— Chambers Ranks Firm Among Nation’s Best, Calling Merlin “Formidable Advocates for Policyholders” —
The 2024 Chambers USA Guide, offering detailed rankings and insights into the world’s top lawyers, legal departments, and law firms, has recognized Merlin Law Group and its attorneys in the Oklahoma City office as among the best in the U.S.
Chambers, universally regarded as one of the most prestigious and comprehensive guides in the industry, conducts in-depth research and thousands of interviews annually to identify top-performing lawyers and practices across the U.S. and in more than 70 countries. In the 2024 edition released June 6, the London-based research organization lauds Merlin Law Group as “renowned as the original ‘Policyholder’s Advocate™’ and formidable advocates for policyholders facing disputes with their insurance companies.”
Chambers notes that the firm, founded in 1985 by William “Chip” F. Merlin Jr., “has committed its substantial resources and legal prowess to supporting clients nationwide, ensuring they receive the justice and compensation they deserve.”
“Mr. Merlin’s dedication to justice has fostered a robust law practice that actively combats the deceitful practices of insurance companies,” according to Chambers. “His notable contributions include the publication of Pay Up!, a book exposing the bad faith practices within the insurance industry. This work is a vital resource for understanding the complexities of policyholder rights and insurer tactics.”
The 2024 Chambers Guide also praises the depth and experience of the firm’s Martindale-Hubbell AV-Rated leadership team, including Javier Delgado. “His leadership in numerous multimillion-dollar recoveries showcases his adept skill in securing favorable outcomes for clients,” it notes.
Michael “Mike” Duffy, another integral member of the leadership team, significantly enhances the firm’s litigation capabilities, according to the Chambers USA Guide. With four decades of specialized experience in insurance law, his expertise includes managing intricate matters related to building collapses, fires, mold, and other catastrophic events. He is a member of the Illinois Society of Trial Lawyers, an invitation-only organization. He has litigated in 44 states and tried cases in 19 states in federal and state courthouses.
In addition, Duffy was one of the first attorneys in the U.S. to develop property and injury mold litigation against insurance companies and other entities; he worked on some of the first mold trials in the country.
Attorneys from Merlin Law Group’s Oklahoma City office earned specific recognition for their role as “a hub of expertise in insurance litigation.”
Led by J. Drew Houghton, Merlin Law Group’s Oklahoma City office excels in representing policyholders in insurance disputes, embodying the firm’s commitment as “The Policyholder’s Advocate™, Chambers reported. Houghton has a rich background in insurance defense and plaintiff advocacy, particularly noted for his work aiding Oklahoma tornado victims. This includes collaborating on more than 100 bad faith cases in Oklahoma, providing him with deep insights into insurance litigation.
Alongside Houghton, the Oklahoma City team includes seasoned attorneys Larry Bache, Micah Cartwright and Liberty Ritchie, further enhancing the office’s comprehensive legal services.
“This acknowledgment from Chambers USA underscores our team’s unwavering commitment to achieving exceptional results for our clients facing complex insurance matters,” Chip Merlin said. “We are truly honored by these rankings which reflect our strategic approach and the caliber of our attorneys in Oklahoma City and across the U.S.”
About Chambers and Partners
Chambers and Partners is the leading independent professional legal research company operating across 200 jurisdictions. Since its founding in 1990, Chambers has been dedicated to delivering detailed rankings and insights into the world’s top lawyers, legal departments and law firms. Present and relied on in over 70 countries and 200 jurisdictions, its independent research led approach is recognized as the ranking that matters.
About Merlin Law Group
With offices across the U.S., Merlin Law Group is a national law firm dedicated to representing policyholders in disputes with insurance companies. Founded in 1985 by William “Chip” F. Merlin Jr., the firm has recovered over $2 billion for clients and is renowned for its advocacy on behalf of homeowners, businesses, and communities impacted by natural disasters. For more information, visit MerlinLawGroup.com
