Hinshaw & Culbertson Adds Four Maritime Attorneys to its San Francisco Office; Continues Growth Following Merger

Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP announced today that it has expanded its San Francisco office with the addition of Forrest Booth as a Partner, Pamela Schultz as a Partner, Phillip Barilovits as Senior Counsel and Bradley H. Pace as an Associate. On March 31, 2015, the attorneys joined Hinshaw from Severson & Werson in San Francisco.

“We are extremely pleased to welcome this group of attorneys to our firm,” says Robert J. Romero, partner in charge of the San Francisco office. “Their capabilities enhance our firm-wide focus on representing the insurance industry and its many varied interests both domestically and abroad.”

The new group launches the firm’s formal Maritime practice and bolsters the maritime experience already established by San Francisco Partners David J. McMahon and John “Jack” S. Pierce who came to Hinshaw with the October 2014 merger of Barger & Wolen. The merger with Barger & Wolen brought international capabilities to Hinshaw with the addition of a London Office. That move also expanded the insurance and reinsurance practices to 120 attorneys worldwide.

“The international platform at Hinshaw & Culbertson was very attractive to us because we represent many of the London Market insurers,” says Booth. “Seventy-five percent of our practice focuses on maritime coverage and it’s growing substantially. We needed the substantial resources of Hinshaw to support it.”

Donald L. Mrozek, Chairman of Hinshaw says, “California and London are a significant part of our firm’s strategic plan so we are particularly excited with the depth of expertise brought by this exceptional team of attorneys in these markets.”

Forrest Booth focuses his practice on insurance and reinsurance with particular emphasis on defense of claims and business disputes involving litigation, admiralty and maritime claims, insurance coverage, marine insurance, energy matters including oil and gas. Mr. Booth served as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy from 1968-1972. He is a member of the Maritime Law Association of the United States and Pacific Admiralty Seminar Steering Committee (PAS).

Pamela L. Schultz is a litigator with a broad range of experience in state and federal courts in jurisdictions across the nation. Her specific experience includes the litigation of admiralty and maritime matters, as well as product liability and general liability litigation. She is a member of the American Bar Association, Tort and Insurance Practice Section, Vice-Chair of Admiralty and Maritime Committee and the Maritime Law Association of the United States.

Philip Barilovits represents clients in both state and federal court and before regulatory agencies (including the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, the California Medical Board, and the International Trade Commission). He has on multiple occasions defeated attempts to certify class actions in a number of cases brought by experienced and formidable plaintiffs’ firms. He has won favorable appellate decisions for his clients from the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and from the Federal Circuit.

Bradley H. Pace focuses his practice in insurance services, with particular emphasis in maritime and aviation law. He drafts legal memorandum, motions, appeals, contracts and agreements. He is involved in all phases of the litigation process and has substantial knowledge of Jones Act claims, cargo loss, seaman and captain’s duties, limitation of liability, pollution regulation and navigable waterway rights He is also a member of the U.S. Maritime Law Association. Prior to his legal career, Mr. Pace worked in the maritime industry as a licensed ship captain, officer, engineer and seaplane pilot.

Source:  www.hinshawlaw.com