Rick Hammonnd is reliable, professional, kmowledgeable, articulate and a gentleman. He deserves this accolade for all he has done for IASIU and our quarterly publication SIU TODAY. Thanks Rick, Cathy Gicker

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I vote for Rick Hammond.

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I vote for Rick Hammond

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It''s an honor to support Rick Hammond for this recognition. His insights into the often complex aspects of insurance law have been shared with thousands of insurance fraud investigators for years, bringing clarity to issues and resolving concerns which would otherwise impede the search for truth in insurance claims. We are truly fortunate to have Rick Hammond as an author and an advisor and a counsel and a legal representative of insurers.

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I vote for Rick L Hammond for Insurer Attorney of the Year.

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I vote for Francine Semaya.

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I fully support Fran Semaya. She has demonstrated extraordinary leadership on behalf of her clients in advancing industry issues.

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I vote for Bob Horkovich. While there are many impressive and distinguished lawyers on this list, and it is hard to choose among them, Bob stands out for three reasons: (1) his remarkably consistent series of important victories for policyholders; (2) his bold pursuit of new and ground-breaking areas of law; and (3) his high ethical standards.

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I have known Rick Hammond for about 10 years now. He deserves this award more than any person I know. He is dedicated, patient, smart, quick witted and intelligent. His dedication to fraud and continuing education to adjusters is second to none. It is my honor to be able to work and learn from him.

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Rick Hammond is a trusted advisor and counselor on insurance/SIU matters. He has worked as both a mentor and an educator of Insurance Professionals. He clearly communicates his insights and knowledge. He is an effective litigator. Above all else, he is an honorable man.

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Rick Hammond has made significant contributions.

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I have known and worked with Rick Hammond for the past ten years as a member of the Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel (IDC). His tireless and selfless devotion to the advance of the interests of the defense bar in Illinois and his leadership with the IDC merits this most appropriate recognition.

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Rick Hammond is one of the most honorable and resourceful attorneys I know. I am the past president of a business group of 42 business owners and I approached Rick for assistance in providing an estate planning workshop for our members. His response was to facilitate a meeting with his former law firm who are estate planning experts. Rick did not earn any fees for his effort, but he did earn the respect of my associates for facilitating a very informative estate planning session. In addition, Rick has been one of the leading benefactors for Hales Franciscan High School, which is his alma mater and an institution that continues to be a leader in educating African-American male students in Chicago. His leadership has made a positive contribution to the public''s perception of the legal profession and I am proud to offer these comments in support of this well deserved recognition.

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I have known Ms Semaya for several years and have found her to be a most knowledgeable and effective insurance legal representative. Since I was a regulator for many years prior to working for industry, I have interacted with Ms. Semaya from varying perspectives and she has always exhibited the utmost professionalism and expertise in representing clients to arrive at solutions to problems.

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Rick Hammond is a gentleman and a fine attorney. He is one of the very best presenters in the field of complex litigation. I hope he is awarded attorney of the year as he is well deserving.

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I have worked with Fran Semaya for about seventeen years on various projects in the Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section of the ABA. I have always been amazed with Fran''s abilities. She works hard, she shows up prepared, she contributes to the discussion, she is respectful of opposing points of view and she is always willing to give her time regardless of how it impacts the rest of her practice and life. I have had the opportunity through bar leadership to follow the careers of literally hundreds of bar leaders and aspiring bar leaders and I have found Fran to be that cream that rises to the top. This has been true in recent years with her leadership work on our Task Force that studied the federal regulation of insurance and in past years when she ran a task force on insolvency.

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I''ve worked with Fran Semaya on several matters over the last decade. Fran is energetic, knowledgeable, skillful -- and just plain fun to know. She''s my hands-down choice for person of the year.

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I have been fortunate to know and work with Fran Semaya for more than twenty years and through several incarnations in the insurance area. She has always been and remains a consummate professional and leader. Her very active role in professional organizations and in particular as Chair of the ABA''s Task Force on Federal Involvement in Insurance Regulation Modernization and her broad knowledge and enthusiasm for this subject enriches all of us as practitioners of insurance law. I wholeheartedly urge her selection as the ILC''s Person of the Year.

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I have observed Mr. Hammond in a variety of professional settings from insurance defense work, to PLRB seminars and company sponsored workshops. His commitment to his clients and style is unmatched. Mr. Hammond seeks to raise the standards of the insurance industry in all that he does and is without a doubt the consummate professional. I highly recommend he be selected as the Insurer Attorney of the Year.

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I''ve know and worked with Fran Semaya and strongly support her nomination.

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I have known Fran Samaya since she began practicing law. Over the years she has shown an ability and skill level that far surpasses her peers. In my view, she has been and continues to be the person of the year. I gladly vote for her.

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Fran Semaya--As the former chair of the TIPS Section, I have seen Fran''s vision and leadership skills at work at the highest levels of policymaking on a national scale.From appearances and work with Congress on issues such as terrorism and insurance insolvency to her efforts to educate the public and her fellow lawyers through CLE programs, Fran has made a difference on some of the most important insurance issues of the past 10 years.She deserves very serious consideration for her excellent contributions nationally in this area of the law.

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Francine Semaya is a terrific wonderful choice. She deserves everything and is an excellent choice.

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I have known Rick Hammond professionally for a number of years. Rick''s practical and professional approach to law as it relates to Insurance claims is very impressive. He has provided training in the insurance industry that has been extremely beneficial. There have been times when I have called Rick up for information, and he has readily provided it to me. He is extremely confidant, but humble. Rick takes the time to speak directly to a person, he never makes you feel ''small.'' This is a characteristic that makes him unique. Rick''s commitment to the Insurance Industry makes him deserving of the ''Attorney of the Year.''

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Rick Hammond has been a dedicated and tireless leader in the fight against insurance fraud. For over a decade he has written in-depth articles for every issue of SIU Today Magazine covering insurance fraud from a legal perspective. Many professional insurance investigators and attorneys have not only utilized the information Rick provides but have been inspired by his enthusiasm and dedication. His articles have contained criminal to privacy issues and as a result we have all become better informed professionals. He has been an asset to our members and readers. This year, during these difficult times, Rick''s contributions have made a serious impact on our members as insurance fraud will become more of an issue than ever before. Rick''s involvement with IASIU has certainly illustrated his dedication and core belief in volunteerism. Without volunteers, where would we be? Therefore, I highly recommend Rick Hammond for Person of the Year as he has all of the attributes that define such a person; Volunteerism, dedication, enthusiasm, and professionalism. In short, Rick is the "Real Deal".

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It is a great pleasure to watch William "Chip" Merlin tirelessly advocate for Policy holders accross the country. From his daily blog that provides not only his valuable opinions but also provides crucial documents and information, to the everyday litigation of the lawfirm whether by him or under his direction. He is a true advocate that inspires those around him.

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I have known Rick Hammond for several years now. Rick has and continues to go the "extra mile" in accomdating his clients'' needs. Rick thoroughly, yet promptly investigates claims in efforts to guide the insurance industry into the proper resoltuion of a claim. Rick is a true professional and his dedication to the insurance industry is outstanding. There is a famous quoate - Life is like a box of chocolate - you don''t know what you are going to get. With Rick you know what type of service you will be receiving - prompt, thorough investigation resoluting in a solution to the issues raised!

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I believe Fran Semaya is the best example of a lawyer who embodies all of the energy, intellect and character qualities that a person "Lawyer of the Year" should possess. Having worked with her over the years gives me first hand knowledge and experience to recommend her. My 51 years in the practice and a founder of the Federation of Regulatory Counsel, of which she has been selected as a long-time member, can attest to her qualifications.

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I worked closely with Rick L Hammond from January 1990 until I retired in November of 2008. In those 18 years I relied on Rick to give me clear, candid, and insightful legal advice. Many of our cases went to trial during those many years with very good results. Rick was always thoroughly prepared, prompt and professional. Rick would give you his advice, but he would also listen to your thoughts and ideas. Working with Rick over those many years was very much a partnership between attorney and client. As the years went by and I became more involved in the management side of the business and less involved in the day to day events of case files, Rick still reached out to me to make sure that his firm and those attorneys reporting to him in his practice area were fulfilling the needs of my company and my employees. Anytime I had the slightest concern I knew all I had to do was pick up the phone and call Rick. He always listened to my concern and acted on it immediately. I absolutely recommend Rick L Hammond as Insurer Attorney of the Year without reservation.

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Chip Merlin, in addition to being an outstanding policyholder attorney, has devoted many hours to educating other lawyers and reaching out to the public through his blog.

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I support the selection of Fran Semaya for recognition in her category. She is extremely well informed about issues relevant to insurers and adept at communicating their positions to regulators and legislators. The current reforms in regulation of reinsurers would not have happened with the role played by Fran Semaya.

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Fran Semaya has established an outstanding reputation as an insurance business and regulatory law. She is highly regarded nationally in a number of areas of insurance law, especially in the area of liquidation and rehabilitation law. I strongly endorse her selection as the Insurance Attorney of the Year. Thanks very much, Tom Workman

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I vote for Rick Hammond! A couple of years ago I attended a class presented by Rick concerning EUO''S. Let me tell you as a student of many classes over the years, Rick "knows his stuff" and is very well versed in insurance defense for carriers. Thanks for all you do Rick and this industry!

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As Chairman of ICAC (Insurance Committee for Arson Control) I am proud to add my name to the list of people endorsing Rick Hammond. He shares his time and talents to numerous volunteer and professional organizations and is a friend to all in the insurance industry. Alan L. Clark, Chairman ICAC

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I vote for Rick Hammond for Insurer Attorney of the Year. RIck has been active for years in development of those involved in insurance law issues, he has given many presentations and written many articles to better us all in this field. He is deserving of the honor of Insurer Attorney of the year.

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I have known and worked with Rick Hammond for close to 10 years. Rick''s expertise is unsurpassed when handling the most complex SIU cases. In addition Rick is one of the best teachers and is always knowledgable on current trends in the insurance industry. It has been my pleasure to work with Rick. I vote for Rick Hammond!

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Having known and worked with Bill Berk in the representation of the insurance industry for many years, I am pleased to see him nominated for this honor which he definitely deserves. Representing insurance companies in South Florida presents a host of challenges, but Bill makes it look easy. I vote for Bill.

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Rick Hammond is a superb advocate for the defense bar serving the insurance industry. He is recognized by his clients and fellow insurance lawyers as being one of the best.

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Attorney Bill Berk is worthy of this honor. He shares his knowledge and expertise of the law to help educate insurance associates so we can make the best decisions for fair and equitable service to insurers and policyholders. Few would compare with Bill''s level of service to the insurance community through speaking engagements, training and counsel.

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It is without any hesitation that I support Rick Hammond''s nomination! As an insurer involved in a very emotionally charged lawsuit, he successfully defended my case. Rick was not only professional and articulate, he was kind and sensitive to my emotions. He always responded to my questions and comments in a timely manner and consistently explained the law to me in a manner I easily understood. Most notably, Rick always made me feel like my case was important to him and worth his time. Rick Hammond, you''re the best!! --Joann Franck

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Unquestionably vote for WILLIAM Bill BERK. I''ve worked with Bill for decades. His comprehensive knowledge of the law, attention to detail and trends, speaking ability at several conferences, and downright tenacity place him in a league all of his own. Following the historic 2004 & 2005 hurricane seasons, Florida has been a virtual hornets nest of issues never before encountered in the aftermath of 6 hurricanes packed so closely together. Bill navigated these tremulous waters with ease, landing on the winning end of "several" very difficult insurer defense verdicts. He is a consummate professional, with all the talents, who truely deserves the nomination and this award.

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William Berk - As a Senior Adjuster for some of the largest Lloyds MGA's, I have had the privilege of working with Bill across the years on a number of diverse matters. He is without question one of the most professional and capable attorneys I have ever come across and his trial successes in 2008, against certain PA driven losses has only served to bolster this view. I cannot think of a more deserving individual.

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As current president of the IASIU (International Association of Special Investigation Units) I wholeheartedly recommend Attorney Rick L. Hammond for Insurer Attorney of the Year. Attorney Hammond has been delivering practical and insightful information in written articles for the IASIU "SIU Today" magazine that reaches more than four thousand fraud fighters. His legal perspective and advice has helped shape many insurer positions in the investigation and defense against insurance fraud. These are some 2008 titles of his articles as a small example of his work and dedication to the insurance community. "Examining Insurer''s Right to Demand Tax Returns", "Compliance is Not Optional: An Insurer Can Demand a Second EUO of its Insured", "Don''t Let Insured Misrepresent the Facts", and "Insured''s Exaggeration of Damages in Proof of Loss Causes Policy to be Voided". Thanks for your service. Dave Rioux, President IASIU.

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I have worked with Rick Hammond for over 10 years. Whether he is teaching or handling a case for me he has always been professional and knowledgeable. He is the standard by which I judge other attorneys I work with.

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Rick Hammond has done a terrific job as an instructor for the National Insurance Crime Bureau Mega Special Investigations Academy. He co-instructed with Bryan Beckmann on a course titled Examination Under Oath for the SIU.

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William Berk of Berk, Merchant and Sims of Coral Gables FL is reliable, profesional and extreme knowlegeable in the property/insurance law. I have known Mr. Berk for over 10 years and have been involved in many Appraisals and Trials expecially hurricane cases which have had excellent results under his leadership and guidance. Mr. Berk is my vote for Insurer Attorney of the year.

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It is a great honor to support Kirk Pasich as the Policyholder Attorney of the Year. I have worked with Kirk for about 18 years and have nothing but the utmost respect for his knowledge, skill and creativity in representing insureds in all types of matters. Kirk truly is a leader in our field and deserves this honor. Not only does he win huge verdicts for clients and run the insurance coverage practice at our firm, he also mentors junior attorneys. He continues to amaze me, even after all these years, with his abilities, his drive and his committment to the practice and clients. He also has helped me to be a better attorney and made me insist on excellence in myself.

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I am proud to support Kirk Pasich as policyholder attorney of the year. I have had known and worked with Kirk for 15 years. He is a brilliant advocate for policuholders and has developed many arguments to advance their interests in all types of claims. Kirk is the "go to" person for many companies facing problems with insurance claims under any type of policy. He absolutely deserves the recognition of policyholder attorney of the year.

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Fran Semaya is the top choice for Insurer Attorney of the Year. She is particularly skilled in insurance insolvency and reinsurance law and is an excellent advocate on all insurance corporate and regulatory matters. Her active involvement and leadership, including the Presidency of the International Association of Insurance Receivers and her presentations at numerous seminars place her in the forefront of the profession.

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The insurance industry would be well served if there were more practitioners who have the integrity, intelligence and precision of Bill Berk. He is an effective advocate on behalf of his insurance company clientele. Bill has served to the betterment of the entire industry by service to various committees and groups, including as an example, the Windstorm Insurance Network. As a competitor, I am continuously impressed by the comments from others in the business about his professionalism and that his work is of the highest professional caliber. Congratulations to LexisNexis Insurance Law Center Person of the Year 2008 on the selection of a fine finalist candidate.

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Rick L. Hammond I have known Mr. Hammond for a number of years and have been impressed with his professionalism and knowledge. He is well respected in the local insurance, legal and business community; he is likewise known throughout the country for his insurance law knowledge and expertise. Further, he is very active and contributes to the insurance and legal professional groups. I believe, consequently, that Mr. Hammond is deserving of the Person of the Year award.

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Kirk Pasich is extraordinarily knowledgeable about policyholder coverage and bad faith issues in the entertainment industry. As he repeatedly has done over the years, Kirk recently did a terrific job handling a difficult case for us and obtained an excellent result. He would be most deserving of your award. David L. Burg Senior Vice President, Litigation NBC Universal

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Kirk Pasich is first-rate. He leads the largest policyholder practice in the country, is a remarkable trial attorney, and consistently achieves great results year in and year out. Just recently, for example, he secured a $48.5 million verdict for one client, and for another, continues to pursue nearly $1 billion in claims related to hurricane Katrina. Kirk has helped established precedents that benefit policyholders beyond his own clients.

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I have known Bill Berk for several years originally as a lawyer who served as counsel representing similar parties in interested. I represented an insurance company with one layer of coverage, and he represented a different insurer with a different layer. More recently and over the last several years, I have known Bill as someone on the other side of the table. He still represents insurance companies, and in our dealings, I represent the insureds. I have also served with Bill on seminar panels where we presented the view points from the perspective of our differing clients. In all of my dealings with Bill, he has been professional, ethical and knowledgeable in his approach to the issue at hand. Probably the best thing that I can say about Bill is that the same is true about all of the lawyers in his firm and my dealings with them. Bill sets the example that the lawyers in his firm follow. Michael J. Higer

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As the Executive Director of the Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel (IDC), it is a great pleasure to add my name to those supporting Rick Hammond for this award. Rick is a true advocate for the defense bar and the insurers he represents. Whether he is presenting an insurance program, writing on a legal issues, consulting on pending insurance legislation or helping to lead our association, Rick''s commitment to the defense bar and the insurance industry is always evident. He is a very worthy candidate for this distinguished award would be a perfect choice to receive the honor. Sandra J. Wulf, CAE, IOM, Executive Director for the IL Assn of Defense Trial Counsel

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I nominate William Berk. He is an intelligent professional who will go the extra mile for his clients. His level of expertise and committment to justice is second to none. Vote for Bill.

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Both Mr. Jordan and Ms. Semaya are excellent persons to be recognized, and I cannot choose between them.

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Bill Berk is an attorney of high ethical standards with impeccable knowledge of the first party legal process. His work ethics are unmatched. Very strong trial experience. The perfect attorney for large multi million dollar first party litigation.

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I vote for Ray Cotkin. He''s the best of the best.

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Leo Jordan and I just recorded a podcast together for Legal TIPS on the Legal Talk Network that can be found at:http://pointers.audiovideoweb.com/stcasx/avwebdsnjwin4287/LTN/TIPS/TIPS_021209_EM1.wma/play.asx This show reflects the extraordinary work that Mr. Jordan did for TIPS, the ABA, and the country this year. Although I know that other gifted lawyers have been selected for thsi category, I would recommend Mr. Jordan as Insurance Person of the Year. Barbara J. Gislason

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Peter Klee is an outstanding trial lawyer with an outstanding trial record of success in defending insurance complanies in very difficult jury trials. He is a fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers, and a member of The American Board of Trial Advocates. I have worked with him in trial and can personally vouch for his excellence and his high standards of ethics. He is well worthy of the honor of being included on this outstanding list of trial lawyers.

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I voted Peter Klee. He is a lawyer''s lawyer. When the three major insurers have a tough bad faith case, they will usually turn to Peter. He and his group are the finest bad faith attorneys in the state.

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Please note my support for Mark DeBofsky. Mark is a consummate professional. Besides his incredible efforts to advance the rights of the disabled through his appellate work in many circuit courts, Mark writes articles on cutting-edge issues of ERISA law. He also provides behind-the-scenes help and advice to other plaintiff's lawyers throughout the country. He is always generous with his time and has personally helped me on many occasions. You could not have a better choice for insurance law person of the year.

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I whole heartedly support Mark DeBofsky''s nomination for this award. I have known Mark for almost 10 years now and his knowlege, dedication and zealous representation of people with disability insurance claims is as impressive as it is unrelenting. Lori Cianciulli, Esquire

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William Berk is the most knowledgeable attorney in representing insurers I have worked with. I am honored to be his law partner and strongly endorse him as Insurer Attorney of the Year.

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Mark DeBofsky has my vote as policyholder attorney of the year. He ought to be offered a deputy secretary or undersecretary prosition in either HHS or DOL.

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Mark DeBofsky takes my vote as policyholder attorney of the year. Mark is a tireless advocate whose efforts have contributed significantly to the law on the policyholder side.

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I vote for Mark DeBofsky, Policy Holder Attorney extraordinaire.

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I do not hesitate enthusiastically to support Mark DeBofsky as Policyholder Attorney of the Year. Mark DeBofsky is an outstanding attorney with an encyclopedic knowledge of the law, a dedication to clients from all walks of life, and a commitment to educating law students through his teaching and to provide guidance to other attorneys in the field through his publication of the e-newsletter Disability E-News Alert which provides an invaluable analysis of ERISA case law and is indispensable to me. His many published articles attest to his scholarship in the area of ERISA and insurance law, and the decisions in his cases have often been groundbreaking. Despite the fact that I practice in northern California, he is the first attorney to whom I turn when I face a thorny issue in my work and seek a definitive answer which he invariably provides. He is always willing to assist with a graciousness and a wealth of knowledge that is unparalleled.

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I strongly endorse Mark DeBofsky in the policyholder category. Professor DeBofsky has once advanced the law during 2008 and tirelessly advocates for policyholder rights. His generosity in sharing his expertise with others makes the rest of us better advocates too.

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I have practiced nearly exclusive ERISA benefits law for over 15 years and have followed and am very familiar with Mr. DeBofsky''s expertise, exceptional case work, and committed involvement in the betterment and advancement of ERISA law. I wholeheartedly support, recommend and urge his selection as Policyholder Attorney of the Year! Absolutely Excellent choice. Susan L. Horner, Esq., Miller Monson Peshel Polacek & Hoshaw, San Diego, CA.

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Bill Berk is an excellent practitioner who provides quality service to insurers within a small firm atmosphere. He has a can-do attitude, knows insurance law, and has extensive experience in trial.

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I wholeheartedly support the nomination of Mark DeBofsky as Policyholder Attorney of the Year. Mr. DeBofsky''s tireless efforts on behalf of policyholders are well known to those of us that represent claimants in this area of the law.

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I vote for Mark DeBofsky as the policyholder attorney of the year. Mark is a leader among claimants'' attorneys. He is very active in litigating cases across the country and is recognized as an expert in ERISA. Mark is at the top of the list of employee benefit lawyers who represent policyholders.

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I have had the privilege to work on many files with Attorney William Berk. His knowledge of the law and insight into the situation has been the catalyst for achieving positive result for all involved in the litigation. He is truly deserving of this honor.

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I had the pleasure of trying a case and litigating many other with Bill Berk. He is tireless, inventive and tenacious. Bill''s knowledge of the law is boundless and he constantly works hard with only his client''s best interest in mind. In both trial and his office practice, he shows a level of expertise that is extremely deep. Insurer Attorney of the Year is an honor he certainly deserves.

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I vote for Fran Semaya, one of the smartest, most energetic and nicest people I know. Whether on a personal or professional standing, Fran is one of those people you turn to for answers that no one else seems to be able to tackle.

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Bill Berk is a skilled and creative insurance coverage lawyer who has gone to the mat many times on first property issues in Florida. He has tried more than a few cases lately and obtained some very good results. Another very worthy candidate!

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We nominate Attorney Bill Berk as Insurer Attorney of the Year. Over the years, Bill has provided quality counsel and defense on many claims for our companies. He has been a trusted part of our decision making team for claims because he has a sharp understanding of our legal environment. Bill is a thoughtful, patient and intelligent practitioner. We wish him the best! Program and Capacity associates

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Kirk Pasich gets my vote for Policyholder Attorney of the year. He recently obtained a large judgment for Sempra Energy and is an outstanding policyholder advocate.

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This comment supports the candidacy of William F. "Chip" Merlin as the 2008 Policyholder Attorney of the Year. As in-house counsel, I recently worked for more than a year with Mr. Merlin in prosecuting a lawsuit in favor of my client the policyholder. Mr. Merlin was fearless and tireless in his advocacy for our client, a public body clawing to recvoer after a major natural disaster. His intelligence and experience enabled him to develop novel approaches to the law and the terms of the policy where possible. His strong policyholder perspective caused him to push himself to physical exhaustion many times. Through his efforts, our client recovered a great deal more money to rebuild than we had thought possible at the start of the litigation. I would strongly advocate his election to this position and status as richly deserved.

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Fran Semaya is a tireless advocate and has a career not only spearheading complex legal insurance issues including successful company rehabilitations, but also in sharing her expertise by teaching, lecturing and authoring. She is well respected by regulators, peers and clients. She is an excellent choice for the Insurance Attorney of the Year Award.

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Rick Hammond has been a true friend and colleague to the insurance community. His dedication in assisting the claims and investigative community is unmatched by anyone I have ever met in the industry in 20 years. He writes articles for numerous publications and also brings his expertise as a presenter in numerous forums through out the country. His work on fraud related cases has had a huge impact on the insurance community. His professionalism and dedication to the insurance industry is appreciated by dozens of insurance companies and other insurance related organizations. Thanks Rick for all your help over the years (decades). Good Luck, RJ

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I''m voting early and often for Stuart Cotton!

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Peter Klee is an outstanding lawyer. The best in California in representing insurers and worthy of the award.

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I have known Peter Klee his entire law career and strongly support his selection as "Insurer Attorney of the Year." If I were an insurer I know Peter is the person I would want representing me. Even as a young attorney Peter was already focused on representing insurers and showed the qualities that make him a candidate for this honor today. He had, and still has, an incredible combination of high ethical standards, hard work ethic, legal excellence and tenacious competitive spirit. With his characteristic hard work and good example, Peter built the Luce, Forward insurer attorney group. Peter has distinguished himself both inside and outside the courtroom.

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I first met Rick Hammond in New Mexico at the NICB Mega Academy,Rick was teaching a class on EUO''s. I was so impressed with his knowledge, professionalism as a attorney and facilitator. He has a passion to be the best and stay at the top of the game is relentless. I have worked closely with Rick on many cases and he continues to impress me with his dedication and commitment for perfection. It is a honor to work with someone with his level of integrity. I cannot think of another individual more deserving of this award. I strongly support and recommend Rick Hammond for this award. RICK HAMMOND IS THE BEST!!!!!

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I have known Peter Klee for eight years. He has consistently achieved successful results for his insurer clients, based on a client comes first mentality. In fact, to my knowledge, he and the group of lawyers he oversees have not lost a single trial ever. This is a remarkable accomplishment and not an easy task for a California based practice. Even more remarkable, given his extraordinarily busy schedule, is the time that Peter makes to guide and mentor younger lawyers like myself. In sum, Peter is as solid as they come. He exemplifies all the fine qualities of the Insurer Attorney of the Year!

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I have known and worked with Fran Semaya for many years within the American Bar Association. Not only is considered an expert in the reinsurance area, she has been chosen on numerous occassions to be a guest speaker on many radio programs involving the new and cutting edge of insurance law. While many of the nominees are considered to be experts, Fran stands out because she is able to communicate and educate her peers and the general at large in a clear and concise manner. Fran is the best choice for honor and I highly reccomend her. Darcee S. Siegel, City Attorney

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In the short two years that I have known Peter, he has proven to be an outstanding role model and example for me and other young attorneys. Not only is he an excellent lawyer, unswerving, dedicated and intelligent, but also he is a great person. His charismatic personality and passionate approach to his work are an inspiration to everyone who works with him.

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I vote for Kirk Pasich as Policyholder Attorney of the Year. I have worked with Kirk for over ten years and he is an excellent trial lawyer. Kirk is a great problem solver and always has creative approaches to legal issues. He is very well respected by his clients, colleagues and the bench. I cannot think of a more qualified person to receive this award.

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