Finding the best insurance lawyer to represent you may start with a warning: “How to avoid hiring a bad lawyer.” I was thinking about that topic while reading a recent case from Texas about an advertising lawyer. In that case, a judge sanctioned the attorney and his law firm for filing a property insurance lawsuit based on allegations that were either false or unsupported, for failing to properly consult with his client before filing suit, and for engaging in conduct that unnecessarily prolonged and increased the cost of litigation. 1 The court found that the claims were factually unsound from the outset, that the policy exclusions clearly precluded coverage, and that the lawyer’s approach served primarily to harass the insurer and drive up defense costs rather than resolve the matter for his client. The sanctions ordered were intended not only to address the harm in this case but to deter similar conduct by other attorneys in the future.
Cases like this highlight an important truth for policyholders: choosing the wrong lawyer can be more damaging than the dispute with the insurance company itself. In a prior article, Experience and Passion Count When Selecting Insurance Lawyers, I explained that technical knowledge of insurance law is critical, but so is a lawyer’s genuine dedication to representing policyholders’ interests. The best insurance lawyers combine a command of policy language, case law, and claims practices with the willingness to listen closely to a client’s facts, investigate diligently before filing suit, and communicate with integrity throughout the case.
When selecting legal counsel, policyholders should look far beyond marketing slogans and billboards. They should seek out lawyers and law firms with a proven track record in insurance coverage disputes, especially those who have handled similar types of losses and policies. References from other policyholders, public adjusters, or professional associations can provide valuable insight. Reviewing published cases, articles, or presentations by the lawyer can also reveal whether they truly understand the nuances of property insurance law and claims handling.
Another critical factor is how the lawyer approaches the client relationship. The best lawyers take time to understand the loss from the client’s perspective, gather all relevant facts, and explain both the strengths and challenges of the case in plain language. They give realistic assessments rather than inflated promises. They adhere to ethical rules, respect court procedures, and maintain the credibility necessary to be persuasive before judges, juries, and opposing counsel.
Finally, policyholders should understand that litigation is only one tool in the claims process. A skilled insurance lawyer knows when to push aggressively in court and when strategic negotiation may better serve the client’s interests. That discernment comes from experience, preparation, and a sincere commitment to achieving the best possible result for the client, not from rushing to file lawsuits without a solid legal and factual foundation.
The recent Texas case serves as an important lesson about finding the best insurance lawyers. While there are many excellent lawyers devoted to protecting policyholders, there are also those whose lack of diligence or improper motives can make an already difficult insurance dispute far worse. By looking beyond the advertising and doing careful research, asking informed questions, and choosing counsel with both expertise and passion for the work, policyholders can avoid the pitfalls of poor representation and put themselves in the best position to secure a fair recovery.
Thought For The Day
“The leading rule for the lawyer, as for the man of every calling, is diligence.”
—Abraham Lincoln
1 Wright v. ASI Lloyds, No. 3:22-cv-00357 (S.D. Tex. Aug. 5, 2025).
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