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  3. Suzan F. Charlton
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Suzan Charlton
Suzan F. Charlton
Special Counsel
Washington +1 202 662 5898 scharlton@cov.com Download V-card
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Suzan Charlton has represented policyholders in insurance coverage disputes for more than 15 years.  Clients trust her with coverage problems that demand creative solutions and zealous advocacy when litigation is called for.  Her practice includes clients from a wide range of industries, including high-tech government contractors, oil and gas companies, energy utilities, industrial manufacturers, railroads, food and beverage companies, and hospitality businesses.  Ms. Charlton has handled all aspects of complex insurance coverage litigation, from filing a complaint through trial, and has successfully negotiated numerous substantial insurance coverage settlements.

  • Represents food manufacturers in insurance disputes regarding domestic and international food contamination incidents and recalls.
  • Represents major industrial companies in asbestos-related insurance coverage litigation, mediation and negotiations involving multiple insurers, including negotiated coverage-in-place agreements.
  • Represents a pharmaceutical company in D&O insurance coverage claims related to government investigations.
  • Achieved a settlement substantially in excess of policy limits for an individual accident victim under an assignment of the tort-feasor’s insurance.
  • Represents a major US railroad corporation in prosecution of a $150 million environmental insurance coverage claim against more than 40 domestic and international insurers.
  • Represents a wind energy company in insurance claims involving property losses arising out of a catastrophic fire.
  • Secured full coverage for high-tech government contractor in insurance coverage dispute involving qui tam and employment liability allegations.
  • Represented a hotel chain in litigation, through successful trial verdict, regarding insurance coverage for damage caused by defective windows.
  • Represented major oil companies and utilities in complex, multi-party insurance coverage negotiations, resulting in substantial multi-million dollar insurance recoveries for environmental cleanups.
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Pro Bono

  • Secured dismissal of a business conspiracy and defamation case filed against several state legislators and other citizen defendants who had protested a gun store’s opening in their community.  
  • For the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence, briefed the constitutionality of a Maryland statute barring the sale of assault weapons and high-capacity magazines in Kolbe v. O’Malley, No. 14-1945 (U.S. Court of Appeals 4th Cir.).
  • Successfully represented a national non-profit organization in an employment insurance dispute.
  • Handles commercial leases and license agreements on behalf of a charitable organization.
  • Successfully negotiated a health insurance claim on behalf of an indigent client.
  • Ms. Charlton's pro bono work is profiled in the September 2008 issue of Pro Bono Saves Lives.

Memberships and Affiliations

  • Fellow, American College of Coverage and Extracontractual Counsel
  • Co-Chair of the Professional Liability (E&O and EPLI) Committee of the American College of Coverage and Extracontractual Counsel (ACCEC).
  • American Bar Association    
  • ABA Section of Litigation, Insurance Coverage Litigation Committee
    • WIN Conference Co-Chair (2016) 
    • Social Media Managing Editor (2015-present)  
    • Food & Drug Subcommittee, Co-Chair (2013-present)
    • Food Contamination Articles Editor (2012-present)
    • Annual Conference Co-Chair (2012-2013)
    • Annual Conference Vice Chair (2011-2012)
    • Products Liability Subcommittee, Co-Chair (2009-2012)
    • CGL Subcommittee, Co-Chair (2005-2009)
  • Women’s Bar Association of the District of Columbia, Insurance Law Forum, Co-Chair (2008-2015)
  • Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital
    • Service Unit Manager (2014-present)
    • Service Unit Recognitions Chair (2011-2015)
    • Troop Leader (2007-present) (Outstanding Leader Award, 2010-2011)
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  • Washington DC Super Lawyers, Insurance Coverage (2013-2017)
  • Ms. Charlton is profiled in the September/October 2008 issue of Diversity & the Bar.
  • Benchmark: The Definitive Guide to America’s Leading Litigators, “Star” attorney in the field of Insurance (2007)

Practices

Education

Georgetown University Law Center, J.D., 1991

  • The Georgetown Law Journal, Editor

Vassar College, B.A., 1988

  • cum laude

Bar Admissions

  • District of Columbia
  • Maryland
  • U.S. District Court, District of Columbia
  • U.S. District Court, District of Maryland
  • U.S. Supreme Court