Attorney
Area of Focus
Additional Services
Education
Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, JD, 2003, summa cum laude
College of Wooster, BA, 2000, cum laude
Bar Admissions
Ohio Bar
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio
Stacy RC Berliner Partner
Contact Information

- Area of Focus
- Education
Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, JD, 2003, summa cum laude
College of Wooster, BA, 2000, cum laude
- Bar Admissions
Ohio Bar
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio
Biography
Stacy, Co-Chair of Brouse McDowell's Insurance Recovery Practice Group, is a litigator who represents corporate policyholders in obtaining recovery of insurance proceeds for their liabilities and losses relating to commercial liability policies, directors and officers liability policies, construction, property and business interruption policies, professional liability policies and employment practices policies. Her experience includes assisting insureds in identifying and analyzing historical coverage, counseling clients in coverage disputes against carriers and brokers, assisting clients in policy interpretation, risk and litigation management, policy renewals and successfully litigating against insurance carriers who wrongfully deny coverage.
According to clients in the 2022 edition of Chambers USA (Insurance: Ohio), Stacy is "a very knowledgeable coverage lawyer," while sources in the 2021 edition note that she “is not willing to allow any insurance company counsel to prematurely deny the claim” and “[s]he is a good communicator who is trusted by clients.”
Stacy’s insurance recovery experience includes the following:
- Represented numerous clients in connection with obtaining defense and indemnification for past and future asbestos, silica and chemical exposure liabilities in excess of $10 million
- Successfully negotiated and monitored cost-sharing arrangements with insurance companies
- Represented numerous clients in disputes with insurers involving coverage for claims for breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty and bad faith
- Assisted client in resolving coverage disputes with excess insurers and obtaining coverage from insurers for settlements of underlying matters
- Successfully litigated on behalf of insureds and additional insureds in seeking reimbursement of defense and indemnification costs for underlying construction defect matters
- Pursuit of indemnification and/or contribution claims on behalf of companies against whom tort claims or other claims have been asserted
- Represented captive insurance companies against breach of contract and bad faith claims
Stacy also represents employers in employment litigation and advises employers on compliance with Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FMLA, FLSA and similar state and local laws. In addition, she works with clients on developing strategies to resolve complex corporate, real estate, construction contract and business tort matters. She represents clients regularly in both state and federal courts and also has represented clients in negotiations, mediations, arbitrations and other forms of dispute.
- Biography
Stacy, Co-Chair of Brouse McDowell's Insurance Recovery Practice Group, is a litigator who represents corporate policyholders in obtaining recovery of insurance proceeds for their liabilities and losses relating to commercial liability policies, directors and officers liability policies, construction, property and business interruption policies, professional liability policies and employment practices policies. Her experience includes assisting insureds in identifying and analyzing historical coverage, counseling clients in coverage disputes against carriers and brokers, assisting clients in policy interpretation, risk and litigation management, policy renewals and successfully litigating against insurance carriers who wrongfully deny coverage.
According to clients in the 2022 edition of Chambers USA (Insurance: Ohio), Stacy is "a very knowledgeable coverage lawyer," while sources in the 2021 edition note that she “is not willing to allow any insurance company counsel to prematurely deny the claim” and “[s]he is a good communicator who is trusted by clients.”Stacy’s insurance recovery experience includes the following:
- Represented numerous clients in connection with obtaining defense and indemnification for past and future asbestos, silica and chemical exposure liabilities in excess of $10 million
- Successfully negotiated and monitored cost-sharing arrangements with insurance companies
- Represented numerous clients in disputes with insurers involving coverage for claims for breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty and bad faith
- Assisted client in resolving coverage disputes with excess insurers and obtaining coverage from insurers for settlements of underlying matters
- Successfully litigated on behalf of insureds and additional insureds in seeking reimbursement of defense and indemnification costs for underlying construction defect matters
- Pursuit of indemnification and/or contribution claims on behalf of companies against whom tort claims or other claims have been asserted
- Represented captive insurance companies against breach of contract and bad faith claims
Stacy also represents employers in employment litigation and advises employers on compliance with Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FMLA, FLSA and similar state and local laws. In addition, she works with clients on developing strategies to resolve complex corporate, real estate, construction contract and business tort matters. She represents clients regularly in both state and federal courts and also has represented clients in negotiations, mediations, arbitrations and other forms of dispute.
- Professional & Civic Activities
- Greater Cleveland Partnership, 2020 GCP LEAD Cohort 5
- Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, Vice-Chair of Insurance Section
- Ohio State Bar Association, Member
- Ohio Women’s Bar Association Mentoring Committee, Member
- Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, Law Review, Editor-in-Chief, 2003
- Articles & Presentations
- "Weathering the Storm: Insurance for Supply Chain Disruption," Co-speaker with Joseph K. Cole, Brouse McDowell Annual Insurance Coverage Conference, Independence, Ohio (October 20, 2022)
- "Maximizing Coverage for Government Investigations," Insurance Recovery, Your Coverage Advisor Vol XXVI, Brouse McDowell Newsletter (Winter 2021)
- "Insurance Coverage for COVID-19/Order Related Losses," Speaker, Judge John M. Manos American Inn of Court (November 16, 2021)
- "Watt's Wrong With Your Contract? Tips on Indemnity, Insurance Procurement and Additional Insured Provisions," Co-speaker with Amanda M. Leffler, Brouse McDowell Annual Insurance Coverage Conference, Independence, Ohio (October 27, 2021)
- "Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace," Co-Moderator Joseph K. Cole, Brouse McDowell, Webinar (October 5, 2021)
- "2021 Update: Dispute Over Coverage for Business Interruptions Claims Caused by COVID-19," Co-Speaker Andrew Miller, Insurance Law Seminar: Part 2, Cleveland Metro Bar Association (May 18, 2021)
- “Shifting Risk: Drafting Contractual Insurance and Indemnity Provisions to Provide the Protection You Contemplated,” Co-speaker with Amanda Leffler, Northeast Ohio RIMS Webinar (March 9, 2021)
- "What to Expect When You Are Renewing," Insurance Recovery, Your Coverage Advisor Vol XXV, Brouse McDowell Newsletter (Winter 2020)
- “Shifting Risk: Drafting Contractual Insurance and Indemnity Provisions to Provide the Protection You Contemplated,” Co-speaker with Amanda Leffler, Lexology Webinar (December 2, 2020)
- “First Party Property Damage Coverage for Business Interruption Claims ‘Debate’,” Co-speaker with Andrew Miller, Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association Insurance Law Seminar (September 22, 2020)
- “Coverage You Didn’t Know You Had: Product Defects,” Speaker, Akron Bar Association CLE Series (September 16, 2020)
- “Business Interruption Insurance for COVID-19 Losses,” Co-speaker with Andrew W. Miller, Columbus Bar Association Webinar (June 12, 2020)
- “Insurance Coverage for COVID-19: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly," Co-speaker with Andrew W. Miller, Brouse McDowell and the Waterville Area Chamber of Commerce Webinar (May 12, 2020)
- “Insurance Coverage for COVID-19: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly," Co-speaker with Andrew W. Miller, Toledo Bar Association (TBA) Webinar (April 30, 2020)
- “Practical Advice on Insurance Coverage for COVID-19 Losses," Co-speaker with Amanda M. Leffler, Greater Akron Chamber (GAC) Webinar (April 29, 2020)
- “Don’t Panic: Let’s Talk Coverage – Insurance Coverage for COVID-19 Related Losses,” Co- Speaker Andrew W. Miller, Insurance Coverage Insights, Brouse McDowell Podcast (April 21, 2020)
- “Tips and Practical Advice on COVID-19 Insurance Coverage," Co-speaker with Lucas M. Blower, Jodi Spencer Johnson, P. Wesley Lambert, Amanda M. Leffler, and Andrew W. Miller, Brouse McDowell Webinar (April 17, 2020)
- "Insurance Coverage for COVID-19: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly," Co-speaker with Jodi Spencer Johnson, Ohio State Bar Association Webinar (April 14, 2020)
- “How Do I Get Business Interruption Covered: Does COVID-19 Constitute Direct Physical Damage or Loss?” Insurance Recovery, Brouse McDowell Client Alert (March 27, 2020)
- “Insurance Coverage for Government Investigations,” Insurance Coverage Counselor, Brouse McDowell Blog (March 12, 2020)
- “Coverage You Didn’t Know You Had: Product Defects,” co-speaker with Gabrielle T. Kelly, Akron Bar Association CLE - Insurance Coverage: Advanced Issues, Akron, Ohio (March 13, 2020)
- “Stress Management for Insurance Lawyers,” co-speaker with Atoyia S. Harris and Christina Nosari, 2020 Insurance Coverage Litigation Committee CLE Seminar, Tucson, Arizona (March 6, 2020)
- “I Can’t Get Product, I’m Losing Money, Is There Coverage for the Coronavirus?” Insurance Coverage Counselor, Brouse McDowell Blog (February 20, 2020)
- "Social Engineering," NEO RIMS February Meeting, Independence, Ohio (February 11, 2020)
- "Washington Supreme Court Breathes New Life in Standard of Proof for Additional Insured Coverage," Insurance Coverage Counselor, Brouse McDowell Blog (October 22, 2019)
- “Coverage You Didn’t Know You Had: Product Defects,” co-speaker with Gabrielle T. Kelly, Brouse McDowell Annual Insurance Coverage Conference, Independence, Ohio (October 10, 2019)
- "Five Must-Haves for Avoiding Risky Disasters -- Insurance Procurement Clauses," General Counsel News (July 2, 2019)
- "Five Must-Haves for Avoiding Risky Disasters -- Insurance Procurement Clauses," Insurance Coverage Counselor, Brouse McDowell Blog (June 11,2019)
- "Restatement of Law, Liability Insurance and Its Future," Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, Cleveland, Ohio (May 30, 2019)
- "Ohio Court Adopts Integrated System Approach to Deny Coverage for Non-Conforming Integrated Products," Insurance Coverage Counselor, Brouse McDowell Blog (February 19, 2019)
- "Bad Faith Strategies," National Business Institute: Insurance Coverage Litigation Boot Camp, Independence, OH (December 6, 2018)
- "Case Law Update," Ohio State Bar Association's Insurance Law CLE Program (October 16, 2018)
- "What You Don't Know Can Hurt You: A Case Law Update'" co-speaker with Amanda M. Leffler, Brouse McDowell Annual Insurance Coverage Conference, Independence, Ohio (October 11, 2018)
- "Trademark Infringement: How Close is Close Enough?," American Bar Association, Insurance Coverage Section, Litigation Committee (February 19, 2018)
- "Is Advice You Seek from Brokers Protected?" Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Journal (February 2018)
- "When Is a Business Risk Covered?" Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Journal (February 2017)
- "Advanced Issues in Insurance Coverage Law," Akron Bar Association CLE, Akron, OH (December 2016)
- "Insurance Coverage Litigation: Secrets Insurance Companies Don't Want Attorneys to Know," National Business Institute CLE, Cleveland, OH (December 2016)
- "Where Does “Business Risk” End and Coverage Begin?" Examine the common questions surrounding insurance coverage for faulty products and workmanship claims - Ohio State Bar Association, Insurance Law Seminar (August 2016)
- "Insurance Coverage for Faulty Products and Workmanship Claims," Webcast, Ohio State Bar Association, Insurance Law Specialization CLE (October 2015)
- "Insurance Coverage for Faulty Products and Workmanship Claims," Ohio State Bar Association, Insurance Law CLE (August 2015)
- "Cyber Insurance Issues," Ohio State Bar Association Annual Meeting and Convention - Sandusky, OH (April 2015)
- “What Policyholders Should Know About Procuring Cyber Insurance,” Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Journal (February 2015)
- "Advanced Issues in Insurance Coverage; Bad Faith Issues," Akron Bar Association CLE Seminar (October 2014)
- "Cyber Insurance Update," Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association CLE Seminar (May 2014)
- “Insurance Law Basics; Bad Faith,” Ohio State Bar Association CLE Seminar (August 2013)
- “Hackers Are Targeting Law Firms: Are You Ready?” The Woman Advocate, American Bar Association Section of Litigation (Summer 2013)
- “Gathering Information: Bad Faith Claims,” National Business Institute - Cleveland, OH (May 2013)
- “Cyber Liability for Lawfirms,” American Bar Association, Torts, Trial & Insurance Practice Sections Litigation Committee – Phoenix, AZ (February 2013)
- “Bad Faith 101,” Akron Bar Association CLE Seminar - Akron, OH (October 2012)
- “D&O Liability in Bankruptcy Context,” American Bar Association, Torts, Trial & Insurance Practice Section Litigation Committee Midyear Program - Phoenix, AZ (February 2012)
- “Effectively Managing Your Insurance Claim,” CLE Seminar, Thacker Martinsek LPA - Cleveland, OH (December 2011)
- "Real Life Resolution Strategies of Bad Faith Claims," National Business Institute - Cleveland, OH (November 2011)
- "Handling Government Liability Cases," National Business Institute - Cleveland, OH (March 2011)
- "In Construction Deals, Insure Indemnity," Crain's Cleveland Business (November 2008)
- "Fundamentals of Employment Practices Liability Coverage," co-author, Cleveland Bar Journal (May 2007)
- Distinctions
- The Best Lawyers in America© through a peer-review survey as listed in the Litigation - Insurance section — 2023
- Ranked in Insurance (Ohio) by Chambers USA — 2020-2022
- Ohio Super Lawyers® through a peer- and achievement-based review conducted by the research team at Super Lawyers, a service of Thomson Reuters legal division — 2016-2023
- The Best Lawyers in America© through a peer-review survey as listed in the Insurance Law section — 2018-2023
- Rising Star through a peer- and achievement-based review conducted by the research team at Super Lawyers, a service of Thomson Reuters legal division — 2012-2015
- Certified Specialist in Insurance Coverage Law by the Ohio State Bar Association
- News
December 29, 202224 Brouse Attorneys Named 2023 Ohio Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
October 20, 2022Brouse McDowell Hosts 10th Annual Insurance Coverage Conference
August 18, 2022The Best Lawyers in America 2023 Recognizes 27 Brouse Attorneys in 32 Practice Areas and 5 Attorneys as "Ones to Watch"
June 30, 2022Stacy Berliner Named Chair of CMBA's Insurance Law Section
June 01, 2022Chambers USA 2022 Ranks Insurance and Healthcare Practices and 9 Attorneys as Leading Practitioners
May 16, 2022Stacy RC Berliner Presents at the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association's Spring 2022 Insurance Law Seminar
March 29, 2022Stacy Berliner Comments on Recent Ohio Supreme Court's Decision Finding Faulty Product Parts Are Covered
March 02, 2022Brouse Attorneys Attend and Present at the American Bar Association's 2022 Insurance Coverage Litigation Committee CLE Seminar
December 30, 202130 Brouse Attorneys Named 2022 Ohio Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
October 27, 2021Brouse McDowell Hosts 9th Annual Insurance Coverage Conference
August 19, 2021The Best Lawyers in America 2022 Recognizes 28 Brouse Attorneys in 32 Practice Areas and 6 Attorneys as "Ones to Watch"
May 20, 2021Chambers USA 2021 Ranks Insurance Practice in Band 1 and Recognizes 5 Attorneys
March 09, 2021Stacy Berliner and Amanda Leffler Present on Insurance and Indemnity Provisions for the Northeast Ohio Chapter of RIMS
February 26, 2021Stacy Berliner and Wesley Lambert Represent United Policyholders in Amicus Brief Supporting Policyholder
January 20, 2021Brouse McDowell Names Stacy Berliner as Co-Chair of Insurance Recovery Practice
December 09, 202022 Brouse Attorneys Named 2021 Ohio Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
September 22, 2020Stacy RC Berliner and Andrew Miller Debate Business Interruptions Claims at the CMBA Insurance Law Seminar
August 20, 2020The Best Lawyers in America 2021 Recognizes 28 Brouse Attorneys in 33 Practice Areas and 4 Attorneys as "Ones to Watch"
April 23, 2020Chambers USA 2020 Ranks Insurance Practice in Band 1 and Recognizes 4 Attorneys
February 11, 2020Stacy RC Berliner Presents on Social Engineering at NEO RIMS Meeting
January 02, 2020Brouse McDowell Names New Partners & Appoints New Practice Chairs
December 09, 201927 Brouse McDowell Attorneys named 2020 Ohio Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
October 10, 2019Brouse McDowell Hosts 7th Annual Insurance Coverage Conference
August 15, 2019Twenty-eight Brouse McDowell Attorneys Recognized in 33 Practice Areas to The Best Lawyers in America© 2020
July 02, 2019Five Must-Haves for Avoiding Risky Disasters -- Insurance Procurement Clauses
December 06, 2018Stacy RC Berliner and Nicholas Kopcho Speak at NBI's Insurance Coverage Litigation Boot Camp
December 05, 201833 Brouse McDowell Attorneys named 2019 Ohio Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
October 16, 2018Stacy RC Berliner, Lucas Blower and Andrew Miller Speak at OSBA's Insurance Law CLE Program
October 11, 2018Brouse McDowell Hosts 6th Annual Insurance Coverage Conference
August 15, 201825 Brouse McDowell Attorneys Recognized in 19 Practice Areas to The Best Lawyers in America© 2019
July 25, 2018Ohio-based Law Firms Brouse McDowell and Thacker Robinson Zinz Announce Plans to Join Together
- Seminars & Events
October 05, 2021Webinar: Brouse Hosts Webinar Panel on Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace
December 02, 2020Stacy RC Berliner and Amanda Leffler Present on Insurance and Indemnity Provisions for a Lexology Webinar
November 12, 2020Stacy RC Berliner, Wesley Lambert, and Elizabeth Schultz Yeargin Participate in CREW's 2020 Real Estate Forum
September 09, 2020Webinar: Amanda Leffler, Jodi Spencer Johnson, and Stacy RC Berliner Participate in the Akron Bar Association's Insurance Coverage Law CLE Series
April 17, 2020Webinar: Brouse Hosts "Tips and Practical Advice on COVID-19 Insurance Coverage"
- Client Advisories
- Blogs
Insurance Blog
March 12, 2020Insurance Blog: Insurance Coverage for Government Investigations
February 20, 2020Insurance Blog: I Can't Get Product, I'm Losing Money, Is There Coverage for the Coronavirus?
October 22, 2019Insurance Blog: Washington Supreme Court Breathes New Life in Standard of Proof for Additional Insured Coverage
June 11, 2019Insurance Blog: Five Must-Haves for Avoiding Risky Disasters -- Insurance Procurement Clauses
February 19, 2019Insurance Blog: Ohio Court Adopts Integrated System Approach to Deny Coverage for Non-Conforming Integrated Products
- Podcast
- Newsletters