Cara Duffield

cduffield@lrd.law
Direct:
202.759.1140

Cara represents insurers in complex disputes arising under directors and officers, professional liability, and general liability coverages. She provides strategic counseling to insurers on underlying exposures presented by securities and derivative litigation, government investigations, mergers and acquisitions, products liability suits, and bankruptcy. Cara litigates coverage and bad faith actions on behalf of insurers around the country at the trial and appellate levels.

Cara works closely with clients to develop a strategy for effective claims resolution. She provides realistic, analytical, experience-based advice about the exposure presented by each claim. She understands the importance of good working relationships with brokers, defense counsel, policyholder counsel, and other tower participants; but she can hold her own and effectively advocate for her clients in any setting.

Chambers USA recognizes Cara as a respected and experienced insurance coverage attorney, with clients commenting that “she’s excellent in court, a strong advocate and litigator” (2021); “top-class in negotiating strong resolutions,” “creative and commercially cognizant” (2022); and “very thorough and very effective” (2023).

Cara, her husband Steven, and their two children live in Alexandria, Virginia.


EDUCATION 

  • J.D. cum laude (2000), The University of Chicago Law School; Hinton Moot Court Cup

  • A.B. magna cum laude (1996), Harvard-Radcliffe College

  • Law Clerk, Hon. Nancy A. Atlas (S.D. Tex.) (2000-2001)

RECOGNITIONS 

  • Chambers USA, “America’s Leading Lawyers for Business,” Insurance: Insurer (2020-2023)

  • The Legal 500 US in Insurance (2020-2023)

  • The Best Lawyers in America, Insurance Law (2023-2024)

  • Business Insurance Magazine "Women to Watch" (2015)

BAR AND COURT MEMBERSHIPS 

  • District of Columbia Bar

  • U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia

  • U.S. Courts of Appeal for the First, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Ninth, Tenth, and Eleventh Circuits

  • Professional Liability Underwriting Society; D&O Symposium Co-Chair (2022-2024)