Firm News
Supreme Court Relies on Amicus Brief Filed by Wiggin and Dana on Behalf of The American Institute of Marine Underwriters
On February 21, 2024, the United States Supreme Court issued a 9-0 unanimous opinion in Great Lakes Insurance SE v. Raiders Retreat Realty Co., reversing a Third Circuit decision and ruling that an insurerโs choice-of-law clause in a marine insurance policy is presumptively enforceable and cannot be disregarded due to another stateโs public policy. The ruling adheres to the principles of uniformity in maritime law and provides certainty for the marine insurance market, which is vital to facilitate maritime commerce.
On behalf of The American Institute of Marine Underwriters (AIMU), Wiggin and Danaโs Insurance and Appellate Practice Groups filed an amicus brief in the Supreme Court in support of the petitioning insurance company. The International Group of P&I Clubs, represented by Blank Rome, joined in the amicus brief. The Courtโs unanimous opinion twice cited the AIMU amicus brief in support of its holding. This was the Supreme Courtโs first case in several decades on the choice of laws governing marine insurance policies, making it of great significance to the marine insurance industry.
The Wiggin and Dana team included Joseph G. Grasso and Jeffrey R. Babbin.
