Principally a trial lawyer, Bill devotes much of his practice to the defense of insurance bad faith litigation and insurance coverage matters, and he is also engaged in appellate cases in the state and federal systems. Several of his appellate cases have resulted in published opinions involving various insurance coverage matters. As well, he has presented several seminars and classes concerning insurance bad faith and coverage issues.
Bill began his work as a lawyer in Houston, Texas, in 1986 where he maintained a general civil practice in his firm Bartley, Johnson & Conkin. He ultimately concentrated his practice on the then developing law of insurance bad faith. Bill relocated to Philadelphia to be closer to his two sons.
Significant Representative Matters
Defended insurer in bad faith and breach of contract suit based on commercial insurance policy and claim that co-insurance penalty provision should not apply to large warehouse fire claim. Obtained dismissal of bad faith count and claim for punitive damages at the close of plaintiff's case in trial in Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas.
Defended insurer in bad faith and breach of contract suit based on commercial insurance policy claim for "flood damage" to electrical products. Obtained summary judgment on both the bad faith and breach of contract claim.
Defended insurer on breach of contract and bad faith claim arising under a commercial insurance policy. Obtained affirmation from Third Circuit Court of Appeals of trial court's dismissal of both the bad faith and breach of contract claims.
Defended insurer on commercial insurance policy claim for property damage and bad faith. At end of trial, obtained a defense verdict on both the bad faith and property damage claim.
Successful Pennsylvania Superior Court appeals on various insurance coverage issues.
Successful Texas Supreme Court appeal regarding improper service of process.
