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Suzan F. Charlton

Special Counsel

Washington +1 202 662 5898

  • About
  • Representative Matters
  • Credentials
  • About

    Suzan Charlton has represented policyholders in insurance coverage disputes for more than 20 years. Whether a matter requires litigation or a negotiated resolution, clients trust her with coverage problems that demand creative solutions and zealous advocacy.

    Her practice includes clients from a wide range of industries, including professional sports, high-tech government contractors, energy companies, industrial and pharmaceutical manufacturers, railroads, food and beverage companies, and hospitality businesses. Suzan handles all aspects of complex insurance coverage litigation, from filing complaints through trial and appeal, and has successfully negotiated numerous substantial insurance coverage settlements.

    Suzan lectures extensively on insurance and other topics at industry conferences, CLE programs, and at universities, including past service as an adjunct professor at the University of Maryland Global Campus (f/k/a UMUC), and as a guest lecturer at the University of Connecticut School of Law. She is a Fellow of the American College of Coverage Counsel and has been recognized as a Super Lawyer since 2013.

    Areas of Expertise

  • Practices and Industries
  • Representative Matters
    • Represents companies seeking insurance coverage in litigation of thousands of claims concerning the historic use of firefighting foam alleged to contain PFAS.
    • Represents professional sports leagues, restaurant investment groups, and other commercial property owners in litigation seeking insurance coverage for Covid-19 related losses.
    • Represents professional sports organization and non-profit organizations in negotiation of insurance coverage for Covid-19 related losses under cancellation insurance policies.
    • Advise property owners with respect to liability claims and property coverage arising out of explosion
    • Represents food manufacturers in insurance disputes regarding domestic and international food contamination incidents and recalls.
    • Represented a luxury hotel owner in insurance litigation and ultimate settlement of for property damage and business interruption losses arising out of Hurricane Maria.
    • Represents major industrial companies in asbestos-related insurance coverage litigation, mediation and negotiations involving multiple insurers, including negotiated coverage-in-place agreements.
    • Represented a pharmaceutical company in D&O insurance coverage claims related to government investigations.

    • Represented a municipality in housing discrimination litigation.
    • Represented a mortgage institution in professional liability insurance coverage claims, including claims involving class action litigation and government investigations.
    • Represented a major U.S. railroad corporation in prosecution of a $150 million environmental insurance coverage claim against more than 40 domestic and international insurers.
    • Achieved substantial recoveries from a wind energy company’s property insurer and a battery manufacturer’s liability insurer for losses arising out of a catastrophic fire.
    • Achieved a settlement substantially in excess of policy limits for an individual accident victim under an assignment of the tort-feasor’s insurance
    • 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.

    Areas of Expertise

  • Credentials
    Education
    • Georgetown University Law Center, J.D.
        • The Georgetown Law Journal, Editor
    • Vassar College, B.A.
        • 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
    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.
    • Suzan's pro bono work is profiled in the September 2008 issue of Pro Bono Saves Lives.
    Accolades
    • Washington DC Super Lawyers, Insurance Coverage  
    • Suzan 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)
    Memberships and Affiliations
    • American College of Coverage Counsel
      • Fellow (2016-present)
      • Annual Meeting Co-Chair (2022-present)
      • Professional Liability (E&O and EPLI) Committee, Co-Chair (2018-2022)
    • American Bar Association    
    • ABA Section of Litigation, Insurance Coverage Litigation Committee
      • WIN Conference Co-Chair (2016) 
      • Social Media Managing Editor (2015-2020)  
      • 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 (2014-2020)
      • Service Unit Recognitions Chair (2011-2015)
      • Troop Leader (2007-2020) (Outstanding Leader Award, 2010-2011; Volunteer of Excellence Award, 2016; Jan Verhage Spirit of Leadership Award, 2019; Council Appreciation Pin 2020)
      • Adult Educator (2020-present)

    Areas of Expertise

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