Erin M. Gallagher
Associate
Biography
BIOGRAPHY
Erin provides coverage analysis and represents insurers in disputed claims arising under primary and excess commercial general liability, directors and officers' liability, and commercial property policies, as well as in bad faith and declaratory relief actions.
Memberships
- Contra Costa County Bar Association
Before Nicolaides
Prior to joining Nicolaides, Erin handled coverage advice and litigation with respect to claims arising under a range of commercial and personal lines policies, including commercial general liability, commercial property, directors and officers' liability, homeowners and commercial automobile matters.
In law school, Erin served as an Articles Editor for the UC Davis Law Review, and was elected to the Order of the Coif.
Outside Nicolaides
In her spare time, Erin enjoys spending time with her family and rescue dog, baking, and trying new recipes.
EXPERIENCE
- Following discovery, obtained summary judgment against insured for failure to substantiate “direct physical loss of or damage to” under first-party business interruption policy coverage.
- Second chaired jury trial in a breach of contract and bad faith lawsuit, and obtained a judgment of nonsuit. Prepared appellate brief resulting in decision upholding the judgment.
- Obtained summary judgment in favor of insurer against a claim seeking recovery for loss of business income sustained by a hotel due to a fire at an adjacent restaurant.
- Obtained summary adjudication that insurer had no duty to participate in California Civil Code section 2860 fee arbitration in the absence of a duty to appoint independent counsel.
INSIGHTS
ADDITIONAL SPEAKING & WRITING
- Co-author, "California Insurance Law," The Recorder (2015)