Joanne Zimolzak
Rockville,MD
Summary
Accomplished legal professional with a proven track record of success in handling complex litigation and providing practical, business-focused advice to insurance industry clients. Team player known for effective problem-solving and strong interpersonal skills.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Partner
Dykema Gossett PLLC
08.2019 - Current
- Handle all aspects of complex commercial litigation for insurance industry and other corporate clients.
- Successfully tried and resolved administrative case before Maryland Insurance Commissioner.
- Obtained positive summary judgment rulings involving interpretation of professional liability policies.
- Craft persuasive written communications including briefs, memoranda, and contracts.
- Conduct mediation and other dispute resolution processes.
- Negotiate and draft settlement agreements.
- Assist 501(c)(3) clients with corporate formation, ongoing compliance and reporting, and contract review.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry trends affecting clients' businesses/industries.
- Mentor associates, providing guidance on case strategy and professional development opportunities.
- Serve as DC-office representative to firm-wide Pro Bono and Women's Business Initiative Committees.
Partner
LeClairRyan
06.2018 - 08.2019
- Handled all aspects of complex commercial litigation for insurance and government contracts clients.
- Conducted investigations and successful settlement negotiations resolving six-figure employee claims.
- Managed litigation practice for DC-area offices.
- Supervised associate professional development/training.
- Expanded firm's client base through strategic networking and relationship building activities.
- Strengthened professional relationships through active participation in industry conferences and events.
Partner
Dentons US LLP
Washington, DC
07.2015 - 05.2018
- Handled all aspects of complex commercial litigation for insurance industry and other clients.
- Assisted insurance clients with risk identification/mitigation strategies and policy drafting.
- Served as Office Managing Partner for 150+ person office, collaborating with COO and OA.
- Liaised between partners and internal stakeholders to resolve conflicts.
- Built insurance-industry credentials by regularly publishing articles and participating on panels.
- Spearheaded business development and recruiting initiatives for office.
Partner/Associate
McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP
09.1994 - 07.2015
- As litigation associate, handled complex commercial and white collar litigation matters for firm clients in insurance and government contracts industries.
- As partner, managed dozens of high-stakes litigation matters from inception through trial preparation and resolution.
- Chaired Summer Associate Committee and served on Recruiting Committee.
- Conducted annual litigation associate training and participated in development of core competencies.
Education
J.D. - Law (Pre-Law)
Georgetown University Law Center
Washington, DC1994
Bachelor of Arts - English And Government
University of Maryland
College Park, MD1990
Skills
- Insurance / Bad Faith Law
- Legal Analysis
- Written Communication
- Dispute Resolution
- Litigation
- Office Management
- Consensus Builder
- Problem Solver
Additional Information
- General Counsel, Canadian American Business Council 2023-present
- Executive Committee and Board Member, DC Council for Court Excellence 2018-present
- Emeritus Board and Board Member, DC Children's Law Center 2015-present
- Past Chair and Current Vice-Chair, ABA TIPS Insurance Coverage Litigation Committee 2012-present
- Bar Admissions: Maryland, District of Columbia
Timeline
Partner
Dykema Gossett PLLC
08.2019 - Current
Partner
LeClairRyan
06.2018 - 08.2019
Partner
Dentons US LLP
07.2015 - 05.2018
Partner/Associate
McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP
09.1994 - 07.2015
J.D. - Law (Pre-Law)
Georgetown University Law Center
Bachelor of Arts - English And Government
University of Maryland
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