BatesCarey and its attorneys once again earned top recognition for insurance coverage firms from Chambers USA, making 2021 its 17^th year of consecutive accolades from the legal industry’s most respected rankings list.

The firm has been ranked in Band 1 in Illinois for Insurance Dispute Resolution: Insurer since 2004 and was one of only two firms in Illinois to receive this premier ranking in 2021.

Clients lauded the firm for its strong national practice as well, saying “The team is first-class…creatively executing the strategy to achieve the best possible outcome.”

BatesCarey garnered a new Chambers ranking in 2021 as a top law firm in Insurance Dispute Resolution: Reinsurance ­– one of only seven firms in Illinois to receive this prestigious ranking. Clients commended the firm’s experience and credibility working with arbitrators and opposing counsel, as well as their innovative strategies handling longstanding coverage issues as well as matters of first impression.

This year extended the streak of partner recognitions as well. Firm founding partner Robert J. Bates, Jr. was again lauded for his work nationally for Reinsurance and in Illinois for both Reinsurance and Insurance – and he was the only attorney to be ranked in both categories in 2021. Partner Adam H. Fleischer earned top rankings both nationally and in Illinois for his insurance work – one of only two attorneys awarded in both jurisdictions in 2021.

Partners David F. Cutter and Ommid C. Farashahi were among the top 34 attorneys ranked for their work in Insurance in Illinois and partner Mark G. Sheridan was awarded for his work in Reinsurance in Illinois – one of only 12 total attorneys ranked in this category. Debuting on Chambers’ individually ranked list is partner R. Patrick Bedell, who was named “Up and Coming” for his insurance work in the state – one of only two awarded in 2021.

Bates was recognized for his extensive experience representing global insurers in complex disputes in litigation and arbitration. Clients remarked that “Bates is extremely knowledgeable as to issues of coverage and allocation. He's a very smart and tough advocate and a very effective litigator. He's a brilliant lawyer because he really is a true subject matter expert and is excellent when it comes to both insurance coverage and reinsurance issues.”

Bedell earned praise for building “a respected and growing practice in the insurance space with notable experience representing a range of coverage claims, including those stemming from the opioid crisis.”

Cutter was described as “a very strong lawyer with a wealth of experience. He is a knowledgeable and respected insurance lawyer.”

Farashahi was commended as being “astute at understanding and responding to the needs of his clients. He is a zealous and solution-oriented advocate with good judgment.”

Fleischer was lauded as “an effective advocate who is very knowledgeable and professional. Adam is very proficient, collaborative and focused on achieving the best outcome in the most efficient manner.”

Sheridan was described by clients as “pragmatic and extremely knowledgeable” in his abilities representing reinsurance companies in an array of disputes and arbitrations.

“These achievements demonstrate firsthand how our attorneys continuously navigate insurance coverage with respect to society’s challenges both old and new,” said Bates. “Our talented group of attorneys allow our clients to prepare for and respond to issues ranging from COVID-19 business interruption claims to the ongoing opioid crisis, and we are grateful for their continued trust in us.”

The Chambers rankings follow other recent firm recognitions, including 15 attorneys selected as 2021 Illinois Super Lawyers and Rising Stars and 11 attorneys named 2021 Illinois Leading and Emerging Lawyers. 

With more than 200 research analysts on the Chambers and Partners team, the top lawyers and law firms from around the world are identified and ranked based on in-depth, objective research of attorneys and clients. Their team has published these guides on legal professionals for over 30 years. For more information on these prestigious rankings or their methodology, visit Chambers.com.