Ralph Guirgis principally investigates, litigates and advises insurers on policy wordings and relevant emerging issues. He represents insurers in complex coverage disputes before state and federal courts and arbitration panels throughout the United States and internationally, including London and Spain.
Ralph has litigated contractual and extra-contractual matters concerning a wide range of policies and reinsurance agreements including property coverage, financial institutions, directors and officers reimbursement, professional liability, errors and omissions and commercial general liability insurance. His property coverage experience includes representing an international insurer as national coordinating counsel for all of its Hurricane Katrina claims.
In 2001, Ralph was seconded for approximately one year to Faraday Underwriting Limited. His initial assignment was to analyze various directors and officers claims and assist in developing underwriting criteria; however, he became especially involved in issues concerning the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
Admissions
California
Education
J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, 1989
B.A., cum laude, California State University, Fullerton, 1986
Memberships
California State Bar
Orange County Bar Association
Professional Liability Underwriting Society
AIDA Reinsurance & Insurance Arbitration Society (ARIAS-US)
Experience
Presentations
“Liability and Coverage Exposures From Property Damage Catastrophe Claims,” Client Presentation, London, England, October 2010
“Subprime Litigation and Its Seemingly Ever-Expanding Reach,” Fifth International Liability Regimes Conference, November 2008
“Katrina Legal Update,” Excess/Surplus Lines Claims Association, April 2006
Publications
Co-author, “Trigger of Coverage,” Chapter 3, Directors & Officers Liability Insurance Deskbook, Fourth Edition, ABA Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section, 2016
Co-author, “Other Insurance Clauses,” Chapter 7, Directors & Officers Liability Insurance Deskbook, Fourth Edition, ABA Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section, 2016
Co-author, “Settlement,” Chapter 9, Directors & Officers Liability Insurance Deskbook, Fourth Edition, ABA Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section, 2016
