Dana has spent the past two decades representing insurance companies in complex insurance coverage disputes involving claims throughout the United States.

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Dana Rice is a partner in the firm’s Chicago office who vigorously represents his clients in the most effective and efficient manner possible. An accomplished trial attorney, Dana understands that while there will always be cases in which litigation is required, the best resolutions are often the ones reached outside the courtroom. While representing insurance companies in complex first-party and third-party coverage disputes throughout the United States, Dana employs an open and direct communication style which ensures that every client stays well-informed throughout the litigation process.

Dana has spent the past decade representing insurance companies in complex insurance coverage disputes involving claims throughout the United States. His clients appreciate his commitment to minimizing their exposure by considering all possible strengths and weaknesses to their position. They also appreciate his efforts to limit their costs and expenses by identifying creative alternatives to litigation when possible.

With significant experience across multiple lines, Dana focuses his practice on matters involving commercial general liability, commercial auto, errors and omissions, directors and officers, employment practices liability, and excess/umbrella policies.

Dana’s litigation practice includes representing insurers in declaratory judgment and bad faith actions throughout the Midwest, primarily in Illinois and Missouri. He handles all phases of coverage litigation, from the initial pleadings and discovery through dispositive motions and trial.

His philosophy on litigation is a simple one: to vigorously represent his clients in the most effective and efficient manner possible. While there will always be cases in which litigation is required, Dana also recognizes that sometimes the best resolutions are the ones reached outside the courtroom. His commitment to obtaining exceptional results for his insurer clients is what drives Dana’s open communication style, ensuring every client stays well-informed throughout the litigation process.

In addition to litigating cases, Dana advises clients on their coverage obligations and potential exposure for first-party and third-party claims. He also provides coverage assistance for clients in pre-litigation settlement conferences and mediations. Dana shares his insights and experience in the law through annual presentations to various claims departments on issues ranging from good faith claims handling to general strategy in litigating coverage disputes.

Dana’s commitment to the insurance industry is unwavering, extending far beyond the courtroom. For example, for the past several years, he has served as a member of the lnsurance lndustry Charitable Foundation (IICF) Associate Board of Directors, Midwest Division. The llCF is a national organization committed to helping communities and enriches lives by combining the collective strengths of the insurance industry to provide grants, volunteer service, and leadership.

A graduate of Michigan State University, Dana earned his law degree, cum laude, from DePaul University College of Law, where he served as President of the DePaul National Moot Court Society and Editor-in-Chief of the DePaul Journal of Sports Law & Contemporary Problems. When not serving his clients, Dana enjoys writing and playing music and spending time with his three children.

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Education

  • DePaul University College of Law, J.D., cum laude
    • President, DePaul National Moot Court Society, 2003-2004
    • Editor-in-Chief, DePaul Journal of Sports Law & Contemporary Problems, 2003-2004
  • Michigan State University, B.A.

Bar Admissions

  • Illinois

Court Admissions

  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Illinois
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
  • U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois

Noteworthy

  • Prosecuted a declaratory judgment action on behalf of a commercial auto insurer to seek a finding that client had no duty to defend or indemnify five putative insureds in four underlying personal injury lawsuits arising out of a commercial bus accident.
  • Tried case involving late notice coverage defense under a homeowners policy for personal injury claim; judgement entered in favor of client with finding that insurer owed no coverage for $450,000 judgment entered in underlying lawsuit.
  • Represented excess insurer in mediation involving catastrophic loss and multiple primary and excess insurers; successfully advocated pro rata contribution which avoided exhaustion of client’s policy limit.

Publications

  • “Storm Spotter: Early ldentification and Resolution of the Complex Claim,” Hinshaw’s 2011 lnsurance Services Symposium (2011)
  • Co-author, “Class Actions – The Challenges Facing lnsurers in Defending Class Action Lawsuits,” DRI lnsurance Coverage & Claims lnstitute Conference (2009)

Distinctions

2021-2024
Super Lawyers®

Top Rated Insurance Coverage Attorney

2014-2019
Super Lawyers® Rising Star

Insurance Coverage

2015-2018
Leading Lawyers Magazine

“Illinois Emerging Lawyer”

2021-2024
Super Lawyers®

Top Rated Insurance Coverage Attorney

2014-2019
Super Lawyers® Rising Star

Insurance Coverage

2015-2018
Leading Lawyers Magazine

“Illinois Emerging Lawyer”