Brook B. Roberts

Law School
University of Arizona School of Law

Major Cases
During the past year, Brook Roberts was lead trial lawyer in several matters that should greatly benefit policyholders seeking coverage for asbestos and similar toxic tort liabilities under policies with “completed operations” aggregate limits and “retrospective premium” features.

Roberts and his team petitioned and recently argued in front of the California Supreme Court to revisit its decision in Henkel Corp v. Hartford Accident & Indemnity Co., a notorious California Supreme Court case that favored insurance companies’ right to enforce anti-assignment provisions, even after the loss has occurred. This case could balance the scales for policyholders’ to transfer coverage rights following a corporate sale or acquisition.

Professional Background
After graduating from law school, Roberts clerked for Judge Barry Silverman on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Thereafter, he joined Latham & Watkins in 2001. Throughout his tenure at Latham, he has worked on high-stakes commercial litigations, with an emphasis on representing corporate policyholders in large insurance disputes. Roberts was promoted to partner in 2009, and appointed as the global co-chairman of the firm’s insurance practice in 2010 (the youngest chair in the firm).

Professional Affiliations
Roberts is a member of the California Bar, the American Bar Association, and RIMS (Risk, Insurance, and Management Society). He has frequently spoken and written articles concerning cutting-edge insurance issues for these organizations.

Personal Affiliations
Roberts is involved in various charity and civic organizations, both locally and nationally.

Personal Background
Roberts was raised in a small town with modest means, and was very fortunate to attend college and law school on academic scholarships. Without that assistance, he would not be where he is today. Thus, he is committed to raising money to assist public schools, which he does through various ventures.