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J. Kendrick Wells IV
Member
Louisville, KY
Member
Louisville, KY
Kendrick devotes the majority of his practice to helping insurance carriers and their representatives in matters involving complex coverage issues. He also regularly counsels clients on a wide range of commercial disputes and has represented companies in all stages of litigation, including trials, arbitrations, and appeals.
Representing insurers in litigation, Kendrick sees the value in going beyond the technical and legal aspects of coverage analysis to reinforce how those elements flow from the policyholder’s relationship with the insurer and, by extension, with the entire risk pool. “The history of an insurance claim does not begin when the loss occurs, but before the policy was even issued,” he explains. “That thread of continuity is vital in coverage cases; preserving that connection and communicating it effectively is a real challenge facing insurers. Like the roof and walls of a building, the contract language and the facts surrounding a claimed loss are obviously essential, but the insurer’s relationship with its policyholder is the foundation.”
An experienced insurance coverage attorney, Kendrick brings his knowledge and integrated approach to the roles of skilled advisor, passionate advocate, and trusted counsel, committed to helping his clients succeed both inside and outside of the courtroom.
Beyond his insurance practice, Kendrick has helped numerous businesses obtain successful outcomes in litigation, both as defendants and as plaintiffs. His experience includes roles as national coordinating counsel for a major restaurant chain and trial counsel for a national franchisee association and supply chain management organization — both resulting in major recoveries for Kendrick’s clients. He has also been directly involved in more than a dozen appeals before the Kentucky Court of Appeals, the Kentucky Supreme Court, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.
Providing in-depth research, analysis, opinions, and recommendations regarding defense/indemnity and property coverage, “other insurance” issues, and strategy with respect to ongoing investigations and existing or anticipated suits/claims.
Assisting with communications to policyholders, claimants, and other insurers.
Reviewing and monitoring pending litigation and trials where there are concerns with respect to coverage, the threat of claims alleging bad faith, and/or the need to preserve important issues for appeal.
Defending insurers and their representatives against claims for breach of contract, indemnity, contribution (and the like), and extra-contractual claims, including first-party and third-party bad faith.
Preparing and litigating actions to obtain declaratory (and other) relief in federal and state courts.
Prosecuting and defending appeals, at all levels.
University of Michigan Law School, J.D., 2003
University of Rochester, NY, B.A., 2000
State and Federal Courts of Kentucky
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
Selected for inclusion in Kentucky Rising Stars® 2013-2014
May 22, 2018 | Experience
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