Robinson Cole LLP
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Erica J. Kerstein focuses her practice on litigating and arbitrating complex insurance matters, with particular emphasis in the areas of financial lines and commercial general liability both in the United States and internationally. Her extensive experience includes matters involving environmental, professional liability, general liability, and other claims, both counseling and representing clients in high-profile matters. Erica serves as chair of our firm’s Insurance + Reinsurance group.

Erica represents domestic and foreign insurers and reinsurers in litigation across the United States, both in federal and state courts. She also represents insurers before arbitration panels and mediators in the United States and abroad, with a particular focus on Bermuda and London arbitrations of complex insurance coverage issues. She has litigated and arbitrated many of the insurance industry's fundamental dispute issues, including restitution, disgorgement, consent, reasonableness, allocation, subrogation, misrepresentation, warranty/rescission, late notice, prior notice, exhaustion, bad faith, professional services exclusion, owned property exclusion, prior or pending litigation exclusion, pollution exclusion and enforcement of arbitration provisions. In addition, Erica has represented public companies, financial services firms and individuals in securities enforcement matters, internal investigations, compliance matters and litigations.

Erica is known for engaging with her clients in an incisive, efficient, and responsive manner. She is a sought-after speaker and has published articles on a broad range of insurance-related topics.

  • Fordham University School of Law (Juris Doctor)
  • University of Michigan (Bachelors)
    • B.A.

  • State of New Jersey
  • State of New York
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York

Presented with a certificate of recognition for dedicated service to the New York State Courts Access to Justice Program as part of the New York County Lawyers Association, New York State Bar Association and New York State Unified Court System’s Office for Justice Initiatives 2023 and 2024 Pro Bono Awards.

Professional Liability Underwriting Society

The Bridge

CLM

Experience


Indemnity Counsel

Represent individuals in enforcement of indemnity agreements.

SEC Investigation Defense

Represent directors and officers in connection with an SEC investigation of a public company concerning alleged violations of the antifraud provisions of the federal securities laws.

Breach of Contract

Represent insurance company in a business dispute concerning breach of contract.



News


April 20, 2026

Erica Kerstein Brings Credibility and Business Perspective to New Role as Practice Group Chair

Insurance + Reinsurance group chair Erica J. Kerstein was featured in a Law.com column titled, “How I Made Practice Group Chair,” published on April 15, 2026. In the article, Erica discusses her new role as a practice group chair and how it has expanded her insight into not only the firm’s strategic vision and goals, but the reality of running a business and ensuring that current planning aligns with future goals. “The role provides a window into how individual practices fit into the firm’s overall strategy,” said Erica. “You’re thinking not just about today’s matters, but about where clients are headed, how the industry is changing, and how the firm positions itself to meet those needs.” In addition, Erica also identified “…strengthening client relationships, investing in our people, and staying ahead of emerging issues—particularly around technology and artificial intelligence in the insurance space…” as key priorities for the practice. Read the article.

Law.com
February 9, 2026

Robinson+Cole Ushers in New Leadership for Nationally-Recognized Insurance + Reinsurance Practice

Seasoned insurance litigator Erica Kerstein tapped to champion the group’s next chapter
October 20, 2023

R+C Lawyers Recognized for Pro Bono Service Provided to the New York State Courts Access to Justice Program

April 20, 2026

Erica Kerstein Brings Credibility and Business Perspective to New Role as Practice Group Chair

Insurance + Reinsurance group chair Erica J. Kerstein was featured in a Law.com column titled, “How I Made Practice Group Chair,” published on April 15, 2026. In the article, Erica discusses her new role as a practice group chair and how it has expanded her insight into not only the firm’s strategic vision and goals, but the reality of running a business and ensuring that current planning aligns with future goals. “The role provides a window into how individual practices fit into the firm’s overall strategy,” said Erica. “You’re thinking not just about today’s matters, but about where clients are headed, how the industry is changing, and how the firm positions itself to meet those needs.” In addition, Erica also identified “…strengthening client relationships, investing in our people, and staying ahead of emerging issues—particularly around technology and artificial intelligence in the insurance space…” as key priorities for the practice. Read the article.

Law.com
February 9, 2026

Robinson+Cole Ushers in New Leadership for Nationally-Recognized Insurance + Reinsurance Practice

Seasoned insurance litigator Erica Kerstein tapped to champion the group’s next chapter
October 20, 2023

R+C Lawyers Recognized for Pro Bono Service Provided to the New York State Courts Access to Justice Program

November 2, 2020

Robinson+Cole Continues to Expand Presence in New York With Eight Member Financial Lines Team


November 2, 2020

Robinson+Cole Continues to Expand Presence in New York With Eight Member Financial Lines Team

Events


Past

Arbitration, Mediation, Litigation, or Something Else? What is the Best Option for Your Matter and Why?

Mar 5 2026
2026 Insurance Coverage Litigation Committee CLE Seminar
Past

Claims Collaboration, Negotiation, and Sometimes, Litigation: A Liability Claims Toolkit for Young (and Experienced) Lawyers

3/5/2021
American Bar Association Section of Litigation’s virtual “2021 Insurance Coverage Litigation Committee CLE Seminar
Past

Arbitration, Mediation, Litigation, or Something Else? What is the Best Option for Your Matter and Why?

Mar 5 2026
2026 Insurance Coverage Litigation Committee CLE Seminar
Past

Claims Collaboration, Negotiation, and Sometimes, Litigation: A Liability Claims Toolkit for Young (and Experienced) Lawyers

3/5/2021
American Bar Association Section of Litigation’s virtual “2021 Insurance Coverage Litigation Committee CLE Seminar