Important Factors to Consider When Hiring Employment Counsel Under an EPLI Policy

Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) carriers and their insureds should consider several key factors when hiring employment law counsel to defend cases under EPLI policies. These factors ensure that the selected attorneys can effectively defend policyholders while controlling costs and adhering to the insurer’s expectations. Here’s what EPLI carriers and their insureds should typically consider:

1. Experience & Expertise in Employment Law

• Strong background in defending employers in employment-related claims (e.g., discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, retaliation, wage & hour disputes).
•   Familiarity with state and federal employment laws, including Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FMLA, and FLSA.
•   Experience handling cases before the EEOC and state human rights agencies.
•   Prior representation of insurance companies or policyholders under EPLI policies.

Karly Wannos, Esq., brings over 15 years of experience practicing law in Florida, specializing exclusively in employment law matters under both state and federal law. She has successfully represented hundreds of clients before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Department of Labor (DOL) in cases involving discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, and compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

2. Litigation & Trial Experience

•   A track record of success in employment litigation, including favorable settlements, dismissals, and trial verdicts.
•   Strong motion practice, particularly in obtaining summary judgments.
•   Experience handling mediations and arbitrations, as EPLI policies often encourage alternative dispute resolution.

Karly Wannos is an exceptional choice for employment litigation, with a proven track record of success in securing favorable settlements, dismissals, and trial verdicts. Her expertise in motion practice, particularly in obtaining summary judgments, has consistently delivered positive outcomes for her clients. Prior to founding The Wannos Law Firm, Ms. Wannos worked for over a decade at a large 500+ attorney litigation firm, exclusively handling employment law matters under EPLI policies. Her extensive experience in mediations and arbitrations further strengthens her ability to navigate alternative dispute resolution, a key component for clients with EPLI coverage. Ms. Wannos' comprehensive skill set and deep industry knowledge make her a top-tier choice for addressing complex employment law issues.

3. Cost-Effective Case Management

•   Ability to manage cases efficiently while controlling legal costs in line with carrier guidelines.
•   A history of fair and reasonable billing practices (e.g., avoiding excessive hours or unnecessary motions).
•   Willingness to work within the insurer’s litigation management guidelines and reporting requirements.

Before founding The Wannos Law Firm, Karly Wannos, Esq. amassed over a decade of experience at a prominent litigation firm with more than 500 attorneys, specializing in employment law matters under Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) policies. Throughout her career, Ms. Wannos demonstrated a steadfast commitment to providing outstanding legal representation while adhering to carrier guidelines, reporting requirements, and budgetary constraints. Recognizing that most clients seek a favorable resolution, she emphasizes the importance of exploring alternative, practical solutions that minimize exposure and achieve efficient, cost-effective outcomes.

4. Reputation & Professionalism

•   Strong professional reputation and positive client/peer reviews.
•   Ethical and professional conduct in line with insurer expectations.
•   Responsiveness and clear communication with both the insurer and insured.

 Karly Wannos is the top choice for Florida employment law matters due to her strong professional reputation, backed by consistently positive client and peer reviews. Her ethical and professional conduct aligns seamlessly with insurer expectations, ensuring a trustworthy and reliable partnership. Additionally, Karly's commitment to clear and prompt communication with both insurers and insured parties further sets her apart, demonstrating her dedication to fostering transparency and resolving cases efficiently. Her comprehensive approach ensures that every aspect of the legal process is handled with care and professionalism.

5. Panel Counsel Experience & Compliance

•   Prior experience as panel counsel for other EPLI carriers is often a plus.
•   Ability to comply with insurer requirements, including periodic case status reporting, budgeting, and adherence to billing guidelines.
•   Technology capabilities to integrate with insurer case management systems.

Karly Wannos is a highly requested attorney for handling employment practices liability insurance (EPLI) matters due to her extensive prior experience as panel counsel for various EPLI carriers. She has demonstrated a strong ability to comply with insurer requirements, including providing regular case status reports, adhering to budgeting constraints, and following detailed billing guidelines. Additionally, Ms. Wannos possesses advanced technology capabilities, ensuring seamless integration with insurer case management systems. Her comprehensive expertise in both legal and operational aspects makes her the ideal candidate for managing complex EPLI cases efficiently and effectively.

6. Regional or Jurisdictional Knowledge

•   Familiarity with local courts, judges, and administrative agencies.
•   Understanding of jurisdictional nuances that may impact case strategy.
•   Strong relationships with local mediators and arbitrators.

Karly Wannos has  extensive experience and deep knowledge of the legal landscape in Florida. As a Florida native with over a decade of practice, she possesses invaluable familiarity with the local courts, judges, and administrative agencies across Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, and surrounding counties, as well as federal courts in the Southern, Middle, and Northern Districts of Florida. Ms. Wannos' nuanced understanding of jurisdictional intricacies allows her to craft tailored strategies that consider local and federal differences. Additionally, her long-established relationships with local mediators and arbitrators further strengthen her ability to efficiently resolve disputes, making her an exceptional advocate for clients

7. Settlement & Risk Management Approach

•   A practical approach to risk management, including early case assessments and cost-benefit analyses of litigation versus settlement.
•   Experience in negotiating settlements that align with insurer and insured interests.
•   Ability to counsel insureds on best practices to mitigate future EPLI claims.

About Employment Law Counsel, Karly Wannos, Esq.

Karly A. Wannos is the CEO/Founder of The Wannos Law Firm, P.A. She is an employment law litigator and a leader in the South Florida community. 

Karly represents employers at the administrative and trial levels in all aspects of employment litigation, including lawsuits alleging discrimination, harassment and retaliation in violation of federal, state and local laws. She also regularly defends employers in equal pay claims, workers’ compensation retaliation, whistleblower, and wrongful termination matters. Additionally, she has extensive experience in minimum wage and overtime claims under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Karly founded The Wannos Law Firm after spending the majority of her practice in big law. Her priority is to offer clients the high-quality legal work of a large law firm with the personalized service, relationship-focused approach, and efficiencies that a small firm is best positioned to provide.

Learn more about our employment lawyers and The Wannos Law Firm by contacting us for an introductory consultation.

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