Benchmark Litigation Names Robin Cohen “Insurance Lawyer of the Year” and Honors McKool Smith With National Impact Case Award for Quincy Jones Trial…

Insurance Business Weekly

Benchmark Litigation Names Robin Cohen "Insurance Lawyer of the Year" and Honors McKool Smith With National Impact Case Award for Quincy Jones Trial Win

By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Insurance Business Weekly -- McKool Smith Co-Founder and Chairman Mike McKool accepted a National Impact Case Award at the 2018 Benchmark Litigation awards reception in New York City on February 15 for his success in representing Quincy Jones against the Michael Jackson estate. Robin Cohen, head of the firm's insurance recovery practice, was also awarded "Insurance Lawyer of the Year" for the second consecutive year.

Over the course of his 40-year career, Mike McKool has tried more than 100 jury trials and developed an enhanced understanding of the psychology that governs how juries decide cases. Last year, he served as lead trial counsel in securing a $9.4 million jury verdict on behalf of legendary music producer Quincy Jones against the late music icon Michael Jackson's production company, MJJ Productions Inc., in a breach of contract and royalty dispute. Mr. Jones produced a number of the King of Pop's most acclaimed albums, including "Off the Wall," "Thriller," and "Bad." The lawsuit centered on allegations that MJJ Productions Inc., which is controlled by Michael Jackson's estate, failed to pay Mr. Jones royalties for the soundtrack to "This Is It," a documentary that was released just months after Michael Jackson's death, and Jackson's Cirque du Soleil productions, which both feature several musical hits produced by Jones. Mr. McKool was recognized as the AmLaw Litigation Daily " Litigator of the Week" following his success in the case.