Robert D. Laurie
Partner
Robert D. Laurie represents clients in various industries, including manufacturing, life sciences and financial services. Among other clients, he frequently represents domestic and international insurance companies in disputes concerning insurance coverage determinations, bad faith/extra-contractual insurance claims, reinsurance, construction defect/architects and engineer liability, life insurance and related financial products, directors' and officers’ liability and environmental liability. Bob also has a broad commercial litigation background, particularly in the areas of commercial contract disputes and product liability, including medical devices.
Bob is an experienced trial lawyer who has successfully presented cases in various state and federal courts (jury and courtside). He has also represented clients in domestic and international arbitration and mediation proceedings, among other engagements. The following is a sample of Bob's recent matters:
- Obtained unanimous defense verdict on behalf of an insurance company following a two-week jury trial in the U.S.D.C. for the District of Connecticut concerning an insureds’ claims of breach of contract and bad faith insurance practices following a fire-loss claim at the insureds’ 400-acre estate;
- Successfully defended international medical device manufacturer in a product liability litigation filed in the U.S.D.C. for the District of Connecticut;
- Successfully defended insurance company in a Massachusetts litigation against claims of breach of contract and bad faith (Chapter 93A) following the insurer’s denial of coverage for underlying sexual harassment and molestation claims;
- Successfully defended insurance company against claims of breach of contract and bad faith following insurer’s denial of property damage and business interruption claim; and
- Successfully defended insurance company in a coverage dispute commenced in Texas concerning the insurer’s denial of coverage under pollution exclusion for claims resulting from a breakout of Legionnaire’s Disease.
In addition to litigation, Bob regularly advises clients on various contract and risk management issues, including lease and distribution agreements. Bob also advises clients on the construction and wording of various types of insurance and reinsurance agreements.
Bob currently serves on the Executive Committee of the Insurance Committee of the International Bar Association. He is also a frequent publisher and speaker on topics relating to commercial litigation and the insurance and reinsurance industry.
Outside of the law, Bob currently serves as Vice President of the Board for The Bridge Family Center, a non-profit organization that provides community-based programs, residential services, youth services, child-parent support, mental health counseling and art and recreational programs for children and families in Connecticut. In addition, Bob has many interests, including surfing, hiking, running and spending time with his wife, two daughters, son, and “Newfie” dog.
Practice Areas
- Insurance Coverage and Extra-Contractual Liability
- Cyber Insurance Litigation
- Complex Civil Litigation
- Commercial Litigation
- Environmental Litigation
- Product Liability Litigation
- Reinsurance
Education
- Western New England College, B.A.
- Suffolk University Law School, J.D., cum laude
Admitted to Practice
- Connecticut – All Courts
- Massachusetts – All Courts
Professional Affiliations
- International Bar Association, Insurance Committee
- American Bar Association, Tort, Trial & Insurance Practice Section
- ARIAS U.S.
- The British Insurance Law Association
- Professional Liability Institute
- Professional Liability Underwriters Society
- Defense Research Institute
- Connecticut Bar Association
- Massachusetts Bar Association
Recent Publications/Speaking
- Co-Author, “Just How Late is Too Late,” Connecticut Law Tribune, November 2009. (PDF)
- Author, “Late Notice Revisited: Recent Decisions Further Obscure the Viability of a Late Notice Coverage Defense," The ACE Group, Claims Bulletin, August 2009.
- Speaker, “The Current Status of the Law on Notification of Circumstances and Claims in Different Global Jurisdictions,” The 2009 Conference of the International Bar Association, Madrid, Spain.
- Speaker, “Insurance on Asbestos Liabilities,” The 2008 Conference of the International Bar Association, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Co-Author, “Déjà Vu All Over Again – Auction Rate Securities are the Latest Debacle to Hit the Financial Services Industry,” Mealey’s Emerging Insurance Disputes, August 2008.
- Speaker, “United States Insurance Regulation – Developments in the Movement for Reform,” The 2007 Conference of the International Bar Association, Singapore.
- Co-Author, “Mass. High Court Says Excess Carrier Not Bound By Primary’s Settlement Decision,” National Underwriter, November 5, 2007.
- Speaker, “The Insurability of Punitive Damages,” Association of Insurance Compliance Professionals, National Conference, October 2006.
- Co-Author, “Trouble In Front,” Run-Off Business, Summer 2004.
- Author, “Navigating the Seas of D&O Policy Rescission,” National Underwriter, September 20, 2003.
- Author, “Not So Fast: Ruling in the Legion Insurance Company Rehabilitation Proceeding Provides Direct Access to Reinsurance Only in Limited Circumstances,” Edwards & Angell Insurance & Reinsurance Update, September 2003.
- Co-Author, “Proposed SEC Proxy Disclosure Rules; Investors’ Savior or Plaintiffs’ Bar Weapon?,” Financial Advisor Magazine, November 2002.
