Lisa M.Cirando

Experience

The following represents experience acquired prior to joining Jones Day.

Successfully litigated an appeal to a New York State appellate court on behalf of a famed New York City hotel and obtained a landmark victory for policyholders in Hotel des Artistes v. General Accident Insurance Company of America, 9 A.D.3d 181 (1st Dep't 2004), which recognized that a general liability policy provides a duty to defend against claims involving breach of contract and that allocated the burden of proof to the insurance company to demonstrate those portions of the settlement that are not covered by the policy.

Represented PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP seeking errors and omissions coverage for a $182 million verdict resulting from a claim brought by the receiver for Ambassador Insurance Company.

Represented a global financial services firm in a dispute with its fidelity bond insurance companies relating to a claim involving an elaborate fraud perpetrated by a financial advisor who sold fake securities and used the funds to invest in risky trading schemes that benefitted himself and reached a settlement with the insurance companies that involved offsets, assignments, and contingency clauses that took into account the amounts received in restitution proceedings brought against the individual advisor and his family; the amounts of settlements/judgments ultimately paid to those clients who refused to settle their claims; and the legal fees and costs required to pursue and/or defend such actions.

Represented Rank Group Plc. (Hard Rock Cafe) in international litigation regarding its business interruption claims for the New York and Washington, D.C. Hard Rock Cafe restaurants for business losses sustained as a result of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Represented Paxson Communications Corporation in multistate litigation regarding its property damage, business interruption, and extra expense losses incurred as a result of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Represented WellCare Health Plans, an HMO, with respect to errors and omissions liability claims arising out of a dispute with one of WellCare's sales/marketing agents.

Represented Hartz Mountain Industries in litigation regarding a competitor's wrongful act claims under a directors and officers liability insurance policy and in litigation regarding construction defect/property damage claims under a CGL insurance policy.

Represented Warnaco Group in directors and officers liability insurance claims involving a competitor's claims, multiple shareholder securities class actions, and an SEC investigation.

Represented a brewing company's claims for coverage under D&O and fiduciary liability policies for international securities class actions and ERISA actions.

Represented a major steel manufacturer in litigation involving first-party and business interruption claims resulting from an explosion at one of the steel manufacturer's facilities.