Jeanine M. Donohue

Of Counsel

Practices

Industries

Overview

Jeanine M. Donohue offers in-depth counsel in sophisticated complex insurance coverage disputes, guiding policyholders through the insurance claims process and pursuing breaches of contract and bad faith litigation claims against insurers. She advises policyholders on how to respond effectively to coverage denials, developing strategies that resolve disputes efficiently while also preserving the policyholder’s long-term insurer relationships.

Jeanine also reviews policyholders’ existing coverage to identify potential gaps in insurance and works with the policyholders and their brokers to secure the insurance coverage the policyholder needs to protect and grow their businesses. She represents closely-held and mid-sized businesses. She frequently handles claims and negotiations involving Commercial General Liability (CGL), Employment Practices Liability (EPL), Directors and Officers Liability (D&O), property insurance and life insurance policies.

Jeanine has notable experience with asbestos insurance litigation. Since 2013, she has served as outside general counsel to four active 524(g) settlement trusts with over $1 billion in assets. Jeanine manages all outside trust litigation, including insurance coverage litigation, bankruptcy and adversary proceedings.

Jeanine’s clients include business owners such as wineries and vineyards, employers, government and municipal entities, school systems, construction professionals, hospitality providers, food and drink makers, and others. She practices in Buchalter’s St. Helena and San Francisco offices.

Outside of her legal practice, Jeanine is a dedicated community volunteer. She actively supports youth education programs and is deeply involved in Irish cultural and sporting organizations, including the Gaelic Athletic Association, where she helps promote community, heritage, and athletics.

Obtained pre-litigation insurance coverage for construction companies, wineries and winery-adjacent businesses as well as mid-sized businesses.
Addressed cutting-edge insurance coverage questions regarding heat damage from a fire as a covered risk on behalf of a luxury property owner in Northern California.
Managed a coverage dispute for an employment practices liability claim which resulted in coverage for the client and allowed for counsel of client’s choosing to represent client.
Negotiated and obtained insurer contributions, at the pre-litigation stage, toward settlement and defense fees in various actions involving, commercial general liability, employment practices, and products liability claims.
Defended a large construction company in an insurance coverage action and through vigorous defense, extracted company from litigation with excellent results.
Managed litigation as outside general counsel in a case establishing that the limitations period in an action begins to run when California Insurance Guarantee Association (CIGA) denies the claim and not when the claim is first submitted to CIGA. Snyder v. California Insurance Guarantee Association, 229 Cal.App.4th 1196 (2014).
Served as co-counsel for The Flintkote Company, a bankrupt construction products manufacturing company, and its creditors’ committees representing hundreds of thousands of claimants, in an almost decade long, phased complex litigation against its former ultimate parent corporation. The case, involving allegations of intentional and constructive fraudulent conveyance and alter ego, resulted in a $575 million settlement, one of the largest settlements reached in the past decade in a fraudulent conveyance case.
Served as co-counsel for two law firms who were sued by a dissolved law firm for unfinished business profits. Successfully argued that the dissolved firm was not entitled to any claw back.
Spearheaded a fact investigation regarding 20-year law firm representation in a continuous representation statute of limitations trial (part of a complex fraudulent transfer matter).
Represented multiple plaintiffs injured by asbestos-containing products in a unique case against a major insurance company, alleging that the company aided and abetted a corporation’s battery and fraud of its plant workers. Case settled favorably after obtaining a tentative decision for plaintiffs.
Defended major pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers in litigation involving clinical trials as well as prescription and OTC medicines.

Admissions

California

United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
U.S. District Court for the Central District of California
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California

U.S. States Naval Academy Parents’ Club of Northern California – Member
Gaelic Athletic Association – Prior Officer of San Francisco Western Division Board
San Francisco Youth Gaelic Athletic Association-Volunteer

Bar Admissions

Areas of Focus

Admissions

Education