Holland & Knight is pleased to announce that David W. Deal has joined the firm’s San Francisco office as senior counsel. Mr. Deal, formerly the General Counsel of Fairfield-based GeoVera Insurance Group, will be a key member of the firm’s Insurance Industry Team.

In addition to serving as in-house counsel to GeoVera, a national catastrophe carrier, he previously worked as a lawyer in the General Counsel’s Office of Allianz Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company and as a private practice attorney.

At Holland & Knight, Mr. Deal’s practice will focus on the representation of insurance and reinsurance companies in complex transactions, regulatory compliance, corporate matters and disputes. His clients have included the boards of directors, executive management, and shareholders of admitted and surplus lines insurance and reinsurance companies, agents and brokers, and other intermediaries. Mr. Deal has gained a reputation in the industry as trusted advisor, innovative thinker, and problem solver.

“The insurance industry is facing the most challenging environment in decades and I’m excited to be joining a firm on the cutting edge of these issues,” said Mr. Deal. “I look forward to working with clients on solving their pressing legal, business, and regulatory issues.”

“We are delighted to welcome David to our growing California insurance industry practice,” said John Sarchio, chair of Holland & Knight’s firmwide Insurance Industry Team. “His extensive experience addressing the challenges facing the California insurance community will enhance our existing capability to serve our insurance industry clients in California and throughout the country.”

Mr. Deal is a Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter and is a member of the Association of Insurance Compliance Professionals, currently serving on its Bylaws and Government Relations committees. He received his B.A. degree from Trinity College, his M.B.A. degree from the University of Massachusetts, and his J.D. degree from Oklahoma City University School of Law.

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