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Richard Krebs

Partner

Orange County

Rich Krebs is a top litigator and trusted advisor. With a reputation as a fierce advocate and a calming presence in the storm of legal battles, Rich is a go-to litigator for public and private companies of all stripes, particularly in the finance and tech sectors.

As a co-lead of the Life Settlements group at Orrick, Rich has soared to the company of top attorneys in the space, bringing a wealth of experience to the table. From federal and state courts to private arbitration rooms, Rich has represented policyholders, investors, funds, trusts, asset managers, banks, and brokers and agents in a myriad of arenas, including cost of insurance (COI) disputes, carrier and estate challenges, ownership and coverage disputes, and fraud cases.

Rich’s extensive experience in the life settlements space goes far beyond litigation and dispute resolution. Rich is a trusted advisor to clients transacting in the space, guiding clients through complex portfolio transactions, due diligence, and restructurings. He also works closely with Orrick’s Public Policy group to pursue legislative solutions on behalf of his clients. Rich’s relentless pursuit of victory and record of success directly lends to his ingenuity and innovative strategies, setting him apart from competitors in the life settlements space.

  • Life Settlement Disputes

    • After several years of litigation, successfully represented EFG Bank and Erste Abwicklungsanstalt (EFG and EAA) in their lawsuit against AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company, seeking close to $100 million in damages arising out of AXA Equitable’s cost of insurance rate increase with a settlement on favorable terms.
    • Successfully represented EFG, EAA, and Obra Capital (formerly Vida) in their lawsuit against John Hancock Life Insurance Company, seeking over $100 million in damages arising out of John Hancock’s cost of insurance rate increase with a settlement on favorable terms.
    • Successfully represented EFG, EAA, and BroadRiver Asset Management in their lawsuit against Transamerica Life Insurance Company, seeking over $100 million in damages arising out of Transamerica’s cost of insurance rate increases with settlements on favorable terms.
    • Currently representing policyholders in their pending lawsuits against The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, seeking over $100 million in damages arising out of Lincoln’s cost of insurance rate increases.
    • Currently representing policyholders in their disputes with PHL Variable Insurance Company arising out of PHL’s cost of insurance rate increases.
    • Successfully represented and currently representing policyholders in suits brought by carriers and estates assering claims for lack of insurable interest, challenging policy validity, and seeking disgorgement of benefits.
    • Successfully represented and currently representing policyholders in ownership and coverage disputes.


    Technology Disputes:

    • Successfully represented African financial technology company in dispute with contractor.
    • Successfully represented semiconductor technology company in business tort and breach of contract litigation and arbitration against competitor and former employees.
    • Successfully represented semiconductor technology company in multiple licensing, breach of contract, business tort, and fraud litigations.


    Other Disputes:

    • Successfully represented boutique fitness franchisor in breach of contract and trademark infringement litigation against sellers.
    • Successfully represented patent owner in patent infringement litigation against one of the world's largest producers of microprocessors.
    • Successfully represented oil and gas company in breach of contract, fraud, and tort litigation against contractor for multi-billion-dollar construction project.
    • Successfully represented title plant company in litigation with insurance companies alleging anticompetitive conduct and antitrust violations.

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