Suite 200 Solutions Launches the 2019 CLM National Litigation Management Study

For Immediate Release
December Dec 12, 2018

 Suite 200 Solutions Announces Launch of the 2019 CLM National Litigation Management Study

Lake Geneva, WI — Suite 200 Solutions (formerly CLM Advisors) has launched the 2019 CLM National Litigation Management Study designed to be the industry’s most comprehensive examination of litigation management practices.

Entitled “The State of the Union: Litigation Management in 2019,” the study’s findings will be presented at the CLM Annual Conference in March of 2019 in Orlando.

Commissioned by the CLM and underwritten by key sponsors, this is the third CLM study of its type and is generally considered to be the industry’s most comprehensive examination of litigation management practices. This new Study will compare findings to two prior CLM studies performed in 2012 and 2015.  More than 100 senior-level executives are expected to participate.

The Study will examine many topics of interest to the litigation management leaders, including:

• How litigation management resources are being deployed

• How litigation executives think about and measure law firm performance

• How organizations are using staff counsel operations effectively

• Which litigation vendor programs are perceived to be delivering the greatest value

• What litigation executives view to be their greatest challenges

Participation in the study is anonymous and all data and information provided is strictly confidential. Executives who participate receive a slightly more detailed report than the non-participants.

Senior litigation and claim officers who wish to have their organizations participate in the 2019 Study should contact Taylor Smith, President, Suite 200 Solutions (taylor.smith@suite200solutions.com) for more information.

About Suite 200 Solutions

Suite 200 Solutions (formerly CLM Advisors) offers advisory services to the property and casualty claims and litigation management industries. We provide generalized consulting and market intelligence services to claims organizations, law firms, and the service and technology providers that serve both of those constituencies. More information about Suite 200 Solutions can be found at www.suite200solutions.com

#Contact: Taylor Smith | President | 224.212.0134 | taylor.smith@suite200solutions.com

CLM Advisors changes its name to Suite 200 Solutions.

For Immediate Release — CLM Advisors changes its name to Suite 200 Solutions.

We originally created our advisory group in 2011 in response to needs expressed by members of the Claims and Litigation Management (CLM) Alliance, the industry’s largest professional trade association for claims and litigation professionals. Members of the CLM told us that they wanted to work with executives with similar experiences to theirs and we built an advisors roster of former chief claims officers, litigation executives, private practice attorneys, sales and branding professionals, and recruiting experts.

Now, seven years later, we find that our clients frequently come from industry trade associations and groups other than the CLM. As such, we concluded that it was time to change our name to reflect that broader industry focus. We are therefore excited to announce our new company name, effective May 1, 2018, of Suite 200 Solutions.

Our advisors remain the same team of fantastically qualified executives. Our client roster remains the same. Our consulting services remain the same. Our relationships and professional networks remain the same. Our close working relationship with our CLM friends and customers remains the same. But our name is new, reflecting an exciting period of growth for our advisory group. We hope you’ll celebrate with us!

About Suite 200 Solutions

Suite 200 Solutions is a team of highly-credentialed executives who offer advisory services to their colleagues in the property and casualty claims and litigation management industries. We provide our services in three segments: advisory and consulting, market intelligence, and talent acquisition. Our clients are primarily claims organizations, law firms, and the service and technology providers that sell to both of those segments. In addition, Suite 200 Solutions offers recruiting services designed to help our clients find the right person for the right role in all of those market segments. More information about Suite 200 Solutions can be found at www.suite200solutions.com

Frank Smith Joins CLM Advisors

For Immediate Release — CLM Advisors is pleased to announce that Frank Smith has joined CLM Advisors. He brings to CLM Advisors’ clients significant expertise in several critical areas, including:

• Claims Operations

• TPA Program Design and Management

• Multi-National Program Design and Management

• Managed Care Program Design and Management

• C-Suite Communication

Most recently, Frank served as Chief Executive Officer for Faroe Group Holdings, an insurance holding company. Prior to that role, Frank served as Vice President and Head of Global Risk Management Claims for XL Catlin Insurance Company.  Among other accomplishments at XL Catlin, Frank was honored to have designed the award-winning XL Go managed care product, a tool that helps risk management customers to realize loss cost savings through the use of a specialized health care network in Workers Compensation claims.

Frank has deep experience in advising large risk management customers on the selection and retention of Third Party Administrators, in leading national teams of Claim Account Managers, and in overseeing large Claim Operation Audits. He also advises clients on issues relating to communication across all stakeholders in Claims, Underwriting, and Actuarial Departments.

He is well versed in TPA operations and management protocols in Europe and South America, having worked with colleagues and customers in those venues. In addition, he is experienced in dealing with financial markets for capital generation and can provide guidance to clients and companies looking to enter new markets or expand within existing markets.

Frank is a graduate of St. John’s University (NY). He has authored numerous articles and appeared as a speaker and on panels at national and regional conferences. He is the recipient of the Presidents’ Award from Liberty Mutual Insurance Company for superior claims service, and an Innovation Award from XL Catlin Insurance Company for his XL Go product.

Frank has also served as a Vice President on the Board of Directors for A Woman’s Place, a domestic violence agency providing shelter, educational and legal assistance to clients in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

About CLM Advisors
CLM Advisors is the consulting and advisory arm of the Claims and Litigation Management (CLM) Alliance, an organization of more than 45,000 members and fellows focused on promoting and furthering the highest standards of claims and litigation management. CLM Advisors works with claim and legal executives, law firms, and vendors to improve their businesses. The organization provides its services in three primary areas:  advisory and consulting, market intelligence, and talent acquisition. More information about CLM Advisors can be found at www.clmadvisors.org.

#Contact: Taylor Smith | President, CLM Advisors | 224.212.0134 | taylor.smith@clmadvisors.org

CLM Advisors Forms Partnership with Fretzin, Inc. to Help Attorneys Generate New Business

Lake Geneva, WI — CLM Advisors announces a new partnership with Steve Fretzin, founder of Fretzin, Inc. and Origination Station – two businesses that focus exclusively on helping attorneys obtain tangible results from their business development efforts.

“We know very well how competitive the landscape is for attorneys,” says Taylor Smith, President of CLM Advisors. “The solutions we offer to law firms within the P&C defense arena today are essentially data-driven in nature. These include:

• Identifying potential clients and decision-makers in specific jurisdictions;

• An Insurance Claims Intensive Workshop to help attorneys better understand their clients; and

• Message validation and market surveys to help firms communicate their value proposition more effectively.

“Steve’s focus compliments our offering perfectly,” says Taylor Smith. “Where our work provides important data and information, Steve’s work addresses the human side of business generation. He improves core business development skills at the attorney level, enabling capabilities that are simply not taught in law school. His methodology of ‘Sale-Free Selling’ helps firms to develop and maintain successful business development cultures, while his E-Learning platform, Origination Station, provides an interactive and customized approach to business development coaching and training.”

More information about Steve’s businesses can be found at www.Fretzin.com. As part of the partnership, Fretzin will offer preferred pricing to attorneys and firms who are introduced by CLM Advisors.

About CLM Advisors
CLM Advisors is the consulting and advisory arm of the Claims and Litigation Management (CLM) Alliance, an organization of more than 45,000 members and fellows focused on promoting and furthering the highest standards of claims and litigation management. CLM Advisors works with claim and legal executives, law firms, and vendors to improve their businesses. The organization provides its services in three primary areas:  advisory and consulting, market intelligence, and talent acquisition. More information about CLM Advisors can be found at www.clmadvisors.org.

#Contact: Taylor Smith | President, CLM Advisors | 224.212.0134 | taylor.smith@clmadvisors.org

Bob Titus Joins CLM Advisors

Bob Titus Joins CLM Advisors

Deerfield, Ill — CLM Advisors is pleased to announce that Bob Titus has joined CLM Advisors. He brings to CLM Advisors’ clients significant expertise in several critical areas, including:

• Claims and Risk Program oversight for self-insured clients;

• Subrogation program advice and consultation;

• Claims advocacy and insurance litigation support and guidance across all P&C lines;

• Construction Project Wrap-Up assistance, including the marketing, administration, and close-out reconciliation of large multi-year Rolling Wrap-Up projects.

In addition, Bob provides guidance and consultation in Agency/Broker E&O, and Insurance Claim Disputes.

Bob is a licensed Insurance Advisor, Insurance Broker and risk management professional with more than 25 years of experience. He has developed and taught professional development courses to insurance professionals for more than 15 years at the Insurance Library of Boston, Polestar Performance Programs, Inc., The CPCU Society and The Academy of Insurance.  He has also presented on an array of topics at national and regional insurance industry conferences.

Bob earned a Bachelors’ degree from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst and holds multiple insurance professional designation, including:

• Associate in Claims (AIC)

• Construction Risk Insurance Specialist (CRIS).

He has also completed OSHA’s 30-Hour Safety Training for both Construction and General Industry, and is an active member of the MA Chapter of RIMS.

Questions about Bob’s services can be directed to bob.titus@clmadvisors.org

About CLM Advisors
CLM Advisors is the consulting and advisory arm of the Claims and Litigation Management (CLM) Alliance, an organization of more than 40,000 members and fellows focused on promoting and furthering the highest standards of claims and litigation management. CLM Advisors works with claim and legal executives, law firms, and vendors to improve their businesses. The organization provides its services in three primary areas:  advisory and consulting, market intelligence, and talent acquisition. More information about CLM Advisors can be found at www.clmadvisors.org.

#Contact: Taylor Smith | President, CLM Advisors | 224.212.0134 | taylor.smith@clmadvisors.org

Caryn Siebert Joins CLM Advisors

Caryn Siebert Joins CLM Advisors

Deerfield, Ill — CLM Advisors is pleased to announce that Caryn Siebert has joined CLM Advisors. Caryn brings a unique perspective to her CLM Advisor clients. She has served as a CEO, Chief Claims Officer and General Counsel, in roles with TPAs, insurance carriers and self-insured companies.

With more than 20 years of experience in legal, claims, and risk management, Caryn helps her clients achieve operational excellence, build high performing teams, and solve problems across a myriad of disciplines.  She also serves as a certified mediator and provides risk management advice to self-insureds, public entities, MGAs, insurers, and reinsurers.

Caryn is a proud recipient of the 2017 CLM Litigation Management Professional of the Year award and also the 2017 Ollie Award. In 2016 she authored Chapter Four of “Words of Wisdom from Women to Watch and was an honoree in the 2010 “Woman to Watch” Business Insurance awards.

Caryn is an active CLM leader, having been an original member of the CLM National Committee, and continuing to serve as a member of the Retail, Restaurant & Hospitality and also the Technology and Subrogation Committees of the CLM. She has served as a teacher at the CLM Claims College and has spoken at the CLM Annual Conference and also Regional and Specialty conferences. She continues to chair the CCC in Southern California and supports several non-profits including Kids Konnected, Alzheimer’s and Pathways.

Prior to joining CLM Advisors, Caryn led the claims operations of a large insurance carrier, in a role that included the oversight of TPAs across the country and an internal team of claims professionals. Previously she served as President of Carl Warren & Company, which, under her guidance, was listed on the Inc5000 list of fastest growing private companies in 2014 and was also awarded the National ESOP Company of the Year in 2013.

In prior roles, Caryn served as SVP and Claims Director of Safeco Insurance, Director of Commercial Claims for GE Employers Reinsurance, and General Counsel for GE Coregis.  Caryn started her career practicing insurance and reinsurance law at LeBoeuf, Lamb.

Caryn received a B.A., magna cum laude, from Brooklyn College and a J.D., cum laude, from New York Law and is still in good standing with the bar associations in NY, NJ and WA.

Inquiries about Caryn’s services can be directed to caryn.siebert@clmadvisors.org

About CLM Advisors
CLM Advisors is the consulting and advisory arm of the Claims and Litigation Management (CLM) Alliance, an organization of more than 40,000 members and fellows focused on promoting and furthering the highest standards of claims and litigation management. CLM Advisors works with claim and legal executives, law firms, and vendors to improve their businesses. The organization provides its services in three primary areas:  advisory and consulting, market intelligence, and talent acquisition. More information about CLM Advisors can be found at www.clmadvisors.org.

#Contact: Taylor Smith | President, CLM Advisors | 224.212.0134 | taylor.smith@clmadvisors.org

Thomas G. Dunlop Joins CLM Advisors

Thomas G. Dunlop Joins CLM Advisors

Deerfield, Ill — CLM Advisors is pleased to announce that Thomas Dunlop has joined CLM Advisors. Tom will focus his CLM Advisors’ practice on two distinct areas of the industry.

First, he will advise insurers, claims organizations and staff counsel operations on performance improvement issues ranging from operations improvement, litigation support vendor selection, contracting and management, and legal bill review and legal matter management systems.

Second, for outside insurance defense firms, and also for technology and service companies serving the claims and legal industries, Tom will help them to be more successful, by defining company value propositions, improving services delivery, and enhancing operational efficiencies.

Tom comes to CLM Advisors with 30 years of experience in Staff Counsel and Legal Operations Management, gaining deep expertise in staff counsel office management, staffing, and performance management. Tom’s broader litigation operations experience includes:

• the creation and management of a 20-person internal bill review and payment team

• the design, training and introduction of matter management systems

• national legal vendor sourcing and contracting

• the use of offshore vendors within backroom legal operations, and

• the early introduction and roll-out of legal e-billing platforms

Most recently, Tom served as Head of Legal Operations for CNA Insurance companies. He held numerous management positions in both legal operations and staff counsel at CNA, serving as Managing Trial Attorney, Regional AVP for Staff Counsel, and AVP of Legal Operations and Sourcing.

Tom is a licensed attorney and received his B.A from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and his J.D. from Gonzaga University School of Law. Tom is a member of the Wisconsin State Bar Association and completed management training at the Kellogg School of Northwestern University.

Inquiries about Tom’s practice and services can be directed to tom.dunlop@clmadvisors.org or to info.@clmadvisors.org.

CLM Advisors Launches New Litigation Industry Snapshot About Mediator Effectiveness

Deerfield, Ill — CLM Advisors , which conducts periodic industry snapshots that capture how industry executives feel about different legal cost containment  and effectiveness strategies, announced today that it is currently analyzing the industry’s use of mediators, with a particular emphasis on how claim organizations measure the effectiveness of the mediators being used. The Snapshot is entitled: “Measuring the Effectiveness of Mediators on Litigated Files: Perceptions and Observations of Senior Industry Claims and Litigation Officers.”

This data capture phase of this Snapshot involves a moderately short survey of less than 25 questions. We estimate the survey will take 7-10 minutes. As with all CLM Advisors’ Snapshots, the survey is open to claims and litigation executives who maintain an interest in knowing more about their industry’s current and best practices. Executives who participate will receive a Participants’ Report, which will provide a sense for how their peers feel about the topic at hand. All survey responses are confidential.

Any executive wishing to participate can request an invitation by contacting Taylor Smith, President of CLM Advisors (contact information below).

About CLM Advisors
CLM Advisors is the consulting and advisory arm of the Claims and Litigation Management (CLM) Alliance, an organization of more than 30,000 members and fellows focused on promoting and furthering the highest standards of claims and litigation management. CLM Advisors works with claim and legal executives, law firms, and vendors to improve their businesses. The organization provides its services in three primary areas:  advisory and consulting, market intelligence, and talent acquisition. More information about CLM Advisors can be found at www.clmadvisors.org.

#Contact: Taylor Smith | President, CLM Advisors | 224.212.0134 | taylor.smith@clmadvisors.org