver, you deserve fair compensation. Depending on the facts of your case, you may be entitled to damages for health costs, car repairs and lost income. In some scenarios, the only way to achieve justice is to file a personal injury lawsuit. The experienced litigation attorneys at Pilka Adams & Reed, P.A., are here to represent you. The Phases Of A Car Accident Lawsuit When a car accident occurs, the following four steps typically take place in Florida: 1. The injured party (plaintiff) contacts an attorney to prepare and file a complaint against the other driver (defendant). 2. Once the defendant receives the complaint, they contact their insurance company. The insurer will often provide a local lawyer to defend their insured client. 3. The defense attorney files a response to the complaint and then waits until the discovery process begins. 4. Once discovery begins, the injured driver typically needs to see doctors provided by the defense. They will examine the plaintiff to determine the extent of their injuries. Our attorneys are extremely familiar with this process, having resolved car accident cases for decades Florida. We know how to effectively fight on your behalf so that you receive fair compensated for your injuries. The Discovery Period Throughout the discovery period, the defendant’s insurance company and the plaintiff negotiate to attempt settling the case. This limits legal expenses and the time spent in trial. An early settlement often benefits the insurance company and leaves injured drivers receiving less in compensation than they deserve. If the discovery period ends and there is no settlement, there will be the trial. The length of a trial varies from case to case, but they all end with a judge or jury determining whether the defendant is liable for the injuries sustained. Whether your case is settled or goes all the way to trial, you can trust our highly skilled attorney to effectively guide you every step of the way. A Legal Adviser You Can Trust Our attorneys are dedicated to providing effective and efficient representation during your auto accident lawsuit. Call Pilka Adams & Reed, P.A., in our Brandon, Tampa, or Lakeland law offices at 813.653.3800. #pilkaadamsandreed #pilkaandassociates #pilka #caraccident #caraccidenttips #caraccidenthelp #CarAccidentInjury #caraccidentlawyer #caraccidentattorney #caraccidentlawsuit
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Attorney at Merlin Law Group, a national litigation firm representing policyholders facing complex residential/commercial property damage claims
2wIt’s truly a pleasure working alongside Derek. He is a great mentor and cares very much about his clients. He is a formidable advocate for policyholders and their interests.