Contact Us
Attorney

Gary Thompson

Gary Thompson has been practicing law for 35 years. He is a top-rated specialist in policyholder-side insurance recovery, including property and business interruption loss from disasters. He also serves as a Mediator. Gary is currently Chair of the D.C. Board of Elections.

Contact Us
Arrow down

Experience

Gary Thompson has been practicing law for 35 years. He is a long-time, top-rated specialist in the field of policyholder-side insurance recovery, including claim analysis, negotiation, settlement, arbitration, and when needed, litigation. He only represents the policyholder, never the insurer. Gary has worked on dozens of major property and business interruption claims, including some of the largest in history arising from 9/11, hurricanes like Katrina, the California fires, floods, and construction problems.

Gary also has decades of experience in the hospitality industry on behalf of owners or managers, including relating to hotel management agreements, loan agreements, construction defects, mold, pollution, legionella, personal liability, and various commercial disputes (both insurance and other disputes).

Gary’s style emphasizes counselling and settlement – finding the most cost-effective path to the client’s objective, always seeking to add value. When necessary, Gary is an exceptional litigator, with victories before judges and juries. He has been the lead trial lawyer in lengthy trials resulting in policyholder victories, including lead-counsel in verdicts from $1 million to $60 million. In total, his court verdicts, arbitration awards, and settlements (as lead lawyer) tally over a billion dollars.

Recently, Gary has taken on the role of Mediator of disputes, drawing on his years of experience.

For two decades, Gary has been ranked by Chambers and others as a top attorney in his field. His stellar reputation also arises from his steadfast commitment to pro bono and civic service, being a D.C. Bar Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year. He currently serves as Chair of the DC Board of Elections, has served on many non-profit Boards, and was an elected DC neighborhood commissioner for eight years. Gary is an avid runner (23 marathons), biker, and history-enthusiast.

Phone: (202) 256-9910

Email: gthompson@thompsonhd.com

Prior Law Firms

  • Reed Smith – 2006-2017 and D.C. Managing Partner 2014-2017
  • Gilbert LLP – 2001-2005 (founding Partner of policyholder-side firm)
  • Howrey & Simon, D.C. – 1995-2000 (Associate; Partner)
  • Kaye Scholer (now Arnold & Porter), N.Y. & D.C. – 1990-1995 (Associate)

Education

  • J.D. 1990, Rutgers Law School – Senior Articles Editor, Rutgers Law Review; Mock Trial winner.
  • B.A. 1987, cum laude, Georgetown University (Philosophy); Debate Team (mid-Atlantic college champion; other awards).

Bar Memberships

  • District of Columbia; New York
  • U.S. Courts of Appeals – District of Columbia Circuit; Fourth Circuit, Ninth Circuit
  • U.S. District Courts – District of Columbia; Maryland; S.D.N.Y.; W.D.Tenn.

Selected Boards & Professional Affiliations

  • Chair, D.C. Board of Elections (2022-ongoing)
  • Higher Achievement (non-profit educational support for urban middle school students) – Pro Bono General Counsel & ex officio Board member (2003-2021)
  • D.C. Appleseed (a non-profit improving D.C.) – Board member (2017-2021)
  • Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights – Board member (2005-2016)
  • D.C. Bar Pro Bono Committee/Community Economic Development program – Board member (2005-2008, 2014-2021)
  • Alliance for the Civil War Defenses of Washington – Founder/Officer (2010-present)
  • Chevy Chase D.C. Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner (publicly elected 2007-2014; Chair 2009-2012)
  • Rutgers Law School D.C. Area Alumni Association – President (2016-2021)

Selected Awards & Recognitions

  • 2005-present – for 18 years, listed by Chambers as a leading policyholder attorney
  • 2016 – Reed Smith’s global award for pro bono service
  • 2015 – D.C. Bar Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year (co-awardee)
  • 2006, 2015 & 2016 – three-time recipient of D.C. Appleseed Pro Bono Award
  • 2007-2016 – volunteer courses at the D.C. Bar for small businesses and non-profits (recipient of 2007 D.C. Bar award for best pro bono project)
  • 2014 – D.C. Ward 4 Man of the Year (Ward 4 Democrats)
  • 2013 – Higher Achievement’s Green Apple award
  • 2001, 2002 & 2006 – three time Outstanding Achievement Award for Fair Housing, from the Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights

In the Media

Select Publications/Books/Television Appearances

Articles & Books

  • D.C. Council Approves New Board of Elections Chair (Wash. Post., Jan. 4, 2022)
  • Coronavirus is a Direct Physical Loss Triggering Event, Law360 (Apr. 9, 2020)
  • 3 Key Legal Issues for Hotel Operators During Coronavirus, Law360 (Mar. 19, 2020) (co-author with Kristin Davis)
  • Making the Policyholder Whole: Property Insurance Coverage for Both the Damaged and Undamaged Parts of a ‘Pair or Set,’ Adjusting Today (July 31, 2018)
  • Book co-author: Reasonable Expectations: Interpreting Insurance Policies in Common Law Jurisdictions, ABA Book Publishing (Aug. 2016)
  • A Tax Case (Yes, Tax) Was Last Term’s Blockbuster, National Law Journal (Aug. 31, 2015)
  • Delaying Election of Attorney General Makes a Mockery of Democracy, Washington Post (Dec. 20, 2013)
  • The Effect of Sale of a Commercial Property on a Pending Insurance Claim, Adjusting Today (2nd ed. Dec. 2013)
  • The Length of the Road Back from Disaster, Adjusting Today (2nd ed. Nov. 2013)
  • Insurance Coverage for the 2011 Thailand Floods, The Insurance Coverage Law Bulletin (Feb. 2012) (co-author)
  • Guantanamo and the Struggle for Due Process of Law, 63 Rutgers Law Review 4 (2011)
  • First-Party Insurance Coverage for the Sendai Earthquake and Tsunami, White Paper (Mar. 16, 2011) (co-author)
  • Book co-author: Property Insurance Litigator’s Handbook, American Bar Association (2d Ed. November 2010; 1st Ed. Aug. 2007)
  • Insurance Coverage for Copyright Infringement in Cyberspace, ABA Intellectual Property Committee Newsletter (Fall 2007) (co-author)
  • Defending an Intellectual Property Case: Check for Insurance Coverage, e-Commerce Law Report, Vol. 9, No. 6 (June 2007)
  • A Director’s Loss by Any Other Name, Legal Times (Feb. 26, 2007) (co-author)
  • Property Insurers Put to the Test – Active Sellers’ Market Complicates the Claims Process in Wake of Hurricanes, National Real Estate Investor (July 1, 2006)
  • The Effect of the Sale of Commercial Property on a Pending Insurance Claim, American Bar Association’s Coverage (July 2006)
  • Hotel Insurance Claims – 15 Practical Pointers, Hotels Magazine (October 2005)
  • Commercial Insurance In The Wake Of Katrina, Rita & Wilma, Dow Jones Corporate Governance (Nov. 23, 2005)
  • After the Hurricane: Property Damage Can Spawn a Follow-Up Insurance Storm, Legal Times (Aug. 15, 2005)
  • Property Coverage ‘Contingent’ on Damage to other Property, American Conference Institute Materials (Mar. 11, 2002)
  • Dealing with the Aftermath of September 11 and the Changes Beyond, American Conference Institute Materials (Mar. 11, 2002) (co-author)
  • Insurance for Losses Resulting From the Terrorist Attacks of September 11, 2001, Mealy’s Litigation Reports: Insurance (Lexis-Nexis) (Sept. 25, 2001)
  • The Age of E-Discovery, Corporate Legal Times (June 2000) (co-author)
  • If We Can’t Vote for Them, Why Can They Tax Us?, Washington Post, Outlook Section (Apr. 30, 2000) (co-author)
  • The Daubert Rule in Toxic Tort Litigation, Risk Assessment and Risk Management in Environmental Law, ALI-ABA (Oct. 8, 1998) (co-author)
  • The Rooker-Feldman Doctrine and the Subject Matter Jurisdiction of Federal District Courts (cited by U.S. Circuit and district courts), 42 Rutgers Law Review 859 (1990)

Notable Conference Papers & Speaking Engagements

  • Hospitality & Tourism Law Program, Speaker, American Univ. Law School (June 2017)
  • “Trying a Case to a Jury: Dos and Don’ts,” the ABA Insurance Coverage Law Committee Conference (March 6, 2016) (co-author and presenter with two Judges)
  • “Give & Take: the Battle Over Defense and Settlement Dollars” (co-author), ABA Insurance Coverage Litigation Committee Conference (Mar. 5, 2015)
  • Recovery of Diminished Value in First Party Property Insurance Claims” (co-author), ABA Insurance Coverage Litigation Committee Conference (Feb. 27, 2013)
  • “Super Storm Sandy: Protecting Your Insurance Rights and Potential for Recovery,” Presentation, New York City (Dec. 14, 2012) (co-presenter)
  • Rutgers Law Review Alumni Reception (keynote speaker) (Oct. 2012)
  • “The Insurance Claim Recovery Process: Suggestions and Practical Pointers,” Hospitality Law Conference (Feb. 8, 2012)
  • “Reversing Course: Can An Insurer Seek Reimbursement From Its Policyholder For Amounts Related To Noncovered Claims?” (co-author), ABA Insurance Coverage Litigation Committee Conference (Jan. 7, 2011)
  • “Allocation of Costs In An Insurance Action: The ‘All Sums’ Contract Method Versus Extra-Contractual ‘Pro Rata’ Approaches,” (co-author), ABA Insurance Coverage Litigation Committee Conference (various editions, 1996-2002)

Notable Quotes & Interviews

  • Law360: “5 Tips for Policyholders to Prevail at Trial,” Law360 (Apr. 14, 2015); “3rd Circuit Sandy Debris Ruling Vexes Policyholders” Law360 (Apr. 1, 2015); “2 Years In, Sandy Suits Target Flood Exclusions, Deductibles,” Law360 (Nov. 12, 2014); “Fate Of Significant Sandy-Inspired Bills Still Uncertain,” Law360 (Oct. 29, 2013); “Sewage Cruise Suits Least Of Carnival’s Coverage Worries,” Law360 (Feb. 19, 2013); “Sandy May Shift Insurers’ Hurricane Deductible Strategy,” Law360 (Nov. 7, 2012);“Ky. High Court Nixes Insurer’s Anti-Assignment Fight,” Law360 (Oct. 26, 2012); “How to Slam Dunk Closing Arguments,” Law360 (July 27, 2010); “Top Five Mistakes to Avoid in Front of a Jury,” Law360 (June 4, 2010); “Options Probe Highlights D&O Insurance Issues, Securities Law 360 (June 29, 2006).
  • Business Insurance: “Hurricane Sandy Losses In Marine And Energy Sectors Are Still Being Assessed,” Business Insurance (Nov. 4, 2012); “What You Should Know Before Suing an Insurer,” Business Insurance (Apr. 29, 2012); “Documentation, Communication Key Following Disaster,” Business Insurance (Aug. 14, 2011); “Insurers Still Liable for Losses,” Business Insurance (June 21. 2010); “Hard-to-Find Punitive Damage Coverage is Tricky Business,” Business Insurance (Feb. 15, 2010); “Insurer Wins Katrina Coverage Dispute,” Business Insurance (Aug. 21, 2006).
  • New York Times: “State Farm Told to Pay Gulf Claim,” New York Times (Jan. 12, 2007); “State Farm Negotiating Gulf Claims Settlement,” New York Times (Jan. 8, 2007); “Small Clause, Big Problem,” New York Times (Aug. 4, 2006); “From Burials to Money, Battles in Court Reflect Unhealed Wounds of 9/11,” New York Times (Sept. 9, 2004); “9/11 Suits Reveal Law Allowing Benefits to an Absentee Parent,” New York Times (Apr. 20, 2004).
  • Wall Street Journal: “State Farm Settles Lawsuit Involving Katrina Damages,” Wall Street Journal (Jan. 20, 2007); “Real Estate Bonds Will Likely Take a Hit in Wake of Katrina,” Wall Street Journal, Page C1 (Sept. 14, 2005).
  • Hotel Industry Publications: “Payment Delays, Code Upgrades Impact Hotels Rebuilding After Hurricanes,” Hotel Business (Feb. 7, 2006); “Insurance Fallout About To Take Shape,” Hotel Journal (Dec. 2005); “Business Interruption Insurance – A Lifeline for Hotels,” Hotel & Motel Magazine (Oct. 3, 2005).
  • Other Publications: National Law Journal (various quotes, 2014-present); “On the Jersey Shore, Emotion Outweighs Cost of Rebuilding,” Reuters Wire (Nov. 2, 2012); “What’s That Saying About Luck, Preparation and Opportunity?,” Washington Business Journal (Feb. 12. 2010); “Homeowners Decked by Katrina Still Wait for Insurers to Pay Up,” USA Today (Aug. 25, 2006); “Storm Surge is Flood, Judge Says,” Washington Post (Aug. 16, 2006); “Insurance Tips for Handling Disasters,” Affordable Housing Finance (Nov. 2005); “Investors, Analysts Scurry to Determine Insurance Implications of Katrina, Commercial Real Estate Direct, Sept. 15, 2005 ; “Helping a Mom Left Behind – Lawyers Fight to keep 9/11 Death Benefit from Absent Father,” Legal Times (Nov. 10, 2003).
  • Television & Radio Appearances: various appearance on D.C. area television networks for ABC, CBS, and Fox; NPR Radio