Fred Karlinsky and Richard (Rich) Fidei have joined powerhouse law and lobbying group Greenberg Traurig as part of its growing insurance regulatory practice group.
Karlinsky and Fidei were previously shareholders at Colodny, Fass, Talenfeld, Karlinsky, Abate & Webb in Fort Lauderdale. ***Update – 1:51 p.m. *** A spokesperson for Colodny Fass, after reading the original version of this story, made it clear that Karlinsky’s contracted was terminated by the firm two months ago.***
“We are pleased to continue to add top attorneys whose knowledge and capabilities in national insurance regulatory matters will further strengthen our team and bring significant value to our clients,” said Greenberg Traurig CEO Richard Rosenbaum.
“As our firm continues to adapt in response to our clients’ rapidly changing needs,” Rosenbaum added, “we will continue to rely on our powerful platform to deliver the quality and value that has distinguished our firm from the competition.”
Recognized as one of the top insurance lawyers in the nation, Karlinsky will serve as Greenberg Traurig co-chair, working with other firm attorneys. Karlinsky’s expertise is in areas of insurance regulatory law and related matters, transactional law, executive and legislative governmental affairs, administrative law and corporate representation.
With Karlinsky switching firms, it remains to be seen how much of his multi-million dollar book of business transfers with him.
Will Colodny Fass hang on to a good portion of it?
Will GT, a global company, expect it all to come with Karlinsky (minus out any conflicts that may arise with GT’s existing clients)?
Or does Karlinsky move create an opportunity for other firms to redouble their efforts to win insurance industry clients.
Quite honestly, Adams Street has not seen a prominent a lobbyist as Karlinsky switch firms since Jim Smith left Ballard & Smith for Southern Strategy Group.
Greenberg Traurig is optimistic about Karlinsky and Fidei coming aboard.
“The addition of Fred and Rich is part of our practice group’s strategy to continue expanding our arsenal of quality on-the-ground resources throughout the country, particularly in key markets,” said Co-Chair Thomas J. Bond, of Greenberg Traurig’s Insurance Regulatory & Transactions Practice and the Government Law & Policy Practice.
In addition to Karlinsky and Fidei, Ashlee Falco, previously the government affairs coordinator at the Office of Insurance Regulation, is also joining Greenberg Traurig.
