Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker LLP is ranked among the top law firms in the country. However, the organization, which employs over 700 lawyers and has offices located across the United States and in Europe, operates much like Target Markets Program Administrators Association (TMPAA) members do—in clearly defined market segments.

Among these niches served is the program management community. “Our Program Management team provides a range of claims and litigation support for MGAs, MGUs, program administrators and their partners,” says New York City-based Wilson Elser Partner Thomas Wilson, Jr. “We represent and protect the interests of underwriters and program managers in assessing coverage, liability and reserve exposures.”

The firm has served the insurance and program business community for more than 30 years. “That says a lot about not only our commitment, but about the expertise of our people and the breadth and quality of our services,” Wilson notes.

The company has vast experience assisting in the development of new programs and in revitalizing existing ones, he adds. “We handle everything from the formation, domestication and reorganization of insurers, reinsurers and captives, to drafting policy forms, general agency agreements, and advising specialty program brokers on licensing issues.”

In addition to consulting on potential risks associated with all lines of business and providing regulatory assistance for filings and approvals from applicable state insurance departments, the company provides counsel on policy, application, and endorsement preparation and revision.

The firm’s industry experience runs deep. “Many of the lawyers in our firm come out of the insurance industry,” says Wilson, “and serve as claims, litigation, coverage, and monitoring counsel for many insurers, both on an individual claims basis as well as on a program basis.

“As an outgrowth of our program focus, we are actively involved in Target Markets Program Administrators Association,” Wilson explains. “In our years of practice, we have developed automation and systems that enhance the services we provide—from electronic billing or reporting to providing client access to a claims database.”

The firm’s involvement with TMPAA goes beyond general participation. Wilson Elser provides complimentary risk management consultation, designed specifically for MGAs and program administrators, to Target Markets members insured through the association’s E&O program. The firm also conducts evaluations that drive TMPAA’s Best Practices Certification for program administrators.

“TMPAA program administrators can request that the association send a representative—someone from our firm or someone who works with us—to come out, meet with management and staff, and evaluate the organization’s practices and procedures,” Wilson explains. “We look at everything from internal controls to processes for underwriting, rating and claims, and more. Program administrators that score high enough on this evaluation receive a Best Practices Certification they can use and promote with carriers.

 “Our experience with Target Markets and our involvement with a significant number of carriers, MGUs, MGAs and other program management professionals has helped us develop strong insight into program business,” Wilson says. “We’re proud to be associated with such a vibrant, forward-thinking organization and value the relationships we’ve formed as a result of our involvement.”