MATTHEW W. BEATO | Age: 35 Partner

Wiley Rein LLP

Washington

Matthew W. Beato wanted to litigate when he joined Wiley Rein LLP 10 years ago. The firm’s insurance practice delivered. He had the opportunity to litigate in federal and state courts throughout the country. Named a partner in 2021, he has spent his entire career in insurance litigation at the firm, focusing primarily on directors and officers liability and securities cases.

 

What’s a lasting effect of the pandemic on the way you work?

A reduction in business travel. Some business travel will come back, but some won’t. Some mediations will be conducted remotely, permanently. I don’t see clients as much in person as I used to, but I see them a lot more over Zoom. With some clients, like the ones we have in London, we see a lot more over Zoom than in person because of the distance.

 

What’s your advice on navigating the current insurance market?

Insurance is extremely fluid; something always pops up that’s new. There are new exposures — cyber and ransomware, that sort of thing. You have to be on top of new developments, reading industry news and keeping up with developments in case law. If you’re not doing that, you’re going to be behind.

 

What should the industry do to attract more young people to work in it?

Realize that when people hear the word “insurance,” it’s not something everybody wants to do. In the current job market, we can’t assume that every position is going to get filled like it used to. We have to make the case for why this is a career path where you can be successful.

 

What is something about you that would surprise people?

I really like to travel. I visited all 50 state capitals last year.

 

What did you want to be when you grew up?

An athlete before I realized not everybody can be in the NBA or NFL.