Nicolaides Welcomes Five Attorneys as National Growth Continues

Nicolaides Fink Thorpe Michaelides Sullivan LLP is pleased to announce the addition of five new attorneys across its national platform in September. 
 

The firm welcomed senior counsel Shannon L. Wodnik in San Francisco; associates Joseph E. Ambrose, Kara E. Haywood, and Alon Spevak in Chicago; and associate Morgan E. Webb in Dallas. 
 

The addition of these attorneys reflects the firm’s ongoing strategic growth across key offices and underscores Nicolaides’ commitment to building a strong, collaborative team of coverage counsel nationwide. Their arrival enhances the firm’s ability to serve clients seamlessly across jurisdictions and to engage early and effectively on complex matters. 
 

Now in its 11th year, the Nicolaides team is comprised of over 100 attorneys across six offices in the Midwest, Mountain West, Southwest, and West Coast.
 

About the Attorneys  
 

Shannon L. Wodnik advises insurers on complex coverage matters and disputes, offering strategic guidance informed by more than two decades of experience across the insurance industry. Her practice spans commercial general liability, directors and officers liability, cyber, employment practices liability, commercial property, commercial transportation, and other specialized coverages. She also counsels clients on regulatory compliance and claims handling practices under state and federal law, including consumer protection, data privacy, emerging frameworks, and emergency executive orders. 
 

Joseph E. Ambrose represents insurers in complex coverage litigation, bringing a thoughtful and pragmatic approach to resolving disputed claims. He draws on experience defending healthcare organizations and providers in high-exposure civil litigation. 
 

Kara E. Haywood represents insurers in coverage matters, with an emphasis on litigated disputes. Her experience includes general commercial litigation and claims involving construction, product liability, medical malpractice, and subrogation. Kara’s background also includes matters involving mesothelioma, asbestos exposure, and real estate, drawing on her experience in both private practice and in-house legal departments.  
 

Alon Spevak advises insurers in complex coverage matters, drawing on a strong foundation in litigation and trial advocacy. His background includes first- and second-chair trial experience and work on a variety of liability-related disputes, including premises and motor vehicle claims. 
 

Morgan E. Webb represents insurers in complex insurance coverage litigation, with a particular focus on first-party property matters. Her work includes interpreting policy language, assessing coverage, and advising insurers on strategic resolution of disputed claims. Morgan brings a disciplined and client-focused approach, informed by her breadth of experience in private practice, in-house legal environments, and her ongoing service as a commissioned officer in the Army National Guard.