Larry Bracken has more than 37 years of experience litigating insurance coverage, class action and commercial cases in federal and state courts throughout the United States.

Larry represents policyholders in insurance coverage litigation and arbitration. He also has litigated class actions and complex commercial disputes for more than three decades. Pro bono representation of clients in habeas corpus, prisoner rights, and landlord-tenant litigation also is an important part of his practice.

In addition to his litigation practice, Larry counsels policyholders regarding insurance claim evaluation and strategy, policy placement and manuscripting issues, and recovery of insurance proceeds under third parties’ insurance policies. He has assisted the firm’s transactional attorneys in performing insurance and litigation due diligence for numerous transactions, including a $3.5 billion energy industry acquisition. Larry has worked for many years with the firm’s bankruptcy lawyers to advise clients about insurance aspects of bankruptcy and creditors rights matters.

Larry is admitted to practice in Georgia, New York and Virginia, as well as before numerous U.S. Courts of Appeals and U.S. District Courts. After earning his law degree, he served as a law clerk for the Honorable D. Dortch Warriner of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. He is a Fellow of the American College of Coverage Counsel.

Representative Experience–Insurance Litigation and Counseling

  • Represents clients in insurance coverage litigation and arbitration matters involving CGL, excess liability, environmental/PLL, E&O, technology E&O, D&O, first-party property, business interruption, inland marine, life, trade credit, and builders risk coverage.

Coverage for Pollution/Toxic Tort Claims

  • Advising nation’s largest petroleum products pipeline company in the negotiation and litigation of pollution legal liability and general liability insurance claims in connection with the release of gasoline from a company pipeline. Also advising the client about potential recoveries from contractors’ insurers and additional insured coverage.
  • Representing major electric utility in the negotiation of multiple environmental insurance claims arising out of air and water releases.
  • Advising major U.S. electric utility concerning insurance coverage for alleged emissions from power generation plants.
  • Representing energy client and bankruptcy trustee in the litigation of pollution legal liability insurance claims concerning alleged environmental releases from petroleum refinery and coverage for related class actions.
  • Negotiated and litigated $100 million+ of insurance coverage claims asserted against multiple excess liability policies, involving seven separate releases from pipelines operated by major petroleum pipeline company.
  • Advised multinational energy company in negotiation of pollution liability coverage for major U.S. environmental site.
  • Represented a major petroleum products pipeline company in an action for declaratory judgment against several U.S. insurers arising out of a petroleum pipeline release.
  • Litigated insurance coverage action in connection with environmental claims arising from closed coal gasification plant and waste facility, resulting in negotiated settlement of defense cost and indemnity exceeding $25 million.
  • Litigated and settled insurance coverage claims asserted against excess liability insurers, arising from catastrophic failure of mine company impoundment that resulted in third-party property damage and environmental claims.
  • Advised manufacturers of various products concerning insurance coverage for asbestos claims.

CGL/Excess Liability Insurance

  • Advising the nation’s largest freight and package delivery company concerning insurance issues arising out of several multiple fatality trucking accidents.
  • Representing American energy company in a London arbitration seeking reimbursement from an excess liability insurer for defense costs and settlement of claims arising out of explosion at a petrochemical plant. Previously assisted the client with insurance recoveries exceeding $200 million for the incident.

Directors and Officers/Management Liability Insurance

  • Tried eight D&O liability insurance matters in U.S. courts and arbitration proceedings as lead counsel.
  • Advised numerous public and private company clients concerning D&O liability coverage arising from securities and fiduciary claims.
  • Advising major electric utility holding company concerning D&O insurance coverage for claims arising out of spinoff of affiliated company.
  • Represented current and former executives of Fortune 50 financial-services company to secure Side-A D&O coverage in connection with multiple government investigations and in derivative lawsuits filed in federal and state courts. The coverage issues involved a complex overlay of financial-services regulatory agency investigations. The firm’s coverage advice facilitated settlement in one of the largest derivative settlements of all time.
  • Lead counsel representing a Fortune 250 energy company in the negotiation, mediation and arbitration of claims involving coverage under $300 million D&O liability insurance tower. Underlying claims arose from insolvency of client’s foreign subsidiaries and related U.S. securities litigation.
  • Advised U.S. energy company about D&O insurance coverage issues arising from U.S. Attorney investigation of alleged mining regulation violations.
  • Advised independent system operator in the placement of D&O liability and E&O liability coverage, and in connection with various actual and potential claims.
  • Advised geothermal energy company about D&O insurance coverage issues, including coverage issues relating to acquisition of subsidiary in bankruptcy proceedings.

First-Party Property and Business Interruption Coverage

  • Represented municipality in litigation involving municipality’s commercial property policy seeking reimbursement for flood-related property damage and extra expense. Assisted client in recovering $24 million from its property insurers, as well as additional funds from FEMA.
  • Represented major REIT concerning first-party insurance coverage issues arising out of property damage and construction errors at residential housing complex, resulting in recovery of full amount claimed by client.
  • Litigated and negotiated the successful resolution of a business interruption/cost of replacement power claim on behalf of a major electric generation company, which arose from the failure of a transformer at a 575 MW coal generation unit, resulting in the extended shutdown of the unit.
  • Negotiated the successful resolution of a property damage/business interruption claim on behalf of a major electric generation company, which arose from a fire at a 565 MW coal generation unit, resulting in the extended shutdown of the unit.
  • Represented multiple clients in claims involving property damage and business interruption coverage arising from fire and explosion damage to industrial facilities and other operations, including bad faith claims.
  • Advised Singapore-based commodity trading company concerning trade credit insurance coverage arising out of $100 million of non-payments by trading partners.
  • Settled a $24 million builders risk claim, in pre-litigation mediation, for developer client arising from design errors during construction of a $300 million hotel and entertainment complex.

Representative Experience–Class Action Litigation

  • Class action practice concentrates on the defense of unfair trade practice/false advertising claims, privacy and data breach claims, and consumer class actions. Lead counsel in more than 50 class actions.
  • Represented a major U.S. energy company in class actions alleging injury to consumers as a result of cyber-attack on company’s computer systems.
  • Represented Fortune 25 technology company in a 226,000-member consumer class action in which plaintiff alleged false advertising and violation of unfair trade practices statutes in the advertising and sale of consumer electronics products. Obtained defense verdict after a three-week trial.
  • Represented Fortune 25 technology company in multiple related state and nationwide consumer class actions in nine different states, involving allegations of unfair and deceptive trade practices and breach of warranty in the advertising and marketing of consumer electronics and computer products. Member of client’s defense panel for 20 other cases involving 22 million putative class members. Assisted client to obtain a global settlement for a nominal amount after several defense victories.
  • Defended national homebuilder and its affiliated mortgage company in defense of purported nationwide class action asserting violations of California Business & Professions Code §§ 17200 and 17500, as well as common law causes of action, alleging a scheme to increase home sale prices through improper practices and nondisclosures in the brokering and arranging subprime mortgages. All claims were dismissed on standing and Rule 12(b)(6) grounds before discovery commenced.
  • Represented nation’s largest residential mortgage lender and one of the nation’s largest banks in putative class action seeking statutory damages for alleged failures to cancel mortgage instruments within statutory period.
  • Represented national mortgage lender in putative class action seeking refunds of closing fees and charges that allegedly exceeded limits allowed under state law, resulting in de minimis settlement after District Court granted motion for summary judgment on all counts.
  • Represented a national grocery store chain in a privacy class action in which plaintiff asserted violations of state consumer tampering statute, as well as common law claims. The putative class claimed that the defendant’s website utilized flash cookies to track plaintiff’s web browsing activities.
  • Represented major payment processor in data breach class action. Case resolved favorably for client prior to discovery and all except a single count of the complaint were dismissed on motions.
  • Represented major payment processor in class action alleging that client improperly charged early termination fees and allegedly engaged in unfair and deceptive trade practices. Case resolved favorably to our client after motion to dismiss was filed.
  • Represented national homebuilder and affiliated mortgage company in defense of federal court nationwide class action in which plaintiff alleged improper practices and nondisclosures in brokering and arranging subprime mortgages. Court granted defendants’ motion to dismiss, resulting in dismissal of all counts with prejudice.
  • Represented national homebuilder and affiliated mortgage company in defense of class actions alleging improper practices and nondisclosures in brokering and arranging subprime mortgages. Court granted clients’ motion to dismiss all claims with prejudice.
  • Defended national homebuilder and affiliated mortgage company in defense of class action alleging violations of RESPA and North Carolina UDTPA, arising out of alleged requirement that homebuyers use defendants’ affiliated settlement services and other allegedly illegal mortgage brokerage practices. Obtained dismissal of all but one claim, resulting in highly favorable settlement.
  • Defended large national bank in the defense of purported nationwide class action alleging unfair trade practices and breach of common law duties arising from the bank’s ATM overdraft charge practices and procedures. Negotiated settlement with named plaintiff and case dismissed.
  • Represented national homebuilder and affiliated mortgage company in defense of class action alleging improper practices and nondisclosures in brokering and arranging subprime mortgages. Case was settled favorably after one-day mediation.
  • Represented Fortune 25 company in alleged nationwide consumer class actions involving allegations of unfair and deceptive trade practices in the advertising and marketing of personal computers. Obtained favorable settlements after discovery, which were approved by trial courts.
  • Represented major internet service provider in alleged nationwide consumer class action claiming that ISP improperly charged fees to subscribers. Obtained dismissal of claims and case ultimately settled.

Representative Experience–Commercial Litigation

  • Defended Fortune 50 financial services company in suit by IT infrastructure provider alleging breach of a technology services outsourcing contract. Conducted fast-track discovery and obtained summary judgment for client on majority of issues, resulting in favorable settlement of the few remaining claims.
  • Represented major U.S. food processing company in claims against IT infrastructure provider arising out of errors and contract breaches in the installation and operation of the client’s IT systems under a multi-year $80 million outsourcing contract. Negotiated favorable resolution for client in mediation immediately before filing suit.
  • Advised multiple Fortune 500 clients in confidential pre-litigation negotiations and mediation arising from IT infrastructure and technology services agreements, resulting in negotiated settlements.
  • Represented electric power company in dispute with engineering/construction firm regarding construction of biomass-burning power plant. Obtained favorable settlement for client prior to trial.
  • Defended suit alleging misappropriation of trade secrets by global software development company in the development of health insurance claims software. Negotiated successful settlement after extensive discovery.

Memberships

  • Fellow, American College of Coverage Counsel
  • Board of Directors and Executive Committee, Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation
  • Member, Georgia State Bar Disciplinary Rules and Procedures Committee, 2008-2011, 2015-2018 
  • Master, Bleckley Inn of the American Inns of Court
  • Member, American Bar Association

Awards & Recognition

  • Recommended for Insurance: Advice to Policyholders, Legal 500 United States, 2020, 2022
  • Recognized as a Leader in Insurance, Georgia, Chambers USA, 2021-2023
  • Named a Best Lawyer, Commercial Litigation, Insurance Law, Litigation–Banking and Finance, The Best Lawyers in America–Georgia, 2012-2024
  • Selected as a Super Lawyer for Insurance Coverage, Atlanta Magazine and Georgia Super Lawyers Magazine, 2005-2024
  • Recipient of the Emory Public Interest Committee’s 2024 Lifetime Commitment to Public Service Award
  • 2015 Justice Ally of the Year Award–Southern Center for Human Rights

Insights

Larry Bracken has more than 30 years of experience litigating and investigating class action, technology, insurance, environmental and commercial matters.

Larry has represented clients in federal and state courts throughout the United States in a broad range of cases, particularly the litigation of class actions and other cases involving allegations of unfair and deceptive trade practices, alleged violations of business statutes and regulations, related business torts, environmental matters, and complex contract disputes. Larry also has extensive experience representing technology companies and other clients in internal investigations, alternative dispute resolution proceedings and litigation involving cyber security and privacy issues in the U.S. and other countries; alleged misappropriation of trade secrets; and technology service agreement disputes. His clients include providers and purchasers of technology products and services, major banks and commercial lenders, consumer finance companies and other businesses in the financial services industry, petroleum pipeline companies, retailers, electric utilities, and municipalities.

In addition, Larry has negotiated, arbitrated and litigated more than 500 insurance coverage matters involving general and excess liability, D&O liability, E&O, technology E&O, property, business interruption and time element, pollution liability, inland marine, and other insurance coverage matters.

Larry has served as a faculty member and lecturer at conferences concerning a wide range of topics such as cyber security and privacy investigations and litigation, consumer fraud claims, insurance law and environmental litigation.

Larry is admitted to practice in Georgia, New York and Virginia, as well as before the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Fourth, Seventh, Ninth and Eleventh Circuits, the U.S. District Courts for the Northern and Middle Districts of Georgia, the Southern District of New York, and the Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia. After earning his law degree, he served as a law clerk for the Honorable D. Dortch Warriner of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.

Relevant Experience – Environmental Litigation

  • Represented clients in more than 75 environmental and petroleum pipeline litigation matters, involving claims asserted under CERCLA, RCRA, Clean Water Act, Oil Pollution Act of 1990, Pipeline Safety Act and other federal statutes, as well as related state statutes and common law.
  • Advising major petroleum pipeline company about insurance coverage issues arising out of recent accidents and environmental incidents. Also advising the client about potential recoveries from contractors’ insurers and additional insured coverage.
  • Advising one of the U.S.’s largest energy infrastructure companies concerning insurance coverage issues arising out of petrochemical plant explosion. Assisted client in recovering more than $200 million from liability insurers.
  • Advising major U.S. electric utility concerning insurance coverage for alleged emissions from power generation plants.
  • Advising U.S. energy company about insurance coverage issues arising from U.S. Attorney investigation of alleged mining regulation violations.
  • Litigated surface water, soil and groundwater contamination issues in actions filed in federal and state courts throughout the United States, defending claims asserted under CERCLA, RCRA, Clean Water Act, Oil Pollution Act, and related state statutes and common law. Clients include petroleum industry companies, manufacturing companies, landfill operators, public utilities, municipalities, food processors and other clients.
  • Advising urban county regarding insurance coverage for long-tail groundwater contamination claims, including claims arising from CERCLA liability and related state statutes, arising from 5 decades of landfill operations.
  • Represented one of the world's largest integrated energy companies in negotiations to recover insurance proceeds under environmental policy; former metal smelting and petroleum refinery site involved complex remediation and groundwater contamination issues.
  • Defended petroleum pipeline company in Clean Water Act action brought by the United States in connection with 22 release sites, resulting in favorable settlement for client.
  • Represented national petroleum pipeline company in defense of riparian landowners' claims for property damage resulting from spill of fuel oil from pipeline. Obtained favorable settlement for company.
  • Defended county in multiple actions alleging CERCLA and common law claims arising from operation of multiple landfill sites. Defeated claims on summary judgment.
  • Negotiated $100 million+ of environmental insurance coverage claims for petroleum industry client involving seven environmental sites and multiple insurers in domestic and London markets.
  • Pro bono representation of prisoners in habeas corpus and other actions involving violations of constitutional rights. Received Justice Ally of Year from the Southern Center for Human Rights for work with SCHR.
  • Practice lead for pro bono adoption practice in the firm’s Atlanta office.

Memberships

  • Fellow, American College of Coverage Counsel
  • Board of Directors and Executive Committee, Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation
  • Member, Georgia State Bar Disciplinary Rules and Procedures Committee, 2008-2011, 2015-2018 
  • Master, Bleckley Inn of the American Inns of Court
  • Member, American Bar Association

Awards & Recognition

  • Recommended for Insurance: Advice to Policyholders, Legal 500 United States, 2020, 2022
  • Recognized as a Leader in Insurance, Georgia, Chambers USA, 2021-2023
  • Named a Best Lawyer, Commercial Litigation, Insurance Law, Litigation–Banking and Finance, The Best Lawyers in America–Georgia, 2012-2024
  • Selected as a Super Lawyer for Insurance Coverage, Atlanta Magazine and Georgia Super Lawyers Magazine, 2005-2024
  • Recipient of the Emory Public Interest Committee’s 2024 Lifetime Commitment to Public Service Award
  • 2015 Justice Ally of the Year Award–Southern Center for Human Rights

Insights