Michael A. Bono

Professional Experience

At WCM, Michael:

• Defends high profile cases involving high net worth individuals and public figures, including media, sports, entertainment and political personalities;

• litigates complex professional liability, commercial actions and suits involving catastrophic injuries and significant property losses;

• prosecutes replevin and subrogation actions involving Fine Art, Jewelers Block and Specie;

• evaluates insurance coverage issues;

• defends and prosecutes declaratory judgment actions;

• briefs appellate cases; and

• conducts fraud investigations.

Before joining WCM, Michael was a Senior Assistant District Attorney with the Kings County District Attorney’s Office. As an ADA, Michael prosecuted violent felonies and investigated complex narcotic networks and conspiracies. Michael also supervised junior prosecutors and assisted in the training of attorneys and police officers.

Michael has also worked for a law firm specializing in the defense of fraudulent insurance claims.

Along with Bob Cosgrove, Mike comprises WCM’s Management Committee, which serves as WCM’s governing body.

Professional Experience

Professional Activities

Michael has been elected to membership in the Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel and the Claims and Litigation Management Alliance, and is also a member of DRI, the Professional Liability Underwriting Society, and the North American Contingency Association.

Michael is a frequent lecturer and has conducted seminars before such organizations as the International Underwriting Association of London, the New York State Bar Association, as well as for numerous clients.

Publications

• The Poison Pill? Settling Damage Claims Involving Living Artists (co-author Michael A. Bono): International Fine Art and Specie Conference, Rome, Italy, 2017

• Sandy’s Impact on Fine Art and Property Insurers– IUA Event: London – November 2013 (co-author with Dennis M. Wade)

• Fine Art and Collectible Losses: Framing the Value Issues (International Underwriting Association, London, England, November 2012) (co-author with Dennis M. Wade)

• The Basics of Oral Examination: Understanding the Rules and Law of Depositions Pursuant to the CPLR (New York State Bar Association, 2012)

• The Examination Before Trial: What to Do Before Calling the Court (New York State Bar Association, 2012)

• What Fine Art Insurers Really Need to Know About the Visual Artists Rights Act (VARA)(co-author with Dennis M. Wade)

• The Anatomy of a Bust Out: The Implications of Bankruptcy and Bankruptcy Fraud for Property, Fine Art and Specie Insurers(International Underwriting Association, London, England, November 2011) (co-author with Dennis M. Wade)

• Defending Underwriters, Claim Professionals and Brokers in US Coverage Litigation (International Underwriting Association, London, England, November 2009) (co-Author with Dennis M. Wade)

• Getting it Back: Recovering Stolen Property in the United States(International Underwriting Association, October 2008) (co-author with Dennis M. Wade)

Honors and Distinctions