RPC expanded its insurance and professional risk capabilities by appointing Scott Schechter as a partner in New York and Michelle Johnston as a partner in Bristol.
Schechter’s appointment establishes RPC’s dedicated New York insurance presence and will support the firm’s broader international insurance strategy.
He will help build a New York-based team focused on complex insurance claims involving U.S. exposures, with particular emphasis on financial lines and cyber matters.
RPC said the expansion reflects growing demand from clients for coordinated advice on high-value and multi-jurisdictional claims.
The New York operation will work closely with RPC teams in London, Bristol, Singapore, and Hong Kong as part of the firm’s international insurance platform.
Schechter’s arrival follows several other additions to RPC’s global insurance practice, including financial lines and directors and officers specialist Tom Mungovan in London and cyber specialists Ed Lewis and Sumyutha Sivamani.
The firm has also been expanding its international strategy through initiatives including an International Board and a formal India desk.
Schechter is expected to play a central role in developing RPC’s U.S. insurance capabilities and supporting international insurers and other clients dealing with U.S.-related disputes and coverage matters.
In Bristol, RPC appointed Michelle Johnston as a partner in its Professional & Financial Risk practice.
Johnston brings more than 20 years of experience advising and defending professionals in complex claims and high-value disputes.
Her practice has a particular focus on claims involving solicitors and barristers, as well as insurance coverage and policy issues involving professional indemnity and directors and officers insurance.
Johnston has handled large, technically complex and multi-party matters, including disputes with an international dimension.
She also spent several years practicing overseas, including in Sydney, Australia.
Johnston is a qualified mediator accredited by the Civil Mediation Council and is a member of the Forum of Insurance Lawyers.
Her appointment follows a period of expansion for RPC’s Professional & Financial Risk practice, which has grown to more than 100 lawyers across four offices over the past six years.
RPC also recently promoted Tom Lloyd, James Ainsworth, Andrew Oberholzer, and Tom Wild to partner, along with Jo Makin and Susan Periselneris to Of Counsel.
Together, the appointments of Schechter and Johnston strengthen RPC’s capabilities across insurance coverage, financial lines, cyber, professional liability, and complex disputes while supporting the firm’s broader international growth strategy.
KEY QUOTES:
“Our global insurance clients are navigating increasingly complex, fast-moving claims involving US exposures, and Scott’s arrival is a pivotal step in how we support them.”
Simon Laird, Global Head of Insurance at RPC
“The New York office is an exciting development for our global insurance practice, developed in response to client demand.”
Antony Sassi, Managing Partner at RPC
“The firm’s track record on complex, high-stakes insurance matters, combined with its truly international platform, creates a fantastic springboard for supporting clients with US exposures.”
Scott Schechter, Partner at RPC
“Michelle is a widely respected professional liability specialist with a strong track record defending complex claims for professional services firms and insurers.”
Rachael Healey, Partner at RPC
“Michelle brings exactly the blend of technical excellence, commercial judgement and client focus that our PFR practice is known for.”
Simon Laird, Head of Insurance at RPC
