Dentons US Adds New Partners to Strengthen Insurance Litigation Team

Dentons US has made strategic additions to its insurance litigation and commercial disputes team by bringing in Sandra Jones, Jessica L. Gallagher, and Timothy J. O’Driscoll as partners in its Short Hills, New Jersey office.

This addition marks a significant strengthening of Dentons' capabilities, particularly for clients navigating complex insurance-related litigation and regulatory challenges. Each attorney brings a wealth of experience, notably in handling insurance coverage disputes, class action defenses, bad faith claims, and regulatory compliance. Their track record of collaboration ensures a seamless integration into Dentons' existing operations.

Meet the New Partners

Sandra Jones is recognized for her extensive work with insurance companies, particularly concerning regulatory and coverage issues. Her portfolio includes class action representation and structured settlements across diverse insurance products like annuities and long-term care. Known for her ability to traverse the regulatory landscape across states, Jones holds significant roles in industry organizations, reinforcing her deep connection to the insurance sector.

Jessica Gallagher focuses her practice on advising insurers and reinsurers in coverage litigation and commercial disputes. Her expertise further extends to an established antifraud practice, adding a critical layer to Dentons' service offerings. Gallagher's involvement in handling life insurance, annuities, and property and casualty products exemplifies her versatility and sector insight.

Timothy J. O’Driscoll is particularly renowned for his handling of high-stakes coverage and extra-contractual disputes, including class actions. His experience spans settlements, trials, and advisory roles on regulatory compliance, marking him as a seasoned professional in insurance litigation circles. His approach showcases a comprehensive understanding of the industry's regulatory and litigation landscape.

Dentons' Strategic Expansion

The addition of these partners is part of Dentons' broader strategy to enhance its commercial litigation and insurance practice. This move follows the firm's recent expansion, which includes over 100 lateral partner appointments and the establishment of a new office in Charleston, South Carolina. Dentons' continued growth reflects its commitment to providing robust legal support, especially amid increasing regulatory scrutiny and complex multi-jurisdictional challenges.

Partner Specialization
Sandra Jones Insurance coverage, Regulatory issues
Jessica Gallagher Coverage litigation, Antifraud practice
Timothy J. O’Driscoll High-stakes disputes, Regulatory compliance

Why This Matters to Insurance Professionals

For insurance professionals, these appointments signify Dentons' reinforced dedication to addressing the growing complexities in insurance litigation. As regulatory demands increase and class action lawsuits threaten to become more common, having skilled litigators like Jones, Gallagher, and O’Driscoll can offer significant advantages to insurers and reinsurers. Their collective expertise will likely drive more effective strategies in managing claims and navigating regulatory compliance.

This development also underscores the importance of specialized legal expertise in supporting insurance companies through intricate coverage disputes and regulatory issues. With these new partners, Dentons is well-positioned to lead in providing valuable guidance and robust defense for insurance entities facing multifaceted legal challenges.