Attorney Profile

Alex J. Brown leads the Firm’s insurance law practice, representing national insurance companies, producers, and commercial policyholders in complex coverage disputes and regulatory matters. Companies turn to Mr. Brown for representation in cases involving business interruption, lost income and extra expense, as well as business torts, discrimination claims, and contractual and commercial matters. Mr. Brown has served as lead counsel in state and federal courts throughout the country, consistently helping clients achieve their goal of mitigating risk, obtaining a large judgment or resolving a dispute efficiently. 

As a former Assistant Attorney General and Senior Counsel to the Maryland Insurance Administration, Mr. Brown understands the complexity of insurance oversight and guides clients through administrative proceedings, market conduct exams, and compliance challenges, combining his decades of experience in the regulatory environment with a practical, solutions-focused approach.

As Mr. Brown does not sell insurance, commercial clients often rely on his objective insight to evaluate insurance portfolios and strengthen corporate risk management policies and procedures.

Mr. Brown is actively engaged in supporting the Greater Baltimore community through involvement with Grace Fellowship Church, Young Life Baltimore City, Helping Up Mission, Maryland Food Bank, and other organizations dedicated to serving individuals in need. 

Notable representations have included the following:

  • Lead counsel in obtaining the dismissal of a $25M Federal discrimination lawsuit against a group of Fortune 500 insurers.
  • Lead counsel in obtaining the dismissal of a $7M discrimination lawsuit against a group of Fortune 500 insurers.
  • Lead counsel in successfully defending a large national security company against a $40M suit alleging false imprisonment, assault, battery and related torts.  Within one year after filing, obtained settlement of the entire case for a fraction of budgeted defense costs.
  • Obtained a $7M jury verdict serving as first-chair in a complex insurance subrogation matter arising from a massive fire that caused substantial damage to a four-story apartment building.
  • Lead counsel in a jury trial against a large financial services provider and others, based on claims of breach of contract, negligence, negligent supervision, and conversion of client funds; obtained a jury verdict of $1.4 million, plus punitive damages of $300,000.

Affiliations

  • Member, International Association of Defense Counsel; Insurance/Reinsurance and Membership Committees
  • Member, American Bar Association
  • Member, Defense Research Institute; Insurance Committee and CGL Subcommittee

News & Publications

May 16, 2023
Alex J. Brown chairs IADC Professional Liability Roundtable

As chair of this program offered by the International Association of Defense Counsel on May 18, Brown spoke on "Cyber Insurance: Coverage, Trends, Developments and Strategies."

June 13, 2022
Six attorneys from Shapiro Sher cited in Chambers USA 2022

The newest edition of Chambers USA, a preeminent guide to the legal industry, identifies six Shapiro Sher attorneys in its survey of Maryland lawyers.

March 04, 2022
"How to Shop for Cyber Insurance"

Alex J. Brown writes for the Baltimore Business Journal on what to look for in a cyber insurance policy and how to reduce your premiums.

November 13, 2021
TechBullion interviews Alex J. Brown

TechBullion, a ​London-based website covering financial technology news, spoke to partner Alex J. Brown​ about his litigation practice​. ​

May 01, 2020
"Covid-19 Business Interruption Coverage Key to Saving Maryland's Economy"

Alex J. Brown and Jessica L. Swadow write for the Baltimore Business Journal​ on proposed legislation requiring insurers to pay uncovered Covid-19 business interruption claims.

April 24, 2020
Shapiro Sher Recognized as Leading Firm in Chambers USA 2020

Chambers USA, a preeminent guide to the U.S. legal industry, has released its 2020 rankings, naming five Shapiro Sher attorneys in its survey of Maryland lawyers.

March 31, 2020
Will Insurers Cover Business Interruption Claims?

If your business has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, an insurance policy review should be undertaken to determine if coverage may be available, write Alex J. Brown and Jessica L. Swadow in The Daily Record.

March 25, 2020
"Force Majeure" Provisions and the Pandemic

The Insurance Law Group examines whether business disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic will trigger contractual "force majeure" provisions.