Heather Marsden Email and Phone Number

* US and UK qualified counsel serving as first port of call for all claims and underwriting legal advice.* Offer strategic claims advice on coverage, potential market implications, investigation required, and resolution strategy across all classes of business including FI, PI, Cyber, GL, Property, Space, Energy, Marine, RI, Bloodstock, Cargo, Aviation, Contingency, Accident & Health, and Terrorism.* Provide legal support to Underwriters including reviewing, drafting, and advising on policy wordings and proposed endorsements, development of new products, language for cancellation and non-renewal of individual policies and coverholder agreements, and assignment of rights agreements and advising on 3rd party disputes.* Appointing and managing external counsels to ensure value is achieved and develop and drive the Group’s resolution strategy whilst safeguarding the Group’s reputation and integrity.* Attending market and client meetings, mediations, arbitrations, and trials as well as working with adjusters and counsel to respond to all discovery requests whilst ensuring all litigation holds are in place. * Advise on key US legal and regulatory matters to ensure compliance with local regulations including notice requirements for coverage letters, non-renewals, cancellations, rescissions and response times following CATs.* Manage and train legal secondees and provision of legal training to Underwriters and claims staff.* Regularly update executives on material litigation and key legal issues that may impact the business.* Actively involved in advising E&O insurers of potential claims.* Negotiate, develop and maintain contractual relationships with third party providers as well as auditing Lawyers, TPAs, and coverholders to ensure compliance with service agreements.

* Senior Associate with international insurance defence law firm specializing in insurance coverage disputes, construction law, labour law, products liability, and general liability.* Reviewed insurance policies to assess coverage, possible risk transfer, and other insurance issues. * Responsible for litigation of caseload from inception through trial. Evaluated potential liability and settlement value through wording analysis and medical and expert document review. * Negotiated settlements, conducted and defended depositions, represented clients at discovery conferences, settlement conferences, mediations, and trials. * Drafted and argued pre-trial discovery motions, dispositive motions, declaratory judgment pleadings, complaints, answers, discovery responses and requests as well as preparing trial briefs.* Supervised, trained and mentored junior associates. *Assisted in the development of crisis management programs for international construction management companies as well as serving as national defence counsel for international food processors overseeing their GL and Products litigation.

Worked at United States Senate in Washington, DC in fast paced, high-pressure environment responding to all press inquiries directed towards New York State Senator. Wrote press releases, coordinated press conferences, conducted research, and assisted with Senator’s constituent call-in shows.