Stephen Raptis, Of Counsel to the Firm, represents commercial policyholders in complex, multi-party insurance disputes.  Steve has more than fifteen years experience in litigating major insurance cases and other commercial disputes in numerous state and federal courts, as well as resolving such disputes through negotiation and alternative dispute resolution procedures.  Matters in which Steve has been substantially involved have culminated in clients recovering hundreds of millions of dollars.  Some of these include:

• Representation of major oil companies, electrical utilities, and product manufacturers in coverage disputes involving environmental contamination and toxic tort claims

• Representation of companies in numerous sectors (including pharmaceutical, waste management and manufacturing) and successor trusts in asbestos coverage litigation

• Advising clients regarding preservation of potential insurance claims, locating missing policies, purchasing new coverage, and timely and cost-effective means of resolving insurance claim disputes
  

Prior to joining Gilbert LLP in 2004, Steve worked at major law firms in Pittsburgh, PA and Washington, DC.  While at those firms, Steve represented commercial clients in insurance-related and general commercial disputes, including:

• Litigation and negotiation of numerous complex environmental insurance coverage matters

• Defense of asbestos and related tort claims

• Litigation of intellectual property disputes

• Litigation and negotiation of complex commercial contract and tort cases
  

• Fifteen years of representing victims of domestic violence in obtaining restraining orders

• Representation of individuals with developmental disabilities in obtaining accommodations free from abuse and neglect

• Representation of African American farmers in obtaining compensation for historical discriminatory practices by the US Department of Agriculture