Jared Zola is a partner in Blank Rome’s policyholder-only insurance recovery practice, formerly the insurance practice of Dickstein Shapiro LLP. One of the nation’s preeminent policyholder lawyers, his work litigating high-stakes cases across the country for blue chip corporate clients has earned him consistent praise.
Jared was recently named one of the “Top 500 Leading Litigators in America” by Lawdragon. He is also ranked highly in insurance based on client feedback, including by Chambers USA and as a Legal 500 “Leading Lawyer” (one of seven nationally in the Insurance Policyholder category). Lexology, Inc. named him the 2020 “Exclusive Winner of the Client Choice Award for Insurance & Reinsurance for the USA” (finalists can only be nominated by corporate counsel). The New York Law Journal named Jared a “New York Trailblazer” in its inaugural list (the only insurance lawyer across all practices). In its most recent editions, Who’s Who Legal named Jared a “Global Leader” and a “Thought Leader.” Before Jared turned 40 years old, Law360 named him a “Top Attorney Under 40” in four consecutive years for his work on behalf of insurance policyholders—he is the only attorney to ever be named a “Rising Star” more than once in the insurance category. Jared is a Fellow of the invitation-only American College of Coverage Counsel.
Jared is a frequent analyst for the Financial Times, Washington Post, NBC News, CBS News, Business Insurance, Insurance Business America, and Law360.
Jared’s industry recognitions span more than 10 years. Recent commentary includes:
- Chambers USA: Chambers 2023 quotes clients stating that: “Jared is extremely practical and business-oriented,” he “doesn't get overly technical and is great at making complex ideas simple,” and noting that Jared “is very experienced and understands our business objectives.” Prior Chambers’ editions recognize Jared for his “expert handling of complex, high-stakes and often sensitive coverage disputes,” he “not only is an excellent attorney but also fantastic adviser, thinking through all the strategic elements of the issue,” and “has an extremely good grasp of client’s objectives.” Clients comment that Jared is “very creative in the way he approaches problems with insurers” and that he is “accomplished, responsive, and provided clarity throughout the legal process—he was unequivocal in his commitment to the legal resolution,” “is an excellent strategist and tactician; he knows how to approach complicated and difficult situations,” he is “sought out by policyholders to provide representation on several complex coverage claims” and “is very well connected and a strong advocate.”
- Legal 500: Named one of seven insurance policyholder “Leading Lawyers” in the country, Legal 500 2023 recognizes that: “In New York, Jared Zola handles high value litigation and arbitrations.” In 2022, clients are quoted as saying that: “Jared Zola and his team have always delivered high quality, prompt legal advice in very complex matters with a great deal of responsiveness to client needs” and he “is outstanding for a young partner in this field.”
- Lexology 2020 Client Choice (client comments): Jared “knows how to make complex topics easily understandable,” he “always makes sure to put his clients’ urgent matters first.” “Jared is practical, quick and accurate” and he “has a very good sense of nuanced strategy.”
- Who’s Who Legal: Insurance & Reinsurance (client comments): Jared is an “outside-the-box thinker and expert negotiator” who “combines high technical expertise with a client-friendly approach” and is praised for his “outstanding work in the practice area.”
Outside the Firm
Jared actively supports Clemson University’s P.A.W. Journey, which is a leadership initiative that holistically develops Clemson Football scholar-athletes through personal growth, life skills, and professional development. P.A.W., an acronym for “Passionate About Winning,” encourages football student leaders to maintain a continually competitive posture towards all aspects of the journey of life. Jared works with Clemson’s P.A.W. Journey professionals to connect with football alumni in New York City.
Additionally, Jared actively supports several charities. He raises money for and rides in the annual “Cycle for Survival” event, which is Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s national fundraising movement to beat rare cancers.
Jared is a regular fixture in spin classes at SoulCycle’s West Village studio.