Eric M. Clarkson Associate
Eric M. Clarkson’s practice focuses on developing comprehensive risk transfer strategies both in commercial transactions as well as in the face of catastrophic losses, with a focus on real estate development, management, and construction contexts.
Eric Clarkson began his career as an attorney at SDV’s West Coast office after extensive public interest work for private non-profits, California’s state and federal courts, and San Diego County’s Office of the District Attorney.
As an essential member of SDV’s team, Eric has both transactional and litigation experience across numerous lines of coverage, including general liability, commercial property, builder’s risk, project specific, pollution and professional liability, as well as directors and officers policies. In his practice, Eric advises risk managers, insurance brokers, and a range of commercial clients on insurance coverage and contractual risk transfer strategies. He also represents policyholders in complex coverage disputes, including those arising from construction design and build exposures, catastrophic property losses, bodily injury claims, business interruption losses, insurance fraud accusations, and government actions for environmental and securities regulations.
Hand in hand with coverage work, Eric advises clients on contractual risk transfer mechanisms and handles commercial contract disputes. Eric has extensive experience in seeking and defending contractual indemnity and defense obligations arising out of third-party claims. His knowledge of requirements for and limitations on imposing contractual indemnity, especially in the construction and premises liability contexts, is invaluable to clients assessing their options in the face of substantial liabilities. Eric works diligently to ensure that every possible option for managing or transferring clients’ risks is explored and employed to its fullest extent.
Eric’s interest in coverage work and complex commercial disputes is peaked by the strategic and intellectual challenges of assessing clients’ potential exposures or risk transfer solutions when ensnared in complex litigation. While in law school, Eric served as the Executive Editor on his school’s Law Review and Trial Team Coordinator for Moot Court Honors Board. He also assisted professors with research and drafting for articles and books pending publication.
In his spare time, Eric enjoys trail running, cycling, backcountry camping, and following the world-renowned jazz and classical music scenes in southern California.
External Publications
- “Insurance Cos. Are Stretching Construction Standard Limits,” Law360, Sept. 2023