R. Wardell LovelandShareholder
Practice Areas
Education
- Princeton University
A.B., 1981 - Boston College Law School
J.D., 1986
Bar Admissions
- California
- United States Supreme Court
- United States Court of Appeals
Ninth Circuit - United States District Court
Northern District of California
Eastern District of California
Central District of California
Southern District of California
Professional Organizations
- Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California and Nevada
Additional Information
- AV-rated
- Selected for inclusion
in 2010, 2009, 2008
California Super Lawyers - Downloadable V-card
Ward's practice involves a broad spectrum of litigation and insurance services. In the area of litigation, Ward represents defendants in class action suits, insurers and claimants in insurance bad faith actions, and businesses in a variety of matters, including contractual disputes, landlord/tenant, and employment issues. Ward also advises and defends insurers in regulatory matters, provides advice and training to claims and general counsel personnel, and advises general counsel of insurance companies regarding business practices.
In class action matters, Ward primarily represents insurers in the defense of lawsuits arising out of claims handling and business practices. He has successfully defended to judgment numerous matters involving auto body labor rates, computer-based claims evaluation tools, policy interpretation, and claims and business processes. Ward has also defended class action matters involving maritime and common carrier issues.
Ward has represented insurers in bad faith matters since the day he was admitted to practice in 1987. He has tried to verdict numerous bad faith matters, many involving fraud, and has successfully argued several bad faith cases before appellate courts. He has drafted proposed legislation, regulations and Rules of Professional Conduct in the areas of claims handling and representation of insureds. He has been an invited speaker on the topic of insurance bad faith over 40 times in his career. In addition to California, Ward has handled bad faith claims and lawsuits against insurers in Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Arkansas, Minnesota, Mississippi, Texas, New Jersey and Louisiana. Ward also acts as coordinating counsel for insurers in bad faith and class action lawsuits.
A substantial portion of Ward's practice is also dedicated to advising and training insurers with respect to claims handling and business practices, litigation management, and compliance with Department of Insurance statutes and regulations. Ward provides private training to claims representatives and in-house counsel in proper file handling, regulatory compliance, anti-fraud techniques, and claims strategies. Ward also works closely with general counsel and claims departments to devise and implement best practices in a variety of areas.
In the area of business disputes, Ward has represented business clients in a broad variety of matters, including contract disputes, commercial leases, employment matters, products liability and disputes pertaining to the sale of goods. In addition to many other businesses, Ward has represented restaurants throughout the Bay Area and knows the unique challenges that face the restaurant industry.