Peter S. Selvin is a distinguished legal professional and retired Partner who brings nearly 45 years of elite experience in commercial litigation, insurance coverage and recovery, and international legal disputes. A nationally recognized authority in insurance law, Peter has dedicated his career to advocating for policyholders and guiding clients through some of the most complex and consequential legal challenges in the insurance and financial services industries.
Peter most recently served as Partner and Chair of the Insurance Coverage and Recovery Department at Ervin Cohen & Jessup LLP, a premier Los Angeles law firm. There, he led a practice focused on high-exposure disputes involving Directors & Officers (D&O) Liability Insurance, Cyber Insurance, Commercial General Liability, and Professional Liability policies. Prior to joining ECJ in 2019, Peter spent six years as a litigation partner at TroyGould LLP, and more than three decades at the prestigious international law firm Loeb & Loeb LLP, where he was Chair of the Litigation Department and handled numerous high-profile and international matters.
Recognized for his strategic insight and leadership under pressure, Peter has served as an expert witness in insurance-related litigation and guided clients through bet-the-company disputes. His work has spanned a variety of sectors and industries.
Peter is a prolific author and legal thought leader, having published over 75 articles on insurance, litigation strategy, and international law. His work appears in respected outlets such as The D&O Diary, Risk & Insurance, the Los Angeles Daily Journal, the International Bar Association, and the American Bar Association. He also authored The California Insurance Law Commentary, a respected blog in the legal community. Peter has spoken at industry-leading events hosted by the Beverly Hills Bar Association, RIMS, PLI, CEB, Strafford Publications, and the Litigation Counsel of America, among others. He was a featured panelist for the California Lawyer Cybersecurity Roundtable, underscoring his deep expertise in emerging areas such as cyber-insurance.
Peter’s excellence has been recognized by his peers and the broader legal community. Since 2007, he has been listed in Best Lawyers in America for both Insurance Law and Commercial Litigation, and as a Super Lawyer in Business Litigation. He holds an AV® Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell—the highest possible peer review rating for legal ability and ethical standards. He is also a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America, an invitation-only honorary trial lawyer society, and a past member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, recognizing his success in high-stakes litigation.
Peter holds a J.D. from the University of California, Los Angeles – School of Law (1980), an M.A. in English Language and Literature from the University of Chicago (1976), and a B.A. in English Literature from UC San Diego, where he graduated with highest honors (1975). A prior non-profit board member, he is currently enrolled in Columbia University’s Executive Education course on corporate governance and the responsibility of corporate board members.
Now no longer in active law practice, Peter is actively seeking opportunities to serve on corporate and nonprofit boards. He brings unmatched legal acumen, deep industry knowledge in insurance and financial services, and a solution-oriented approach to governance. His background makes him an ideal candidate for boards looking to strengthen oversight, mitigate risk, and navigate complex legal and regulatory landscapes.
Peter values collaboration, integrity, and thoughtful leadership. With a career built on both courtroom excellence and strategic advisory work, he is now poised to help shape and support the next generation of organizational growth through impactful board service.
Character: Peter Selvin is known for his integrity, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to ethical legal practice.
Knowledge: With nearly 45 years of experience, Peter brings deep expertise in insurance law, commercial litigation, and international legal matters.
Strategic: He excels at navigating complex disputes and advising on risk mitigation strategies that align with organizational goals.
Communication: A prolific writer and respected speaker, Peter communicates complex legal concepts with clarity and authority to diverse audiences.