Jim Rocap has joined Steptoe & Johnson as a partner in the litigation department, specializing in complex insurance coverage litigation. Previously, Jim was one of the managing partners of Miller, Cassidy, Larroca & Lewin, LLP until its merger with Baker Botts, in January 2001. He has been a partner at Baker Botts since the merger.
Since 1982, Jim Rocap has been at the center of most of the cutting-edge insurance coverage issues in the United States. He has represented The Aetna Casualty and Surety Company (now Travelers Casualty & Surety Company) and other insurers in a host of latent health and other complex coverage disputes across the country. His cases have included coverage claims for exposure to asbestos, tobacco, silica, lead paint, high-decibel noise, dioxin, DES and environmental contamination. Last year, he won a precedent-setting victory on behalf of St. Paul Fire & Marine Insurance Company in the Fourth Circuit in a case involving computer software claims by AOL.
In addition, over the last 27 years Jim has represented numerous companies and individuals in complex business tort litigation, including claims involving antitrust violations, fraud, tortious interference with a contract, breach of contract. He has also represented many individuals and companies in white collar criminal cases. For over twenty-five years, Rocap has provided advice to, and has litigated and won several lawsuits on behalf of, NASCAR.
“I am leaving a great law firm to join a great law firm,” Rocap said. “Steptoe & Johnson has one of the strongest and best complex insurance coverage practices in the country, and I look forward to continuing and expanding my work in that area. I have worked with many of Steptoe’s fine lawyers over the years, and I am excited to join them as a partner.”
“I have nothing but great things to say about Baker Botts,” he continued. “The combination of the Miller, Cassidy and Baker Botts offices in 2001 has been a phenomenal success, and I am leaving some of my closest and oldest friends there. But Steptoe & Johnson is a better fit for the future direction of my coverage practice, and I am excited about the opportunity this move presents.”
Roger Warin, Steptoe’s Chair said, “Having known Jim for more than 20 years as a colleague and a friend, I am delighted to welcome him. He will make an already strong practice group much stronger.”
