Crowell & Moring Barred From Representing Reinsurer in $3.1 Million Case

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - In a $3.1 million battle over reinsurance coverage for underlying asbestos claims, a Rhode Island federal magistrate judge has ruled that Crowell & Moring may not represent defendant Illinois Union Insurance Co. because the firm represents the plaintiff cedent in other matters. Seaton Insurance Co. v. Illinois Union Insurance Co., No. CA 07-332 (D. R.I.).

In a June 18 order, U.S. Magistrate Judge David L. Martin held that the law firm's representation of Seaton Insurance Co. constitutes a conflict of interest and that Seaton did not waive its conflict of interest objection.

Seaton's predecessor, Unigard Mutual Insurance …