2023 Break Out Awards NORTHEAST SOUTH MIDWEST WEST
JOHN HOWELL Partner
Wiley Rein LLP
Washington
John Howell joined Wiley Rein in 2008 on the day Lehman Brothers declared bankruptcy, an event that influenced his career. While there was a contraction in the demand for legal services at the time, he recalled, there were many insurance claims related to directors and officers liability policies and coverage for financial institutions. The amount of work for D&O clients grew during the financial crisis, and since then he has continued in the firm’s insurance practice, representing professional liability insurers in complex litigation, arbitration and mediation.
What’s your advice on navigating the current insurance market?
There are a lot of complex transactions these days … which are generating a lot of cases. It is important, especially in underwriting, to understand the details of the transactions. By the time it comes to my desk, it can be tough to unravel.
How are technological advances affecting your job?
Technological advances affect the claims we see, whether it is bitcoin or electric vehicle companies that made representations that their shareholders ended up being unhappy with.
What’s a problem that needs fixing in your sector?
It’s important to keep building on the work a lot of people in our industry have been doing on diversity and inclusion.
What’s something about you that would surprise people?
During the pandemic I started restoring antique furniture.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a businessman and go to a lot of lunches and wear suits. I wear a suit occasionally but I don’t take as long of a lunch as I thought I would.
Favorite song?
“This Year,” by the Mountain Goats.
