Jim DuChateau and Amy Johnson recently obtained a judgment on all counts in favor of Specialty Risk of America (d/b/a SPRISKA). The case was brought by Jenner & Block, LLP on behalf of a number of high-profile restaurants, bars, and nightclubs in Chicago for losses occasioned by Governor Pritzker’s COVID-19 shutdown orders. The plaintiffs sought insurance coverage and policy proceeds for the times they were shut down due to COVID-19 and the times they operated with limited capacity due to the executive orders. Originally filed in July 2020, the case was removed to federal court and later remanded back to Cook County. After two venues, four judges, and countless briefs, the case was finally argued successfully by DuChateau in the Circuit Court of Cook County on July 1.

DuChateau, a partner in the firm’s Chicago office, concentrates his practice in the areas of commercial and insurance coverage litigation. He also represents financial institution clients in both UCC and REO matters, as well as trade secret and restrictive covenant litigation.

Johnson, also a partner in the firm’s Chicago office, focuses her practice on insurance law, personal injury, and property damage, as well as cybersecurity and appellate law. She has 20 years of experience mitigating risk on coverage issues and high exposure or bad faith claims, including a successful appeal record.