A seasoned negotiator as well as a skilled litigator, Rob Nobel represents property owners, tenants, contractors, subcontractors and professionals in personal injury and property damage actions in New York.

When clients need a practical solution to a complex legal issue, they contact Rob. Combining tenacious and detailed advocacy with pragmatic and common-sense client advice, Rob devotes a significant portion of his national practice to litigating and counseling clients on insurance coverage issues involving primary and excess general liability and professional liability policies. 

A partner in the firm’s New York office, Rob represents property owners, tenants, contractors, subcontractors and professionals in personal injury and property damage actions in the city and throughout the state.

Rob’s clients benefit from his over 25 years of diverse and varied experience, including positions as Assistant Corporation Counsel with the New York City Law Department, Assistant General Counsel with the New York City Department of Buildings, and as a real estate litigator. Rob’s background in both defense and coverage allows him to look at the larger picture within the context of both evaluation and litigation. 

He is an experienced negotiator who can tap into his vast knowledge of coverage and litigation issues to counsel clients proactively to avoid potential litigation. When litigation does ensue, Rob appreciates the importance of understanding his client’s business, anticipating their needs during what can be a stressful experience, zealously advocating for their positions, and promptly responding to all inquiries and requests.

A graduate of the State University of New York at Binghamton who earned his law degree cum laude from St. John’s University School of Law, Rob currently serves as Chair of the firm’s Hiring and Retention Committee. A member of the Board of Directors of the USLAW Network, he previously served as Chair of the USLAW Network Construction Law Practice Group and Chair of the USLAW Network Insurance Services and Risk Management Group.

SERVICES

Education

  • St. John's University School of Law, J.D., cum laude
    • American Jurisprudence Awards for Excellence in Constitutional Law and Real Property
    • International Law Review
    • Moot Court
  • State University of New York at Binghamton, B.A.

Bar Admissions

  • New York

Court Admissions

  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York

Professional & Community Affiliations

  • American Bar Association
  • USLAW Network
  • Defense Research Institute-DRI
  • USLAW Network Board of Directors (2015-2017)
  • Chair, USLAW Insurance and Risk Management Services Group (2014-present)
  • Chair, USLAW Construction Practice Group (2012-14)
  • Vice Chair, USLAW Construction Practice Group (2010-12)
  • Secretary, USLAW Construction Practice Group (2009-10)
  • Member, AGC – New York Chapter
  • Member of the International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC)
  • DRI

Publications

Representative Seminars

  • “Insurance/Risk Management and Construction Law”, Moderator and Presenter – USLAW Network Client Conference, March, 2017
  • “Primary vs. Excess Carriers Rights and Obligations”–USLAW Network Client Conference, April, 2015
  • “The 7-Minute Construction Law Drill-Insurance Issues,” – AGC’s 94th Annual Convention, March 7, 2013
  • “Faulty Work or Faulty Coverage; The Risks You May Not Have Bargained For,” USLAW Spring 2012 Conference, April, 2012
  • “Insurance Coverage and Shifting Risk In Complex Construction Claims,” USLAW Spring 2011 Conference, April 2, 2011
  • “Shifting The Risk In This Economy – It Is All About Risk Management,” USLAW Fall 2010 Conference, October, 2010
  • “Third-Party Claims for Contribution and Indemnity and the ‘Grave Injury’ Requirement,” Markel, February, 2010
  • “Insurance Agents and Brokers: Friend of Foe?” USLAW Fall 2009 Conference, September 26, 2009
  • “New York Labor Law and Risk Shifting,” New York County Law Association, Construction Law Committee, April, 2008
  • “The Contract Side of Safety,” SENY Conference, March 27, 2007