Wilson Elser is recognized in The Legal 500 United States 2025 in four practice areas.
New for Wilson Elser in 2025, Michael Duffy has been recognized as Tier 4 under the newly introduced Chicago Elite: Commercial Disputes section. In addition, Richard Boone and Raúl Chacón have been newly recognized as Recommended Lawyers in the Insurance: Advice to Insurers and Shipping Litigation & Regulation sections, respectively. The Cannabis section saw the inclusion of two new Recommended Lawyers – William Tolin Gay and Michael Manfredi.
Insurance: Advice to Insurers Tier 3 (consistent with 2024)
Recognized attorneys: James Stankowski (Partner, California), recognized for his legal ability in complex insurance litigation and coverage matters; professional liability specialist Thomas Quinn (Partner, New Jersey); Price Collins (Partner, Texas), who specializes in handling coverage determinations, claims, settlement negotiations, and bad faith avoidance; Michael Duffy (Partner, Chicago), who advises on coverage, extra-contractual liability, and reinsurance matters; Jonathan Meer (Partner, New York), who represents insurers based in the United States, China, London, and Bermuda in high-exposure claims; and Richard Boone (Partner, New York), who represents a wide range of corporate, executive, and professional liability matters as both coverage and defense counsel.
Cannabis Tier 4 (consistent with 2024)
Recognized attorneys: Ian Stewart (Partner, Los Angeles), Cannabis Law Practice cochair, who works with insurance companies on new policy forms and underwriting practices; Dean Rocco (Partner, Los Angeles), Cannabis Law Practice cochair, who assists ancillary businesses and financial institutions that work with cannabis companies on regulatory compliance; William Tolin Gay (Of Counsel, Los Angeles), who advises clients in the cannabis industry on matters relating to private placements and other financing arrangements; and Michael Manfredi (Partner, Atlanta), who defends various hemp product manufacturers, retailers, and laboratories.
Shipping Litigation & Regulation Tier 3 (consistent with 2024)
Recognized attorneys: Jake Rodriguez (Partner, New Orleans), experienced in maritime, environmental and energy law; Mike Harowski (Partner, New Orleans), with an integrated practice in maritime law, environmental law, marine and pollution casualty response, and insurance coverage and defense; Kent Adams (Partner, Houston), who covers catastrophic personal injury, offshore, maritime, insurance and environmental matters; and Also recognized in this field are Otis Felder (Partner, Los Angeles), Daniella Gauer (Of Counsel, Miami), and Raúl Chacón (Partner, Miami), who is regularly appointed to act as national and local counsel by insurance companies in admiralty and maritime matters. Of Counsel John Bridger and Ronald White are key contacts in Houston.
Chicago Elite: Commercial Disputes Tier 4
Recognized attorney: Michael Duffy (Partner, Chicago), who provides clear-headed advice and a range of options to help bridge the chasm so dueling parties can reach agreements and avoid protracted litigation.
The Legal 500 United States ranks law firms and individual lawyers based on research and analysis. It shines a spotlight on the firms and individuals considered to be at the top of their game in a wide range of practice areas and across several jurisdictions. Firms that make it into the publication are then ranked in Tiers (the number of tiers depends on the size of the region being covered and the category of law).