About
Vanessa D. Durante represents U.S. and London-based insurance carriers in complex coverage matters and extra-contractual litigation. Vanessa advises carriers on coverage issues including loss allocation, long-tail liabilities, priority of coverage, and bad faith claims arising under CGL, D&O, pollution, and professional liability/E&O policies. Vanessa provides coverage advice regarding underlying third-party liability risks and litigates coverage disputes involving primary, excess, and umbrella insurance in state and federal courts throughout the United States.
Vanessa earned her bachelor’s degree from Cornell University and her law degree from New York University (NYU).
Distinctions & Honors
- Best Lawyers: "Ones to Watch" list, Insurance Law, 2022 and 2023
Professional Activities
- Won summary judgment for defendant insurance carrier in suit by oil refinery seeking to recover as an additional insured the $30 million SIR paid under its own insurance to settle underlying claims arising from fire at the refinery.
- Won summary judgment in favor of defendant insurer on plaintiff insurer's claim for declaratory judgment on priority of coverage and duty to defend the plaintiff insurer's named insured in underlying state court action; also obtained summary judgment on breach of contract crossclaims asserted by co-defendant named insured.
Education
- NYU School of Law, Juris Doctor, 2010
- Cornell University, Bachelor of Arts in Government, 2007
Admissions
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State Bar Admissions
–Texas -
U.S. District Courts:
–E.D. of Texas
–N.D. of Texas
–S.D. of Texas
–W.D. of Texas
