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Practice Areas: Commercial Litigation; Reinsurance Litigation; Insurance Coverage Litigation; Construction and Environmental Litigation; Higher Education Law

Additional Information: <P> <center> <img width="200" src="http://www.sgllawgroup.com/images/attorneys/robert2.jpg"> </center> <P> Robert D. Laurie is a commercial litigator who represents clients in various industries, including financial services, manufacturing, and life sciences. Among other clients, he frequently represents domestic and international insurance companies in disputes concerning insurance coverage determinations, bad faith/extra-contractual claims, reinsurance, life insurance and related financial products. Bob also frequently represents clients in commercial contract disputes, commercial fraud, shareholder and partnership disputes and product liability. <P> 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: <P> Obtained a defense verdict on behalf of insurance company against plaintiff's claims that the insurer was liable for alleged negligent repairs and remediation performed by an independent contractor referred to the plaintiff following a loss under a commercial insurance policy. <P> Obtained dismissal of a complaint alleging breach of a regional distribution and sales agreement and unfair trade practices. <P> Successfully defended life insurer in an arbitration involving claims of fraud and breach of contract made by beneficiary relating to insurer's procedures concerning issuing policy amendments and the conduct of agents. <P> Obtained summary judgment on behalf of insurance company upholding its denial of coverage under a CGL policy for a multi-million dollar claim arising from a data-loss event. <P> 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. <P> Successfully defended international medical device manufacturer in a product liability litigation filed in the U.S.D.C. for the District of Connecticut. <P> In addition to litigation, Bob regularly advises clients on various contract and risk management issues, including lease, license and distribution agreements. Bob also advises clients on the construction and wording of various types of insurance and reinsurance agreements. <P> Bob recently served 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. <P> Bob was named as a 2013 and 2014 New England Super Lawyer® in the practice areas of insurance coverage litigation. <P> Outside of the law, Bob is currently serving as the President of the Board of Directors of 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.

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Firm Members: Heather McCoy