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Jared Zola Named 2016 “Rising Star” by New York Law Journal

Blank Rome LLP Partner Jared Zola has been named a 2016 “Rising Star” by the New York Law Journal.

Mr. Zola is one of 42 young lawyers chosen as a 2016 “Rising Star” by a panel of 24 esteemed judges, who reviewed nearly 300 nominations of attorneys ages 40 and under who have established a record of accomplishments and demonstrated that they are top contributors to the practice of law and their communities.

To view the full list of 2016 “Rising Stars” by the New York Law Journal, please click here.

Profile from New York Law Journal

 
Jared Zola, a partner at Blank Rome, specializes in insurance recovery at the firm. He previously was a partner at Dickstein Shapiro, where he was northeast regional leader of the firm's insurance coverage group.
 
Jared, 39, has handled every line of coverage, including political risk, maritime, product contamination, media liability, cybersecurity and professional indemnity. As a skilled litigator, he helped secure more than $1 billion since 2008 in policy limits for policyholders worldwide, successfully counseled clients to insurance recoveries in court and in settlements, and has been recognized as one of the leading policyholder insurance lawyers in the country.
 
In December, Jared convinced jurors that an insurer could not avoid covering H.J. Heinz Company in a $30 million lawsuit over lead-tainted baby food. But a federal judge overrode the verdict, finding the insurer had a right to rescind the policy. Heinz appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit in March.
 
Jared was lead coverage counsel to Petroterminal de Panama S.A., an international petroleum storage and transport company, in two unrelated insurance coverage litigations in New York federal courts against domestic and foreign insurers. He also represented a real estate investment firm in litigation seeking more than $100 million from its political risk insurer for losses it suffered in financing transactions involving Mexican resorts.

Credibility and civility are values that guide me in my legal career. Despite the inherent adversarial nature of litigation, I believe strongly that being a zealous and effective advocate is best accomplished when the court and my adversaries trust and respect me.

Pro Bono/Civic Activity

Jared is a member of Blank Rome's pro bono committee. For the past six years, he has represented the Queens Comprehensive Perinatal Council Inc., a nonprofit community-based maternal/child health organization. His work on behalf of the organization has been recognized by New York Lawyers for the Public Interest.

His other pro bono work includes leading a team of attorneys in developing a disaster relief guide and an insurance-related hotline to help Hurricane Sandy victims. He also supports Charity: Water, a Manhattan-based group whose mission is to provide clean, safe drinking worldwide.

Jared and his wife, Katie Reed, have served on the associate committee of the Annual ASPCA Bergh Ball, and Jared has ridden for Cycle for Survival, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center's national fundraising movement to beat rare cancers.

Experience

  • Blank Rome, partner, 2015-present
  • Dickstein Shapiro, partner, 2011-2015; associate, 2006-2010
  • Weg & Myers, associate, 2003-2006

Education

  • J.D., Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, 2003
  • B.A., Clemson University, 1999

To view Mr. Zola’s profile online, please click here.

Jared Zola with NYLJ 2016 Rising Star Award