Michael Levine is a partner in Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP’s Washington, DC office and a leader of the Firm’s Insurance Recovery Practice. He offers insights into the legal side of the risk management space and the important role that attorneys play in creating a system of checks and balances in the insurance space and offers insights from his experience to young professionals considering a career at the intersection of insurance and law.

Key Takeaways:

• Michael shares insights into his work at Hunton Andrews Kurth.

• Being an attorney who practiced in insurance was not a childhood dream of Michael’s.

• After becoming an attorney, the decision to specialize in insurance coverage was an easy one.

• Michael has practiced both in favor of the policyholder as well as on the carrier side.

• What were Michael’s reasons for switching back and forth between the policyholder and carrier sides multiple times?

• The biggest misconceptions about the motives and actions of attorneys in the insurance space.

• What does it really mean if a lawyer gets involved in a claims case?

• The real reason Michael uses the term “policyholder” instead of “insured.”

• Attorneys are in place to provide a healthy system of checks and balances within the insurance industry.

• Maximizing insurance recoveries means giving policyholders everything they're entitled to.

• When is the right time to get an attorney involved in insurance policies?

• Once counsel gets involved, whether the broker has done their job makes all the difference in the outcome of the claim.

• Michael’s opinion on the high percentage of insurance payouts that ends up in attorney’s pockets.

• Acquiring new clients through marketing and networking, because repeat business is not good business in policyholder litigation.

• Michael reveals the biggest lessons learned from his years of practicing law in the insurance space.

• Tips for picking up the technical language of the insurance world.

• It’s all meaningful; Michael’s advice for finding the issues that mean something to you and righting a wrong.

Mentioned in This Episode:

RIMS — San Diego Event

Michael on LinkedIn

Hunton Andrews Kurth

Daniel Kaniewski is the Managing Director at Marsh McLennan and an American government official who served as the acting deputy administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. He also served as the deputy administrator of FEMA for Resilience. In this episode, Daniel recalls the impact that 9/11 had on his personal and professional life and how it strengthened his resolve to increase the country’s preparation for catastrophic events. He shares the hurdles he has faced along the way, the role of luck and risk in every step of his career, and highlights the opportunities that response readiness and resilience have to offer young professionals today.

Key Takeaways:

• Daniel highlights his role at Marsh and reveals his disaster resilience guru status.

• Daniel’s unusual pathway into risk management started with a volunteer firefighter paramedic who wanted to figure out how to reduce losses in the first place.

• After maxing out his EMT certifications and education, Daniel turned to a Ph.D. in public policy.

• An internship on Capitol Hill led Daniel to support the Gilmore Commission, where he worked to increase first responders' preparation for terrorist attacks.

• In a post-9/11 world, policymaker interest has shifted dramatically in favor of proactive training against acts of terrorism.

• The personal and professional impact of 9/11 on Daniel’s life and work.

• Watching the Pentagon take fire from the Capitol Building was a surreal moment, especially after learning that the Capitol Building was the likely target of Flight 93.

• Daniel’s “why” in the years following 9/11 only strengthened his resolve to continue the work he had been doing in the years prior.

• Hurricane Katrina swung the pendulum from terrorism directly to natural disaster relief.

• Federal departments and missions continue with their work, regardless of presidential administration changes, but their focus may change with each new president.

• Every dollar invested in disaster mitigation saves $13 in physical and economic costs should a disaster occur.

• Daniel was willing to help set up FEMA, as long as he was able to maintain a focus on disaster resilience.

• Local and national governments informing the public about key catastrophic exposure is critical for gaining support for investments in response readiness.

• What prompted Daniel’s shift from the public sector over to Marsh?

• Daniel recalls the professional relationships that have enabled him to take the risks that have made his career so fulfilling.

• Response readiness and resilience are top of mind across the country, and have a place for you!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Daniel on LinkedIn

Marsh McLennan

Jenna Kirkpatrick Howard is the Senior Vice President for Lockton Companies. She is also a board member and treasurer for the Community of Hope, a non-profit focused on creating opportunities for low-income families in Washington, DC. In this episode, Jenna shares her journey from hesitantly stepping into a sales position to embracing her skills as a networker and people connector. She shares the truth behind the Lockton/Rolex legend and provides candid advice for young professionals navigating their careers.

Key Takeaways:

• A little bit about Jenna and her role at Lockton Companies.

• Jenna, at first, didn’t see herself in the production role, but with a bit of encouragement and mentorship, she jumped into the position.

• Because of that training, Jenna doesn’t see herself as a salesperson, she sees herself as a communicator and bridge-builder.

• What was the first deal Jenna ever closed and what lessons did she learn from it?

• With any sales position, it’s important to talk with the client and be intellectually curious.

• What does Jenna love the most about being in risk management?

• Another project Jenna is passionate about is connecting accredited female investors to commercial real estate investment opportunities.

• Jenna won the 2023 Women to Watch Awards Americas EMEA and shares what it was like to win an award like that for the non-profit sector.

• Is it true that you are gifted a Rolex after ten years of working for Lockton?

• Jenna shares advice if you’re early in your career and you’ve been laid off and fired.

• Whatever happens, own up to your mistakes. Don’t try to bury it because it will make it so much worse.

• What other advice does Jenna have for young risk professionals?

• The insurance industry has so many options for you!

• Don’t underestimate the power of your young adult relationships in the industry. Everyone will be going on to do great things after 25-plus years in the industry and will become a wealth of knowledge, opportunities, and inspiration.

Mentioned in This Episode:

RIMS — San Diego Event

Jenna on LinkedIn

Lockton.com

Communityofhopedc.org