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Seth B. Schafler

Senior Of Counsel

New York +1 212 841 1027

  • About
  • Representative Matters
  • Credentials
  • About

    Seth Schafler has represented high-profile clients in precedent-setting cases spanning every type of insurance work for more than 30 years. He has experience representing policyholders in coverage negotiations and disputes with their insurance companies, and litigating coverage issues in federal and state courts across the country.

    Seth's practice covers a wide variety of insurance products including commercial general liability, directors and officers (D&O), professional liability, errors and omissions (E&O), fiduciary liability, property, business interruption, fidelity, marine and credit risk insurance, among others.

    In addition to his litigation practice, Seth also advises his clients on any and all of their day-to-day insurance and coverage needs.

    Seth has been highly-ranked by Chambers USA (Nationwide) for 12 consecutive years, and by Chambers New York for 13 consecutive years. In the most recent Chambers edition, clients praise Seth, saying "Seth has incredible depth of experience in the insurance area." and "He's an excellent insurance litigator."

    Areas of Expertise

  • Practices and Industries
  • Representative Matters
    • Represented lessees of the World Trade Center in litigating the biggest single insurance claim of all time, involving their claims for property damage and business interruption losses resulting from the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
    • Represented several prime contractors involved in the clearing work at ground zero in recovering insurance proceeds to pay for a global settlement with claimants alleging respiratory injury claims.
    • Represented JP Morgan Chase & Co. in:
      • claims for D&O and bankers professional liability coverage in connection with claims arising out of unauthorized copper derivative transactions;
      • claims for bankers professional liability insurance coverage in connection with claims arising out of the underwriting of WorldCom bonds; and
      • claims for bankers professional liability coverage in connection with lending activities and other banking services provided to Enron.
    • Represented JP Morgan as successor to:
      • Bank One in claims for bankers professional liability insurance in connection with settlements of multidistrict litigation involving breach of fiduciary claims by owners of NCFE bonds; and
      • Bear Stearns in claims for bankers professional liability insurance in connection with settlements of civil lawsuits and regulatory proceedings involving market-timing and late trading practices in mutual funds.

    • Represented Bausch & Lomb in obtaining in excess of $200 million from Bausch & Lomb’s insurance tower to cover the claims of eye injuries resulting from an alleged faulty contact lens solution product.
    • Represented Henry Schein Inc., the Depository Trade and Clearing Corporation, and the Met Opera in various coverage matters.
    • Represented a large number of sports teams and leagues. Seth has worked on matters ranging from claims surrounding stadium defects to complex liability issues. Seth’s sports industry clients have included the 32 NFL Teams and Major League Baseball.

    Areas of Expertise

  • Credentials
    Education
    • Yeshiva University, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, J.D.
        • cum laude
        • Articles Editor, Cardozo Law Review
    • The University of Chicago, B.A.
    Bar Admissions
    • New York
    • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York
    • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
    • U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York
    Judicial Clerkship
    • Hon. John W. Oliver, U.S. District Court, Western District of Missouri
    Pro Bono
    • Represented the Conference on Material War Claims Against Germany, Inc. in securing insurance proceeds to pay for claims brought by Holocaust survivors.
    • Provided insurance counsel to the school board of his local school district, the Mamaroneck Union Free School District.
    Accolades
    • Fellow of the American College of Coverage and Extracontractual Counsel
    • Chambers USA, Insurance: Dispute Resolution: Policyholder (2009-2023)
    • The Legal 500 US
      • Hall of Fame (2020-2022)
      • Litigation: Insurance: Advice to Policyholders (2008-2022)
    • New York Super Lawyers (2007-2022)
    • Best Lawyers in America (2018-2023)
    Memberships and Affiliations
    • Editorial Advisory Board Member, Insurance Coverage Law Center (2020-2022)
    • New York City Bar Association
    • New York State Bar Association
    • Faculty member in numerous insurance-related courses and seminars for the Practicing Law Institute and other organizations
    • Served on the inaugural Editorial Advisory Board of Insurance Law360
    • Former President of his synagogue, Westchester Jewish Center in Mamaroneck, New York, current Chair of the Board
    • Board Member Jewish Community Center of Mid-Westchester

    Areas of Expertise

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