Cozen O’Connor introduced insurance litigator Kimberly Petrina — former head of North American Casualty Claims at a global specialty insurance company — as the newest member of its fast-growing Global Insurance Department. Petrina, who joins as a member, will work out of the firm’s Chicago office. She is the 16th attorney to join Cozen O’Connor’s Global Insurance Department in 2022, which has grown to over 100 lawyers nationwide. Petrina was previously Head of North American Casualty Claims at AXIS Capital in Chicago.
Petrina brings to the firm a solid background in insurance policy interpretation, evaluating coverage and extracontractual issues. For nearly two decades, she has represented major insurance industry clients in complex coverage litigation and has also provided advice on policy language and interpretation.
“Our goal is to continue building this practice and adding a talented insurance litigator like Kim — who has represented insurance clients in major coverage disputes — is a big-time win,” said Joseph A. Ziemianski, co-chair of the firm’s Global Insurance Department. “With product liability, torts, and general insurance litigation on the upswing, Kim’s range as a trial lawyer makes her an ideal fit — both for the firm, and our Global Insurance Department.” In addition, “her experience as a former head of casualty claims will bring a unique perspective to our representation and defense of insurers in bet the company litigation.”
Earlier in her career, Petrina was a partner at a mid-sized coverage firm, concentrating her practice on the representation of insurance companies in state and federal courts throughout the United States. She also brings significant experiencing defending insureds in premises liability, general negligence, construction, and professional liability matters.
An accomplished public speaker, Petrina lectures regularly on insurance topics related to construction, premises, general liability, and bad faith exposure. Her memberships include the Claims and Litigation Management Alliance (CLM), Chicago Bar Association (CBA), Defense Research Institute (DRI), and Association of Professional Insurance Women (APIW).
“Joining Cozen O’Connor allows me to be part of a growing insurance practice comprising talented and experienced coverage and bad faith lawyers,” Petrina said. “The firm also continues to expand its North American footprint — which is extremely valuable to our insurance clients. I’m very much looking forward to meeting and working with my new colleagues.”
Petrina earned her J.D. from Loyola University Chicago School of Law and her B.A. from Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame.
