Responses prepared by Zuckerman Spaeder partners D. Brian Hufford and Jason S. Cowart.

What are some of the department’s most satisfying successes of the past year and why? Over the last several years, and despite being outgunned by our adversaries, we have been building demonstrable momentum in the fight for provider and patient rights, particularly in the context of behavioral health care. We have, on multiple occasions, forced the nation’s largest insurers to fundamentally reform their processes, end discriminatory practices, and pay injured insureds millions of dollars. Each of these wins not only helped those in great need, it contributed to the public discourse, casting a harsh spotlight on insurers that makes it more difficult for them to get away with abusive practices. Importantly, it has also resulted in greater scrutiny by policymakers and regulators, which in turn has led to legislative activity on the state level and the promise of greater federal enforcement.

From left to right: Jason Cowart, Leila Bijan, D. Brian Hufford, Devon Galloway and Nell Peyser. Photo: Ryland West/ALM