2023
| NOTABLE WOMEN IN REINSURANCE
CINDY KOEHLER
Arbitrator , Mediator , Insurance and Claims Consultant at Cindy Koehler Consulting
Even as a young child , there was never a doubt in Cindy Koehler ’ s mind that she would grow up to become a lawyer . However , it wasn ’ t until her first job out of law school that she realized the insurance industry would provide her the opportunities she was looking for in her career — the opportunity to be in the courtroom and the opportunity to really love her work .
After graduating from Georgetown Law in the late 80s , Cindy was eager to serve clients in court . She took a job with Morrison , Mahoney & Miller in Boston , and as a first-year associate began to handle motion sessions in the district and superior courts . Sometimes , she handled 20 + motions in superior court in a given day . It was a stressful role , but she learned a lot — including that she had a passion for the strategic demands of litigation .
Although she joined the firm to get into the courtroom , “ it just so happened it was an insurance defense firm ,” shared Cindy . “ From there , I gravitated to the first party property group because I would get to try fraud and subro cases much sooner than if I went into other areas within the firm . Once I got involved with coverage litigation and reinsurance arbitrations though , I knew there was nothing I would rather be doing .”
During her time with Morrison , Mahoney & Miller , Cindy was fortunate to work with Larry Dugan , a former prosecutor from New York , who she still considers one of her most valued mentors . Larry was incredibly smart and knew his way around a courtroom . He could come across as quite serious and gruff and “ many of the associates steered clear of him .” As Cindy ’ s mentor , Larry was kind , supportive and had a great sense of humor . “ I learned so much from him , both professionally and personally . More than anything , he emphasized the strategic aspects of litigation , and how critical it was to always put myself in the other person ’ s head , understanding as much as possible about their goals , their strategy and their bottom line . Larry was very direct and had very high expectations — he certainly let me know when I wasn ’ t getting it done . He wasn ’ t just a cheerleader , though , and frankly , I benefitted from that immeasurably . Larry lost a valiant battle with ALS several years ago and he is sorely missed .”
While Cindy has worked with some exceptional leaders like Larry , she has had to stand her ground for what was right in other work environments . In one instance , her two ( male ) managers wanted her to hire a male candidate they both knew and pay him far more than what his female counterpart was earning , even though he was less qualified . Cindy refused to hire him under the circumstances . “ When pressed as to whether I was going to ‘ die on that hill ,’ I let them know that not only would I die there , I would explode in full technicolor .”
She continued , “ As a more junior manager , this would have been the end of my career , but as someone who has professed a commitment to advancing other women in their careers , and who has been the beneficiary of that same commitment by others , I feel I have an obligation to call out such clear hypocrisy . If someone like me with a seat at the table and little to lose isn ’ t willing to call out BS , who do we think is going to do it for us ?”
When Cindy began practicing law , she was one of very few women at her law firm . There were even fewer women partners , virtually none of whom had children , and there was a lack of support for women associates who wanted to have it all — a legal career on track for partnership and a family .
Thankfully , law firm and corporate culture has progressed , including within the insurance and reinsurance industry . “ I have seen and felt a ton of support for women in the insurance industry , and not just from other women . I recently spoke at a conference in New York on ‘ Women in Insurance and Litigation ,’ and there is clearly a large contingent of women , and men , in law firms and insurance companies that are keen to promote women in our industry , providing them with a platform and the resources to successfully develop their careers .”
As Cindy has progressed through her legal career — working for such noteworthy insurance companies as Liberty Mutual , XL Catlin and AIG — the industry association ARIAS-U . S . has served an important role in her professional development over the past few decades . In fact , many of the professionals she has
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