Steve Raptis has handled complex insurance claims on behalf of commercial policyholders for more than twenty-five years. As a partner in the Insurance Litigation Practice Group of Hayes and Boone, he emphasizes strategic, creative solutions that maximize recoveries for clients while seeking to minimize their costs through focused negotiation and mediation. Through thorough claim analysis and advocacy, Steve has, in many cases, successfully obtained reversals of insurers’ adverse coverage determinations without the need for litigation. But where necessary, he aggressively litigates insurance coverage and other commercial disputes in federal and state courts throughout the country.
Steve advises clients on coverage issues arising under all types of commercial insurance policies, including general liability, directors and officers, errors and omissions, cyber/privacy liability, pollution liability, and first-party/property policies. He regularly handles cases involving environmental contamination and other mass tort claims, products-related claims, cutting-edge cyber/privacy claims, professional liability/errors and omissions claims, governmental investigations claims, and construction-related claims, among others, and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars of insurance proceeds for his clients.
To prevent coverage disputes proactively, Steve regularly reviews clients’ insurance programs, identifies potential coverage gaps and recommends areas of possible improvement. He also counsels clients on assessing and preserving the value of potential insurance claims, and obtaining a defense, even if damages may not be covered. He advises companies on insurance issues in mergers and acquisitions and other types of transactions, and addresses competing rights in shared coverage. Steve regularly publishes articles and speaks on insurance coverage-related issues, and is regularly quoted by leading insurance publications.
In addition to his insurance work, Steve handles other commercial disputes, including complex contractual and indemnity disputes, and business-related contract and tort claims.
Steve has a long-standing commitment to pro bono work, and has represented victims of domestic violence for his entire career, as well as victims of human trafficking, clients with developmental disabilities, and African-American farmers subject to discriminatory loan practices. Steve currently serves as a board member for the DC Volunteer Law Project.
Professional and Community Activities
- District of Columbia Bar Association
- Board Member, D.C. Volunteer Lawyers Project