January 10, 2018 — Law360 reports that a California federal judge ordered Transamerica Life Insurance Company to pay nearly $200,000 in sanctions for obstructing the discovery process in a lawsuit brought by Brewer, Attorneys & Counselors on behalf of DCD Partners, LLC.
DCD Partners sued Transamerica in 2015, alleging that it increased life insurance premiums on a predominantly African-American church congregation in South Los Angeles. In September 2017, a jury awarded DCD Partners more than $5.6 million.
The sanctions relate to Transamerica’s conduct in responding to discovery requests in late 2016. “We appreciate the attention of the court to this matter,” William A. Brewer III told Law360. “Our clients believe this decision and monetary award validates what they have believed all along — that defendants sought to frustrate their pursuit of discovery in this important matter.”
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Brewer, Attorneys & Counselors Names New Partner
September 20, 2017 — Brewer, Attorneys & Counselors recently named Sarah B. Rogers partner. Ms. Rogers joined the firm’s New York office as a senior associate in May 2016.
She is active in many areas of the firm, mentoring colleagues and assisting with firm recruitment. Ms. Rogers also serves as a judge of the International Public Policy Forum (IPPF), a high school debate competition jointly sponsored by the Brewer Foundation and NYU. Prior to joining the firm, she was an associate at Latham & Watkins LLP and also previously worked in-house for Philip Morris International, managing litigation and regulatory issues.
Ms. Rogers received her Juris Doctor degree from Columbia Law School in 2008 and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations from Dartmouth College in 2005. At Columbia, she served as a staff editor of the Journal of Transnational Law and was recognized as a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar.
Law 360 Reports on Firm’s Trial Victory
September 14, 2017 — Law 360 reports that Brewer, Attorneys & Counselors, won a four-day jury trial in federal court in Los Angeles that resulted in a $5.6 million victory for its client, DCD Partners, LLC. As reported, an eight-person jury in United States District Court, for the Central District of California awarded plaintiffs more than $5.6 million against Transamerica Life Insurance Company (“Transamerica”).
DCD Partners sued Transamerica in 2015, alleging Transamerica improperly increased life insurance premiums by 50 percent in 2013 on more than 2,000 insureds – predominantly African-Americans from South Los Angeles, who were parishioners of the Praises of Zion Missionary Baptist Church, and other community churches. In 2004, the insureds became part of a charitable life insurance program which provided family members money for burial expenses, and funds for the community activities of the Personal Involvement Center, and other non-profit groups.
The jury rendered a verdict for DCD Partners on its claims of breach of contract and breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing.
The Wall Street Journal Reports on Firm Case in Los Angeles, CA
September 1, 2017 — The Wall Street Journal reports on one of the firm’s current cases in Los Angeles, California. The article “Life Insurer Faces Off Against African-American Church in Battle Over Rates” focuses on issues relating to a life insurance program that benefits members of the South Los Angeles community.
As reported in the WSJ, the case “sheds light on the once-hot use of ‘investor-owned’ life insurance for nonprofit fundraising.”
Partner William A. Brewer III Named 2017 BTI Client Service All-Star
April 14, 2017 — Partner William Brewer has been named a 2017 BTI Client Service All-Star. The list recognizes only 319 attorneys who “stand out as absolutely the best at client service,” as defined solely by clients.
Attorneys must be nominated by corporate counsel, and no attorney or firm can self-nominate, self-refer, nor pay to be included. According to BTI, “these attorneys are proactive in building client relationships. They take, and make, the time to understand their clients in-depth – their business, their objectives, and their goals. This elite group enjoys a clear cut advantage over the competition.”
U.S. News-Best Lawyers Names Firm to 2017 “Best Law Firms” List
November 26, 2016 — Brewer, Attorneys & Counselors was named to the U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers 2017 “Best Law Firms” list. The firm was recognized in the commercial litigation practice area in New York City and Dallas. The firm earned a “Tier 1” designation in commercial litigation for the metropolitan Dallas area.
According to the publications, achieving a tiered ranking “signals a unique combination of quality law practice and breadth of legal expertise.” To be eligible to be ranked, a firm must have an attorney listed in The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White, Inc.), which represents the top 4 percent of attorneys in the United States. Managing Partner William Brewer was selected for inclusion in the publication.
Firm Named to Vault “Top 150 Under 150” and “2017 Best Law Firms in Texas” Lists
October 2, 2016 — Brewer, Attorneys & Counselors was named to Vault’s “Top 150 Under 150” list of leading midsize law firms. The ranking recognizes the top 150 law firms in the U.S. with fewer than 150 attorneys.
According to Vault, the firms on the list are “known for providing top-notch service and delivering big results.” Vault developed the list of highly sought-after law firms after reviewing Vault survey data, news stories and legal publications.
The firm was also named to Vault’s “2017 Best Law Firms in Texas” list. The firm is described by Vault as “the type of high-powered, bet-the-bank commercial litigation firm you would see on prime time.” Vault is known for its influential rankings across many industries and professions.
D CEO Magazine Names Managing Partner William Brewer to “The Dallas 500” 2016 List
September 26, 2016 — The editors of D CEO Magazine named Managing Partner William Brewer to “The Dallas 500” for 2016. The Dallas 500 is a special publication recognizing the 500 most powerful business leaders in North Texas in 60 different categories.
Brewer was one of only six attorneys recognized in the “Law: Business and Commercial Litigation” category.
Those featured in the exclusive listing were selected by D CEO based on more than one year of research that included a review of corporate rankings, input from industry experts and analysts, and a final analysis by the publication’s editors.