Mark B. Robinson

Mark Robinson, M&R’s co-founder and leader of the firm's Regulatory Practice Group, is an insurance industry specialist who primarily represents retail brokers and agents in all aspects of their businesses. A recognized authority on regulatory issues that impact his client base, Mark’s multistate practice runs the gamut from complex mergers and acquisitions of brokerages to compliance matters, and most everything in between.

In addition to brokers and agents, Mark is also counsel for several insurance premium financing companies in connection with their business operations. Likewise, his advice is increasingly sought after by tech companies pushing to infiltrate – and disrupt – the insurance industry with innovative applications and systems to offer policies.

No matter the client, Mark’s deep understanding of regulatory laws and industry norms and relationships within various Departments of Insurance make him a go-to attorney in a wide range of matters (both domestic and international). Be it the formation of insurance brokerages, the purchase and sale of agencies, licensing, compliance, DOI investigations, market conduct examinations, the creation of producer agreements, or employment-related issues, his expertise is in high demand. Indeed, by virtue of his know-how and standing within the insurance industry and broker/agent community, M&R’s Insurance Regulatory and Administrative Department is considered amongst the most reputable in the United States.

Mark has played an essential role in M&R’s success and growth. He is an active member of the firm’s Executive Committee; Conflicts, Ethics & Opinion Committee; and Diversity, Multiculturalism & Inclusion Committee. In addition, Mark is a regular contributor to industry publications (the Insurance Journal and Agenda, among others) and a frequent lecturer who has spoken to the American Agents Alliance, the Brokers Insurance Group, the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of California, and the California Insurance Wholesalers Association, to name a few.

Community Involvement

Mark is committed to helping those in need. Toward that end, he serves on the Board of Directors of The Water Buffalo Club – a group that funds underserved children’s charities – and contributes to the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation.

Education

Mark earned a J.D. from the University of West Los Angeles, where he was awarded the American Jurisprudence Award in Evidence. Prior to that, Mark earned a B.A. in History from the University of California, Berkeley.

Awards & Recognitions

Each year from 2006 through 2017, Mark has been named to the list of Southern California Super Lawyers.

Representative Matters

Insurance Brokerage Enforcement Action: The Department of Insurance searched an insurance brokerage without a warrant and then sought to revoke its license and issue a fine for minor administrative violations. Successfully represented brokerage at an administrative hearing, arguing that the search was a violation of the United States Constitution’s 4^th Amendment protections. After an administrative law judge declared the search illegal, the Department unsuccessfully sought reversal in the superior court. The ALJ’s ruling was again upheld on appeal, forcing a change of the Department’s search procedures.

Insurance Compliance: Provided comprehensive compliance review of leading HOA insurance brokerage. Reviewed all aspects of the brokerage’s operations including licensing, advertising/promotions, sales process, fee disclosures, trust accounting and operations.

Insurance Investigation/Accusation: Represented insurance broker investigated for violations of insurance statutes and regulations. Limited the extent and duration of Department of Insurance’s investigation, and successfully negotiated a settlement of accusation to revoke broker’s license to a minor reimbursement of the Department’s investigation costs.

Insurance Licensing: Assisted national insurance agency with complex licensing issues with the California Department of Insurance resulting from a double merger transaction. Coordinated licensing approval with the Department to coincide with the transaction closing.

Insurance Premium Finance: Represented leading insurance premium financing company in obtaining licenses in California, Texas and Arizona. Drafted contracts between client and retail brokers and general agents.

Insurance Program: Assisted national surplus lines insurance broker in the formation of an association and group property master policy program for commercial and industrial property insurance. Advised on regulatory issues concerning surplus lines compliance, fee disclosure requirements and compliance with insurance laws in numerous target states.

Headlines

Media Mentions

Publications

Past Speaking Engagements

Blog Posts

• FAQ: Disclosing and Charging Broker Fees in California
  September 13, 2016
• Arizona Legislature Fixes Insurance Agent Liability Loophole
  June 2, 2016
• Covered California Approves New Agent Compensation Standards
  April 19, 2016
• How to Strengthen Your Agreements with Retail Producers
  March 24, 2016
• How is Big Data Impacting the Insurance Industry?
  July 20, 2015
• Alert: California Legislature Proposes AB 933 to Change DMV MVR Requirements
  March 4, 2015
• Mark Robinson Discusses the Issue of Insurance Company Liability to Third Parties
  January 13, 2015
• Mark Robinson Discusses Compliance Guidelines at the 2014 American Agents Alliance Convention & Expo
  September 27, 2014
• Disclosing Broker Fees to Ensure Full Compliance
  February 10, 2014