PREEMINENCE

     Since its inception, Mendes & Mount has played an integral role in the growth and development of the

insurance industry.

     With over 150 attorneys in New York, New Jersey and California, our practice touches upon all facets of insurance and reinsurance law, representing both insureds and insurers.  Many of the attorneys possess advanced degrees and associated professional experience in the areas of their practice. The firm includes engineers, accountants, chemists, licensed mariners and pilots, as well as other professionals whose experience brings a broad understanding of the issues inherent in matters referred to the firm.

     Russell Mount and Oscar Duncan established their first office in lower Manhattan in 1916.  In 1947, William Mendes became the senior partner of the renamed firm of Mendes & Mount.  Today, risk managers and insurance professionals in the US and abroad seek the counsel and guidance of Mendes & Mount in virtually every matter related to insurance and reinsurance.  No other American law firm has this dedicated experience and perspective or the ability to anticipate the future of our industry so well.

 SUPERIOR ADVICE

     Our greatest asset is one we share:  a vast reservoir of knowledge.

  Clients enjoy the benefit of Mendes & Mount's comprehensive experience in areas such as    complex insurance and reinsurance transactions and dispute resolution; contract wordings and program development; major aircraft disasters; risk management counseling; professional liability; loss ratio studies and triangulations.

     In addition to our legal staff, we have highly skilled specialists in networking, communications, training, support and maintenance of hardware and software systems. The application design staff uses the latest programming tools to develop sophisticated applications that manage and quickly deliver client information.

      Mendes & Mount has been dedicated to all facets of insurance law for over 80 years: unparalleled experience in this country.  The firm is thus able to offer superior advice and representation spanning everything from coverage analysis to litigation strategies and trial.  We are also experienced in communicating effectively with large groups of clients to provide the solid recommendations and information needed to conclude matters expeditiously.

 EFFICIENCY

     Our clients have benefited from timely and cost-efficient representation from the firm along with sound advice and strategies for minimizing risk and exposure.  All Mendes & Mount attorneys are sensitive to our clients' need to keep costs reasonable.   In this regard, we carefully evaluate all matters assigned to the firm to ensure that the staffing is commensurate with the complexity of the issues presented and the exposure to our clients.  In this way, we make certain that the client gets the best possible representation at a fair rate.  Our goal is to provide clients with affordable, intelligent legal service that in the long run saves large sums in settlements, payouts and other costs.

     The firm continues to create value for our clients through our investment in information technology.  Our IT department provides the firm's attorneys with advanced computing tools to control costs and continually improve service.

     Mendes & Mount offers linked services to our clients in the face of a claim.   Many clients find it most efficient to have a single resource review the relevant data, provide coverage analysis, give subrogation advice and act as a Third-Party Claims administrator.

 VITALITY

     Our clients rely on us to represent their interests actively and to advise them of the risks and exposures inherent in the business they underwrite.  The firm oversees a myriad of programs for professionals such as attorneys, accountants, architects and healthcare providers.  In addition, we also perform due diligence reviews on various program managers throughout the United States.  On behalf of clients, we provide claims prevention services, perform claims management reviews and analysis, evaluate reserves and losses and provide an overall analysis on portfolios of business.   Clients depend on our due diligence on widely divergent insured risks around the world.

     When an agreement or settlement is not easily reached, or a client is threatened with a lawsuit, the firm participates in alternative dispute resolution, arbitration and, if necessary, courtroom litigation.  Mendes & Mount's litigation specialists provide capable and cost-sensitive services and have extensive trial and appellate experience.   The firm handles cases ranging from personal injury, property damage, and boiler and machinery to complex product liability, aviation and space, and major coverage disputes.

 COMMITMENT

    The insurance business has been, throughout its history, a personal business.  It is built on long-standing relationships and trust in one's business partners.  Our respect for our clients and colleagues is a significant reason why Mendes & Mount has been a preeminent legal resource for almost a century.  Our concern for their business begins long before there is a claim.  Clients' challenges become our own.   We also believe in client education.  We offer seminars in various aspects of our practice, such as document management, development of product integrity programs and loss prevention services, identification of changing liability laws and coverage issues.

     Mendes & Mount has a simple commitment to clients:  to be the best and most trustworthy legal resource in the insurance industry.  Whether our clients are domestic or international, insurers or reinsurers, we promise ethical and confidential service.  Our goal is to be a resource whose value is not determined assignment by assignment, but is measured by the firm's commitment to our clients' long-term needs.