Foster, Heather A.

Alyson's practice focuses on litigating complex civil cases.  She represents clients in federal and state courts and before arbitral authorities on a broad range of matters, with an emphasis on insurance recovery and consumer protection.  Examples of recent matters include:

• Representing a Fortune 100 company against a mortgage lender that sold millions of dollars in fraudulent mortgage loans and in seeking coverage from title insurers  

• Representing corporate debtors and post-bankruptcy litigation trusts in securing hundreds of millions of dollars of insurance coverage for asbestos-related and other liabilities

• Representing a large auto leasing company in an arbitral action against its residual value insurer, which resulted in a favorable, nine-figure settlement

• Serving as counsel in a series of class actions brought across the country against an internet service provider that allegedly violated various consumer protection statutes by failing to disclose to its customers that it intentionally impedes access to Internet applications, such as peer-to-peer file sharing

• Advising a software company on its comprehensive insurance program

Alyson also has an active pro bono practice.  With other Gilbert LLP attorneys, Alyson has written amicus curiae briefs in the U.S. Supreme Court in support of affirmative action programs in education and against discriminatory state voting laws; written an amicus curiae brief in the Circuit County Court of Maryland supporting a state law aimed at curbing predatory lending; assisted in preparing testimony before Congress supporting the reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act; successfully represented a student in her appeal of a wrongful denial of health insurance coverage for a crucial surgery; and currently represents a minor who was sexually abused in a D.C.-run youth housing facility against the insurance company that refuses to pay for his damages. 

Alyson also has significant experience representing individuals, employers and other organizations on financial and civil rights issues, including in labor and employment-related matters, sex and race discrimination, and First Amendment rights.