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Robin L. Cohen, Randy Paar, William E. Denver, Kenneth H. Frenchman, Keith McKenna, Elizabeth A. Sherwin, Adam S. Ziffer, Joseph D. Jean, Andrew N. Bourne, Sarah Cox, Burt M. Garson, Sheri E. Hametz, Rachel Wrightson


NEW YORK, NY, January 5, 2010 - Kasowitz, Benson, Torres & Friedman is pleased to announce that 13 leading insurance recovery litigators, including prominent insurance litigators Robin L. Cohen and Randy Paar, have joined the firm in its New York office. The group comes from the Dickstein Shapiro firm, where Ms. Cohen served as managing partner of the New York office.

Joining Ms. Cohen and Ms. Paar as new Kasowitz Benson partners are William E. Denver, Kenneth H. Frenchman, Keith McKenna, Elizabeth A. Sherwin and Adam S. Ziffer. Also joining Kasowitz Benson are counsel Joseph D. Jean and associates Andrew N. Bourne, Sarah Cox, Burt M. Garson, Sheri E. Hametz, and Rachel Wrightson.

The team was ranked tier one in the New York insurance dispute resolution category in 2009 by Chambers USA, the leading legal ranking survey. Chambers cites client praise for their “aptitude in complex matters,” “highly effective advocacy,” and Cohen’s sound courtroom strategy and foresight.

The incoming group elevates Kasowitz Benson’s already strong insurance recovery practice and will serve as a vibrant complement to the firm’s other leading litigation specialties. It also continues the firm’s rapid growth to 328 lawyers in six offices.

“We are delighted to welcome Robin and Randy and their exceptional team to the firm,” said Marc E. Kasowitz, the firm’s founding and managing partner. “Robin’s leadership and litigation skills will be a great asset for the firm and its clients, and the group’s extraordinary talent, experience and record of success establish Kasowitz Benson as the leading firm for insurance recovery litigation and counseling.”

Ms. Cohen focuses her practice on representing insureds in complex insurance recovery matters in federal and state courts throughout the country and on counseling clients across the country on insurance recovery and related matters. The National Law Journal has recognized her as one of the 50 Most Influential Women Lawyers in America.

“Joining one of the most respected litigation firms in the country is a terrific opportunity for me and my colleagues,” Ms. Cohen said. “We share the firm’s commitment to excellence in the courtroom, and I look forward to what we can accomplish together for our clients.”

Ms. Cohen and her team have recovered over $1 billion in disputed policy claims and have handled some of the largest coverage cases for a wide range of clients. In addition Ms. Cohen’s law practice, she focuses on activities to promote the advancement of women into leadership positions in the legal and other professions. She received her J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School and her B.A., magna cum laude, from the University of Pennsylvania.

Ms. Paar focuses on commercial litigation in federal and state courts nationwide and on counseling clients in all areas of insurance coverage. For 25 years she has handled the representation of policyholders in multiparty insurance coverage cases, and Chambers USA calls her an “excellent advocate who brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to her role." She received her J.D. from New York University School of Law and her B.A. in economics, cum laude, from Harvard College.

Mr. Denver also focuses his practice on insurance recovery litigation on behalf of policyholders. He formerly served as an assistant district attorney in the New York County District Attorney’s office. He received his J.D. from Rutgers School of Law-Newark and his B.A. from The College of New Jersey with honors.

Mr. Frenchman has significant experience in insurance recovery litigation, counseling on insurance-related issues and securing settlements with prominent American and European property and casualty insurers. He received his J.D. from the New York University School of Law and his B.S. in business administration from the University of Colorado.

Mr. McKenna has a diverse general commercial litigation background with a particular emphasis on insurance coverage litigation. He received his J.D. from Rutgers School of Law-Newark and his B.A. from Rutgers University.

Ms. Sherwin’s practice focuses on the representation of policyholders in insurance recovery litigation. She has represented Fortune 500 firms, small privately owned companies and individuals both in arbitration and before the state and federal courts in all phases of litigation. She received her J.D., cum laude, from New York University School of Law and her B.A. in psychology and sociology, cum laude, from Rutgers University.

Mr. Ziffer has extensive experience in representing corporate policyholders in litigating many of the most significant and cutting-edge insurance coverage cases in the country. He received his J.D. from Fordham School of Law and his B.S. from the University of Florida.

About Kasowitz, Benson, Torres & Friedman LLP
Kasowitz, Benson, Torres & Friedman LLP is a national law firm specializing in complex, highly sophisticated litigation. Principal practice areas include general litigation, creditors' rights and bankruptcy, employment practices, intellectual property, insurance recovery litigation and family law. With more than 325 lawyers, the firm is committed to pursuing creative, aggressive and winning approaches to our clients' most challenging legal matters. Clients include leading companies in the financial, technology, manufacturing, utilities, chemical, energy, entertainment, consumer products, pharmaceutical and telecommunications industries. The firm has offices in New York, Houston, Atlanta, San Francisco, Miami and Newark. For more information, visit www.kasowitz.com.