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Lawyer Profile

Image of Scott M. Seaman

Scott M. Seaman

Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP
  • Recognized Since:
    2010
  • Recognized in:
    Insurance Law
  • Website:
    http://www.hinshawlaw.com
  • E-mail:
    sseaman@hinshawlaw.com
  • Languages:
    English
  • Location:
    151 North Franklin Street, Suite 2500
    Chicago, IL 60606
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"Scott's extensive experience in the A&E and latent claims coverage arena, coupled with his insightful ability to develop and implement strategic resolutions of high-profile insurance claims, uniquely positions him to complement any claim organization. His treatise "Allocation of Losses in Complex Insurance Coverage Claims" is a must-have reference book for every corporate legal and risk-management claim department."

-Raymond Rizzi (Enstar (US), Inc. ), Warwick

"When it comes to insurance coverage, Scott is one of the most knowledgeable attorneys in the country. He is continually ahead of the curve and ready to tackle any complex legal situation. His willingness to provide guidance and educate in a meaningful way is greatly appreciated. His commitment to his clients and community are second to none."

-Gerald Reed (Columbia Insurance Group), Austin

Read More Client Comments
  • Lawyer Bio
  • Client Comments
  • Firm Details
  • News & Media
  • Case History

Lawyer Bio

Scott M. Seaman is a partner at Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP in its Chicago office and serves as co-chair of the firm's global Insurance Services Practice Group.  He has a national practice representing companies in complex commercial law and litigation matters, with a special emphasis on insurance and reinsurance trials, appeals, meditations, and arbitrations. Scott has had the privilege of working with some of the most dedicated and talented senior management, legal counsel, and insurance and reinsurance professionals in the world and of serving as counsel in matters involving some of the most challenging contemporary coverage and reinsurance issues confronting the industry.  Previously, he served as chairman of Meckler Bulger Tilson Marick & Pearson LLP's national insurance coverage litigation and counseling practice group. He began his legal career at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom and was part of its national product liability and insurance group. 

PRACTICE DESCRIPTION

For nearly three decades, Scott has successfully represented insurance and reinsurance companies in trial courts, appellate courts, and arbitrations across the country in a variety of high stakes matters, including cases and cessions involving general liability coverage (primary, umbrella, and excess), professional liability coverage, first-party property coverage, bad faith and extra-contractual matters, fee disputes, and facultative and treaty reinsurance contracts. 

Scott has served as national coverage counsel as well as trial and appellate counsel.  His advice has been sought on emerging coverage issues and a wide-range of case specific and portfolio issues.  He has drafted contract language, trained insurance and reinsurance professionals, and assisted companies in evaluating and resolving issues in the claims and cession stages. 

He also has handled a variety of international, professional liability, tort and product liability, and business and commercial cases. 

According to Chambers (2016), "Scott Seaman has the 'uncanny ability to make the complex understandable,' according to commentators, who point to his superb knowledge in the insurance space. He is highly respected for his robust insurance and reinsurance litigation practice, with sources particularly highlighting that 'he's the expert when it comes to excess and umbrella policies.'" 

Chambers (2015) says:  "'Superior trial lawyer' Scott Seaman is experienced in all forms of insurance dispute. According to clients, 'he is a straight shooter who is experienced and knows the issues. We like the results that he gets us.'"

Chambers USA (2014) notes:  "Scott Seaman is well respected for his longtime experience as a litigator, and he has notable expertise in complex insurance and reinsurance coverage cases. He is also an expert in bad faith insurance matters. Sources describe him as a 'terrific lawyer' and as someone who has the respect of the market."

Chambers USA (2013) adds: "Scott Seaman is respected for his expertise in bad faith and reinsurance matters as well as complex insurance coverage cases. He has recently been involved in a series of significant litigation matters and reinsurance arbitrations."

According to Chambers USA (2012): "[d]epartment head Scott Seaman has a fine reputation among clients and peers alike as 'a leading expert in complex insurance coverage issues.' He splits his practice between coverage litigation and reinsurance arbitration work, and earns particular praise from clients for his expertise in asbestos and environmental coverage issues."

Chambers USA (2011) says: “Scott Seaman is an eminent coverage lawyer with extensive experience in insurance and reinsurance, and besides practicing he writes prolifically on both topics.”

ADMITTED TO PRACTICE 

Illinois

United States Supreme Court

United States Courts of Appeals (Seventh and Tenth Circuits)

United States District Courts (Northern District of Illinois, Central District of Illinois, and Northern District of Florida)

Admitted pro hac vice in numerous matters

HONORS AND DISTINCTIONS 

Best Lawyers (since 2010)

Martindale & Hubbell – AV Preeminent rating (5.0/5.0) (since 1997)

Chambers USA (since 2009)

Illinois Super Lawyers (since 2005)

Leading Lawyers (since 2009)

America’s Most Honored Professionals

ICFM Leading Lawyers 500 (top 500 lawyers in the world)

International Who’s Who of Insurance and Reinsurance Lawyers  

Scott is a fellow of the American College of Coverage and Extracontractual Counsel. 

LEGAL EDUCATION

Scott received his J.D. magna cum laude from Loyola University of Chicago School of Law, where he graduated first in his law school class and served as a law journal editor.

PUBLICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS 

Scott is a frequent speaker on insurance, reinsurance, business law, and litigation issues. He has Chaired and Co-Chaired conferences and has presented before and on behalf of various organizations, including: the American Bar Association; the Defense Research Institute; the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education; ARIAS US; the Claims Litigation Management Alliance, the American Conference Institute; the Illinois State Bar Association; the American Conference Institute; the Chicago Bar Association; Bermuda Bar Association; PLRB/LIRB; Lorman Education Services; Strafford; Perrin; and West Legalworks.

He has been quoted in publications ranging from The Wall Street Journal, to Crain's Chicago Business, to Law360. His extensive writings on substantive legal issues, insurance and reinsurance topics, and litigation practice matters have been recognized by parties and commentators and have been cited by the highest courts in Arizona, Illinois, Kentucky, Massachusetts, New Jersey, South Carolina, Wisconsin and West Virginia and by other state and federal appellate and trial courts across the country.   

His treatise, Allocation of Losses in Complex Insurance Claims (5th Ed. Thomson Reuters 2016-2017), addresses many of the important issues driving contemporary insurance claims and coverage litigation and reinsurance cessions and arbitrations.  Among his extensive writings, are Pertinent Reinsurance Contract Provisions” Reinsurance Professional’s Deskbook—A Practical Guide (2015-2016 Ed. Thomson Reuters) and Wrongful Death and Survival Actions (5th Ed. IICLE 2014) (General Editor and Contributing Author Chapters 1, 2, 5, and 7).  

He hosts Hinshaw Insurance Law Radio on the Blog Talk Radio Network.  

CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
 

National Board of Selector, the Jefferson Awards for Public Service and Co-Chair of Jefferson Awards Chicago.  The Jefferson Awards was founded in 1972 by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, U.S. Senator Robert Taft, Jr., and Sam Beard to create a "Nobel Prize" for public and community service. Jefferson Awards are presented on a national basis and local level.  In addition to nominating, evaluating, and voting on Nobel Prize candidates, Scott has been part of the delegation to present reports to the White House and U.S. Senate on the state of volunteering in America.  He also

Read more on firm website
  • Bar Admissions
  • Affiliations
  • Award List
  • Additional Information

Bar Admissions:

  • Illinois, Illinois State Bar Association

Affiliations:

  • American Bar Association - Co Chair Litigation Section - Business Interuption Insurance Subcommittee; Past Vice Chair Tort and Insurance Practice Section
  • ARIAS US - Member
  • Claims and Litigation Management Alliance - Co-Chair Reinsurance/Run-Off Advisory Board
  • Defense Research Institute - Alternative Disute Resolution Committee, Insurance Committee, Commercial Litigation Committee, International Law Committee, Climate Change Litigation Task Force, Business Torts SLG
  • Jefferson Awards for Public Service (Nobel Prize for Public and Community Service) - National Board of Selectors, Co-Chair Jefferson Awards Chicago

Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America for work in:

  • Insurance Law
 

Awards:

  • Loyola Leadership and Service Award
  • Chief Justice Roger B. Taney Award
  • Judge John C Hayes Award
  • Thomas L. Owens Award
  • Judge John V. McCormack Award
  • Lymphoma Research Foundation Inaugural Tribute Award Recipient
  • 2012 and 2013 Lawyers World Leading Lawyer Award (North America Insurance and Reinsurance)
  • InterContinental Finance Magazine Continent Awards Insurance & Reinsurance Litigator of 2013 – North America
  • 2014 Insurance Attorney of the Year in Illinois (Corporate Int’l Magazine)
  • 2014 Litigation Lawyer of the Year – USA (Finance Monthly Law Awards)
  • Insurance Attorney of the Year in Illinois – 2014 (Global Law Experts Practice Awards)
  • Top Tier in Commercial Litigation - Illinois 2015 (Corporate LiveWire)
  • 2015 Insurance Attorney of the Year in Illinois (Global Law Expert Practice Awards)
  • 2014 and 2015 Leading Lawyers 500 (ICFM)
  • 2013–2016 Insurance Attorney of the Year in Illinois, Corporate Int'l Magazine

Areas of Expertise:

  • Litigation
  • Reinsurance
 

Lawyer Client Comments

"Scott's extensive experience in the A&E and latent claims coverage arena, coupled with his insightful ability to develop and implement strategic resolutions of high-profile insurance claims, uniquely positions him to complement any claim organization. His treatise "Allocation of Losses in Complex Insurance Coverage Claims" is a must-have reference book for every corporate legal and risk-management claim department."

Raymond Rizzi, Enstar (US), Inc. , Warwick

"When it comes to insurance coverage, Scott is one of the most knowledgeable attorneys in the country. He is continually ahead of the curve and ready to tackle any complex legal situation. His willingness to provide guidance and educate in a meaningful way is greatly appreciated. His commitment to his clients and community are second to none."

Gerald Reed, Columbia Insurance Group, Austin

"Mr. Seaman is a first-rate commercial litigator, trial lawyer, counselor, and strategist. His legal analysis and writings are superior to other lawyers. He is a creative, hard-working, practical, cost-effective, and accessible advocate."

"Mr. Seaman works harder, writes better, strategizes more thoroughly, and knows more than other lawyers that I have seen. He is highly effective in the court room (an educator and advocate), in the board room, and at the negotiation table (often disarming the opposition and coming up with creative solutions)."

"Mr. Seaman has a high level of experience in complex insurance and reinsurance matters. He always responds in a timely matter. He is well respected in the legal and local community. He is an excellent legal strategist and exceptional trial lawyer. He is the leading author of the Allocation of Losses in Complex Insurance Coverage Claims, which is a superb reference guide for all claim handlers. He provides practical advice that takes into account the need of a particular matter, as well as the company's portfolio interest."

Norma Newell, Factory Mutual Insurance Company

"Scott Seaman provides thorough, reliable, and timely legal work which is also cost-effective."

"I consider Scott Seaman of Meckler Bulger Tilson Marick & Pearson LLP to be the country's leading expert in the allocation of losses in complex insurance coverage matters. He possesses comprehensive knowledge of insurance law with a consummate grasp of asbestos and environmental issues. Further, his ability to boil down complicated matters and communicate them in understandable terms (both verbally and in writing) is unsurpassed, and has been enormously helpful to me over the many cases on which we have worked together. While Scott's technical legal abilities are outstanding, his overall business acumen is even more impressive, and his industry knowledge is second to none. He has a unique ability to survey a situation, sum it up succinctly and accurately, and address it in a calm, authoritative manner. He inspires confidence. Lastly, Scott's professional conduct and personal integrity are unquestionable. His commitment to the high standards and values held by my company, as well as his diligence and around the clock availability, has made him an indispensable asset to me."

Marla Goyne, Factory Mutual Insurance Company

"Scott is an increasingly important member of our panel counsel team for complex coverage matters."

Craig Bacovin, Highlands Insurance Co. In Receivership

Firm Details

Image for Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP View Firm Profile
Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP
http://www.hinshawlaw.com
 
Headquarters
151 North Franklin Street, Suite 2500
Chicago, IL 60606
(312) 704.3000
20 Office Locations
in 2 Countries

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

London, United Kingdom

Aldgate Tower, Suite 5056

2 Leman Street

London E1 8FA

United Kingdom

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United States

United States

Arizona

Arizona

Phoenix, AZ

2375 East Camelback Road, Suite 750

Phoenix, AZ 85016

United States

(602) 631.4400

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California

California

Los Angeles, CA

633 West Fifth Street, 47th Floor

Los Angeles, CA 90071-2043

United States

(213) 680.2800

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Los Angeles, CA

11601 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 800

Los Angeles, CA 90025

United States

(310) 909.8000

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San Francisco, CA

One California Street, 18th Floor

San Francisco, CA 94111

United States

(415) 362.6000

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Florida

Florida

Coral Gables, FL

2525 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Fourth Floor

Coral Gables, FL 33134

United States

(305) 358.7747

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Fort Lauderdale, FL

One East Broward Boulevard, Suite 1010

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

United States

(954) 467.7900

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Tampa, FL

100 South Ashley Drive, Suite 500

Tampa, FL 33602

United States

(813) 276.1662

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Illinois

Illinois

Belleville, IL

521 West Main Street, Suite 300

Belleville, IL 62222

United States

(618) 277.2400

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Peoria, IL

416 Main Street, Sixth Floor

Peoria, IL 61602

United States

(309) 674.1025

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Rockford, IL

100 Park Avenue

P.O. Box 1389

Rockford, IL 61105

United States

(815) 490.4900

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Springfield, IL

400 South Ninth Street, Suite 200

Springfield, IL 62701

United States

(217) 528.7375

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Indiana

Indiana

Schererville, IN

322 Indianapolis Boulevard, Suite 201

Schererville, IN 46375

United States

(219) 864.5051

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Massachusetts

Massachusetts

Boston, MA

53 State Street, 27th Floor

Boston, MA 02109

United States

(617) 213.7000

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Minnesota

Minnesota

Minneapolis, MN

333 South Seventh Street, Suite 2000

Minneapolis, MN 55402

United States

(612) 333.3434

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Missouri

Missouri

St. Louis, MO

701 Market Street, Suite 1375

St. Louis, MO 63101

United States

(314) 241.2600

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New York

New York

New York, NY

800 Third Avenue, 13th Floor

New York, NY 10022

United States

(212) 471.6200

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Rhode Island

Rhode Island

Providence, RI

56 Exchange Terrace

Providence, RI 02903

United States

(401) 751.0842

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Wisconsin

Wisconsin

Milwaukee, WI

100 East Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 2600

Milwaukee, WI 53202

United States

(414) 276.6464

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News & Media

Related Articles

The Tiring Terrain Of Insurance Contract Exhaustion

Browse all articles

Videos

Lawyer Case History

Owens-Illinois

Asbestos reinsurance case resulting in a landmark allocation ruling by the New Jersey Supreme Court.

General Electric

Asbestos and environmental coverage action resulting in numerous rulings including an important ruling on number of occurrences by the New York Court of Appeals.  

Liggett

Insurance coverage action resulting in a Delaware Supreme Court decision enforcing tobacco exclusions.   

Dresser/Halliburton

Insurance coverage and bankruptcy matters. 

Griffin Dewatering

California insurance coverage and bad faith action resulting in the 
reversal of an $11 million bad faith/punitive damages verdict. 

CBS/Viacom

Insurance coverage litigation. 

Rushing

Florida construction defect coverage action.

Central Illinois Public Service Company

Coverage action resulting numerous rulings, including a ruling by the Illinois Supreme Court that trial court decision binding insurers to a prior ruling violated the insurers' due process rights. 

Owens-Corning

Non-products asbestos coverage action and bankruptcy proceedings. 
 
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