April 02, 2021

NAME: Jeffrey Wank

NEW JOB TITLE: Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based chair of first-party property insurance defense, Kelley, Kronenberg, Gilmartin, Fichtel and Wander PA

PREVIOUS POSITION: Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based partner, Kelley, Kronenberg, Gilmartin, Fichtel and Wander PA

INDUSTRY OUTLOOK: Stable for now, but we need to continue legislative reforms to curb litigation abuse. Another big storm season, combined with the repopulation of Citizens Property Insurance Corp., could force many private insurance companies out of the Florida market.

GOALS FOR NEW POSITION: Uniformity and consistency with client services and work product throughout all of our offices. Continue growth and production. Become the “go-to” firm for first-party property.

CHALLENGES FACING THE INDUSTRY: Keeping the insurance market stable and ensuring there is a level playing field for both policyholders and insurers.

FIRST EXPERIENCE IN THE INDUSTRY JOB MARKET: Defending a nonparty witness deposition. I think I objected to almost every question, and had no idea what I was doing.

ADVICE: Spend the time outside of the office learning the craft. Read new case law and articles on the subject. Attend as many events to learn how to practice and make up the time on weekends.

OUTSIDE THE INDUSTRY, A DREAM JOB: Head coach at a major sports program.

COLLEGE MAJOR: Political science

LOOKING FORWARD TO: Continuing the growth of our practice area and mentorship.

FAVORITE MEAL: Classic Italian meal

BOOK: “The Da Vinci Code”

HOBBIES: Sports

TV SHOW: “Seinfeld”

ON A SATURDAY AFTERNOON: Spend time with my family.