Ms. Smith has worked in the insurance industry for more than twenty years in a variety of management and claims handling positions. From March 1995 to August 1999, Ms. Smith held the position of Claims General Counsel for CIGNA’s Northwestern region. In her capacity as General Counsel, Ms. Smith dealt with coverage disputes and contract issues on all types of complex general liability cases, construction defect matters, commercial property cases and claims involving significant indemnity contract and additional insured problems. Ms. Smith has represented CIGNA in direct actions, arbitrations, mediations, and settlement conferences. She has been published in various ABA journals on topics ranging from “Mediation of Construction Disputes” to “Managing Cumis Counsel”. Ms. Smith has extensive experience in legal audit and negotiation of contracts. Prior to her legal work with CIGNA, Ms. Smith worked as an adjuster and later as a supervisor with CIGNA handling all types of general liability and automobile claims. Ms. Smith has also worked as an associate with the law firm of Bolling, Walter & Gawthrop specializing in bad faith defense as well as general liability and construction defect cases. She received her Juris Doctorate with Great Distinction from McGeorge School Of Law. Ms. Smith is a recipient of the prestigious Order of the Coif award, the Traynor Honor Society and American Jurisprudence Award. She is admitted to practice in all California State and Federal courts.
Background
Q: Please list your professional accreditations, degrees, licenses, and certificates granted:A: Admitted to practice as an attorney in California. Licensed as an independent adjuster.
Q: Please list any teaching or speaking experience you have had, including subject matter:
A: Mediation of Construction Disputes and Managing Cumis Counsel
Q: On how many occasions have you been retained as an expert?
A: Numerous
Q: For what area(s) of expertise have you been retained as an expert?
A: I have been retained as follows:
1. Good Faith Claims Handling Standards
2. California Claims Handling Regulations
3. First Party Claims Handling and Examinations Under Oath
4. General Liability Claims Practices
5. Legal Audit / Review of Fees For Reasonableness
6. Cumis Issues / Fee Arbitrations Under California Civil Code ß2860
Q: In what percentage of your cases were you retained by the plaintiff?
A: About 50%
Retention by plaintiffs, insureds and insurers is about 50/50. I have not been exclusively retained by either insurers or insureds.
Q: In what percentage of your cases were you retained by the defendant?
A: About 50%
Q: On how many occasions have you had your deposition taken?
A: Numerous
Q: When was the last time you had your deposition taken?
A: April 2002
Q: On how many occasions have you testified as an expert in court or before an arbitrator?
A: Twice
Q: For how many years have you worked with the legal industry as an expert?
A: 4
Q: What services do you offer? (E.g.: consulting, testing, reports, site inspections etc.)
A: Specific areas of practice include:
1. Good Faith Claims Handling Standards
2. California Claims Handling Regulations
3. First Party Claims Handling and Examinations Under Oath
4. General Liability Claims Practices
5. Legal Audit / Review of Fees For Reasonableness
6. Cumis Issues / Fee Arbitrations Under California Civil Code ß2860
Q: What is your hourly rate to consult with an attorney?
A: $195
Q: What is your hourly rate to review documents?
A: $195
Q: What is your hourly rate to provide deposition testimony?
A: $250
Q: What is your hourly rate to provide testimony at trial?
A: $250
Q: Please list any fees other than those stated above (E.g.: travel expenses, copy fees, etc.)
A: Expenses are charged at cost if incurred
References
Brandt WolkinWolkin & Timpane
555 Montgomery St #1100
San Francisco, CA 94111
(415)982-9390
Norman J. Roger
Roger Scott & Helmer LLP
1001 Marshall St #400
Redwood City, CA 94063-2000
(650)365-7700
