James Westerlind

Background

About James Westerlind

James focuses primarily on life settlement disputes on behalf of investors in the secondary and tertiary markets. James has been involved in the life settlements industry since the starting with legal issues with programs being created in that timeframe, and later in litigation on behalf of investors and agents in this niche area. James’ practice also focuses on resolving insurance and reinsurance disputes, including insurance and reinsurance coverage issues on behalf of policyholders and carriers. James has also represented brokers, agents, and MGAs in disputes with insurance and reinsurance carriers. James has substantial first- and second-chair litigation experience in state and federal trial courts across the country, and arbitrations, representing plaintiffs and defendants in insurance and noninsurance disputes. In addition to insurance litigation, he has defended a number of prominent US companies in product liability actions. He has also defended toxic tort cases. James also represents auto dealers in franchise disputes with auto manufacturers in various federal and state actions and administrative proceedings. James has also taken the lead in a number of appeals in the New York State Supreme Court, First and Second Judicial Departments, and the Second, Ninth, and Eleventh Circuits of the US Courts of Appeals. James has devoted a substantial portion of his time to pro bono matters, including not-for-profit public interest endeavors and family court litigation. In fact, James is a recipient of the Arent Fox LLP Albert E. Arent Award for outstanding pro bono achievement (Fall 2013) and the Commitment to Justice Award (February 2014) from Her Justice, a nonprofit organization devoted to helping women in need. In addition, he was a member of the Insurance Law Committee of the New York City Bar Association, where he assisted in shaping New York insurance law and public policy in an effort to help the public and the profession. For a more comprehensive description of James' practice, as well as access to his publications, please visit his firm website, available at: Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.