Schuyler, Roche & Crisham, P.C. Large enough to to the job right, small enough to listen
 

John P. O'Malley
Shareholder

A client once told John O'Malley that it seems he may very well have read more insurance policies than anyone in the State of Illinois. It is that tireless drive to learn and know everything about his areas of concentration that makes John a highly esteemed advocate, counselor and litigator on behalf of his clients. His significant experience in federal and state courts in Illinois and across the nation includes the representation of policyholders, insurers and reinsurers on a full range of insurance coverage issues, including coverage disputes, defense of claims, indemnification, liability limits, policy exclusions and targeted tenders. His practice also includes commercial litigation, ERISA and employment matters, and intellectual property disputes.

An active member of the Society of Trial Lawyers, the DePaul University College of Law graduate quickly earned considerable responsibility as a young lawyer in managing complex commercial insurance disputes and litigation, fostering a passion for the field that would continue to grow. John would soon be serving as lead counsel on several trials involving insurance coverage disputes, bad faith claims and related matters. Overall, he has represented insurance clients in Illinois and throughout the U.S. in litigation as well as drafting and negotiating contract and policy language. His impressive body of work includes serving as lead attorney in numerous actions concerning insurance coverage for environmental liabilities, intellectual property disputes, professional liability, directors and officers' coverage, and insurance company errors and omissions. John also frequently represents various professionals, including Insurance Agents and Brokers and Attorneys, in connection with disputes regarding the placement, interpretation and litigation involving insurance programs.

Among John's notable cases, one that stands out is Konami (America) Inc. v. Hartford Ins. Co. of Illinois, 326 ILL.App.3rd 874, 761 N.E.2d 1277 (2nd Dist. 2002). It involved an issue of "first impression" in Illinois, where no other Illinois Appellate Court had ruled. The question before the Court - was Hartford Ins. Co. of Illinois (John's client) obligated to provide coverage for defense of patent infringement claims? The result could have greatly impacted the cost of doing business for insurance companies. The Court ruled in favor of Hartford.

In addition to his many trial successes, John lectures on insurance coverage issues, including Design Professionals' Liability Insurance, Insurance Coverage for Mold Claims, and Estoppel and Late Notice. He has created and presented several seminars to insurance companies and their policyholders with respect to claims handling practices, risk management and risk transfer devices. He is also a frequent lecturer to students and new lawyers on insurance issues and trial advocacy and a published author on a wide range of insurance coverage topics.