Law.com Subscribers SAVE 30%

Call 855-808-4530 or email [email protected] to receive your discount on a new subscription.

An Insured's 'Right' to Independent Counsel In New York

By Benjamin Zelermyer and Jeffrey G. Steinberg

As a matter of conventional wisdom, if an insurer reserves its right to deny coverage, even while agreeing to defend an insured against a third party's claim, or denies coverage for a loss while accepting the duty to defend the insured, the insured has the right to be represented by defense counsel chosen by the insured and paid by the insurance carrier. The rationale for this result is that a reservation of rights or disclaimer of indemnity creates a conflict of interest between the insured and the insurer. Lawyers familiar with liability insurance issues recognize this principle as axiomatic. (See “Right to Independent Counsel: Effectively Implement and Insurer's Duty to Defend,” NYLJ, Sept. 10, 2012.) However, while the principle may be simply stated, its application, not surprisingly, is more complex. When does the “right” arise in New York? Who gets to choose? What does “independent” mean? The right answer to each of these questions is, It depends.

When Does Right Arise?

This premium content is locked for Entertainment Law & Finance subscribers only

  • Stay current on the latest information, rulings, regulations, and trends
  • Includes practical, must-have information on copyrights, royalties, AI, and more
  • Tap into expert guidance from top entertainment lawyers and experts

For enterprise-wide or corporate acess, please contact Customer Service at [email protected] or 877-256-2473

Read These Next
The Article 8 Opt In Image

The Article 8 opt-in election adds an additional layer of complexity to the already labyrinthine rules governing perfection of security interests under the UCC. A lender that is unaware of the nuances created by the opt in (may find its security interest vulnerable to being primed by another party that has taken steps to perfect in a superior manner under the circumstances.

Beach Boys Songs Written Decades Ago Triggered Current Quarrel With Lawyers Image

There's current litigation in the ongoing Beach Boys litigation saga. A lawsuit filed in 2019 against Nevada residents Mike Love and his wife Jacquelyne in the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada that alleges inaccurate payment by the Loves under the retainer agreement and seeks $84.5 million in damages.

Major Differences In UK, U.S. Copyright Laws Image

This article highlights how copyright law in the United Kingdom differs from U.S. copyright law, and points out differences that may be crucial to entertainment and media businesses familiar with U.S law that are interested in operating in the United Kingdom or under UK law. The article also briefly addresses contrasts in UK and U.S. trademark law.

Strategy vs. Tactics: Two Sides of a Difficult Coin Image

With each successive large-scale cyber attack, it is slowly becoming clear that ransomware attacks are targeting the critical infrastructure of the most powerful country on the planet. Understanding the strategy, and tactics of our opponents, as well as the strategy and the tactics we implement as a response are vital to victory.

When Is a Repair Structural or Nonstructural Under a Commercial Lease? Image

A common question that commercial landlords and tenants face is which of them is responsible for a repair to the subject premises. These disputes often center on whether the repair is "structural" or "nonstructural."