William R. Reed

Will dedicates himself to solving problems and achieving client goals, especially when it comes to standing up to insurance companies.

Will is experienced in resolving a wide variety of commercial matters both at trial and on appeal. He is a litigator who focuses his practice on insurance recovery and helping policyholders obtain the coverage and benefits provided in their insurance contracts.

He has obtained more than $10,000,000 in insurance proceeds for clients across many industries. Coverages include cyber, commercial general liability, builder’s risk, commercial property, Directors & Officers, commercial auto, and health reinsurance. In addition, he uses his claims and litigation experience to help clients assess risks, plan, and analyze their insurance programs before renewals or major projects. This forward thinking enables clients to eliminate potential issues before they happen.

• Successfully defended a technology repair client in a federal lawsuit by a competitor alleging misappropriation of trade secrets. After defense victories on several motions, the plaintiff dismissed its claims and paid a portion of our client’s attorney fees.
• Acted as first chair for a bench trial, securing a verdict for a nonprofit client serving disabled adults as plaintiff on a breach-of-contract claim.
• Represented a national beer maker as plaintiff in a complex insurance recovery litigation against a state insurance guaranty association, seeking repayment of sums wrongfully demanded of our client for two decades. Ultimately obtained a settlement payment from the association.
• Served as a member of the team representing a mining industry defendant in a complex business dispute involving plaintiff’s attempts to unwind and evade its obligations under a long-term lease on property. After several victories on significant motions, obtained a favorable settlement for the client on the eve of trial.
• Represented a utility company in a substantial litigation matter stemming from a 50-year dispute with a city involving a municipal electric utility. After nine months of litigation as plaintiff, successfully negotiated a deal enabling the client to purchase the municipal utility and provide ongoing service to citizens. Also advised the client throughout the purchase process, which included a public election, regulatory approval, asset purchase agreement, and long-term franchise agreement.
• Assisted furniture industry business owner in investigating and litigating breach of duty of loyalty claims against former officers and employees, negotiating a substantial settlement.

Speaking Engagements

• HUB International Event, Construction Defects Litigation, Feb. 2, 2024.
• Construction Law Seminar: Builder’s Risk: Timing is Everything, Feb. 28, 2024.
• MIHCR: Insurance 201, November 2023 and March 27, 2024.
• Insurance Coverage Disputes for Firearms and Shooting Claims: CGL, Homeowners, Auto, Concealed Carry Policies, Strafford Live Webinar, July 15, 2020.
• Assigning Liability for Collisions of Autonomous Vehicles, 28th Annual Insurance Coverage Litigation Committee Mid-Year Conference, Phoenix, Feb. 21, 2020.
• Media Relations in a Crisis, Annual Colorado Construction Seminar, March 2019.
• Money Talk$: Collecting Insurance Money from Commercial Defendants, CTLA Commercial Litigation Committee, June 13, 2018.
• Crisis: It Happens, Annual Colorado Labor & Employment Law Conference, May 2018.
• Media Melee: Keep Your Shield Up, but Your Sword Sheathed, Annual Colorado Labor & Employment Law Conference, May 2017.

Publications

• Subpoena Colada: Federal Court Decision on Subpoena Defense Costs Blends Up a New Recipe on the Scope of the Duty to Advance Defense Costs, American Bar Association, Jan. 10, 2022.
• COVID-19 and Construction Insurance, Webinar, WPL Publishing and Construction Claims Advisory, May 27, 2020.
• Co-Author, Mass Shootings and Insurance Coverage, IRMI Insurance Law Essentials Deep Dives, May 2019.