As senior defence insurance counsel, Jess defends both insurers, in first party claims, in the life and disability and accident and sickness context, and the insureds of property and casualty insurers. In third party claims, Jess has developed an expertise in defending catastrophic personal injury cases and large losses.

Another area of his expertise is defending public authorities, including government ministries, police bodies and hospitals.

Jess also provides coverage opinions to both property and casualty and life insurers and is called upon to assist in policy drafting by these insurers.

Jess makes frequent appearances at both the appellate and trial levels of the Ontario courts.

Jess sits on the boards of directors, audit committees and conduct review committees of a Canadian property and casualty insurance company and of two Canadian life insurance companies.

He has authored papers and case comments on a variety of topics, including group life, disability and accident and sickness insurance coverage issues as well as the dramatic escalation of damage awards in catastrophic cases. Jess also has led professional education seminars on defence insurance issues.

Achievements

· Rated by Lexpert Canadian Legal Directory as a Leading Practitioner (repeatedly recommended) in Commercial Insurance Litigation

Memberships

· Member, Law Society of Upper Canada

· Member, Canadian Bar Association (Ontario)

· Member, The Advocates' Society