Navigating the Evolving Professional Lines Market – Key Takeaways from the PLUS University Industry Roundtable Webinar

In a dynamic session following a two-day event in Chicago aimed at newcomers to the insurance industry, experts gathered at the PLUS University Industry Roundtable to dissect the ongoing transformations within the professional lines market. As industry professionals know, the market has experienced rapid changes, and this trend shows no signs of slowing down.

The webinar kicked off with an overview of the current state of the market, highlighting significant pain points in specific lines of coverage. Participants discussed the challenges insurers face and the implications for policyholders. Attendees were encouraged to be vigilant about key coverage features that could impact their clients’ needs.

Managing client expectations emerged as a crucial theme throughout the discussion. Panelists provided valuable strategies for effectively communicating with clients in this fluctuating environment, ensuring they remain informed and prepared for potential shifts.

Looking ahead, the conversation turned to the future of these key lines of insurance. Experts shared insights on potential developments and trends to watch as we approach 2025, providing attendees with a roadmap for navigating the complexities that lie ahead.

Overall, the webinar offered a wealth of knowledge and practical advice, empowering industry professionals—especially those new to the field—to better understand and adapt to the evolving landscape of professional lines insurance.

You can view this session and learn more about the speakers below.

Meet the Speakers

La’Vonda McLean

Managing Director, Senior Client Advisor

Marsh

La’Vonda McLean is a managing director and senior client advisor in Marsh’s FINPRO Practice, our financial and professional insurance group. In addition to her role as a senior client advisor, La’Vonda also serves as the US Employment Practices Liability (EPL)/Wage & Hour (W&H) Product Leader for FINPRO.

As the EPL/W&H product leader, La’Vonda is responsible for overseeing Marsh’s US EPL and W&H industry and product team. Her role involves providing though leadership, analyzing coverage, staying updated on markets trends, and creating content for both internal and external distribution, including legal and regulatory updates.

Furthermore, La’Vonda serves as a senior client advisor to large multinational companies. In this capacity, she offers global risk advisory services related to directors & officers (D&O) insurance, EPL, W&H insurance, crime insurance, fiduciary liability, and transactional risk. Her expertise lies in delivering innovative and tailored solutions that address the complex and ever-changing risks faced by corporations, corporate executives, and boards.

John M. Pearson, RPLU+

Vice President, Private and Non Profit

Travelers

John Pearson has worked at Travelers in several underwriting and leadership roles and is currently the Head of Private and Non Profit. John brings a robust knowledge base including D&O, Professional Liability, Employment Practices Liability, and Fiduciary Liability.

John earned his Registered Professional Liability Underwriter+ (RPLU+) designation in 2014.

Nicole Sheth

Managing Partner

Kaufman Borgeest & Ryan

Nicole Sheth is the managing partner of Kaufman Borgeest & Ryan, LLP’s California office whose practice focuses on insurance coverage matters, particularly in the area of employment practices, directors and officers, professional liability, errors and omissions and healthcare. She represents both domestic and international insurers in all aspects of claims handling and coverage issues.

Her experience includes complex exposure assessments of claims in California and throughout the country, handling all aspects of defense issues and monitoring, representation of insurers at mediation, negotiation of settlements and policy drafting. Nicole currently serves as the 2024 President of the PLUS Board of Trustees.