Gary came to MWSS+ after practicing for nearly twenty years at a large regional firm based in Cleveland, Ohio. He has extensive experience in insurance coverage consulting and litigation, focusing primarily on first-party property and third-party liability coverages. Gary has handled complex coverage issues involving faulty workmanship, collapse, water damage, intentional acts, arson, and insurance fraud, to name just a few. He represents both policyholders and insurance companies. His work on an arson case earned his former firm a Golden Gavel award from Westfield Insurance Company in 2012.
Gary also has considerable appellate experience, having briefed and argued twenty appeals. He is admitted to practice in state and federal courts in both Idaho and Ohio, and is a member of the Litigation and Appellate practice sections of the Idaho State Bar.
Born and raised in the Pittsburgh area, Gary earned Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees from Bowling Green State University. Before attending Case Western Reserve University School of Law, he worked as a computer programmer, specializing in statistical analysis and computer mapping. Gary enjoys hiking, travel, and baseball. He has attended games at a dozen major league stadiums, more than two dozen minor league ballparks, and several spring training sites in Florida and Arizona.
Practice areas
Commercial litigation
25 years
Insurance coverage litigation
25 years
25 years
McConnell Wagner Sykes & Stacey
827 E. Park Blvd.
Suite 201
Boise, ID, 83712
| State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| ID | Active | 2016 | 01/07/2022 |
| OH | Active | 1997 | 11/05/2021 |
| Legal answers | 0 |
| Legal guides | 0 |
| Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
|---|---|---|
| Golden Gavel Award | Westfield Insurance Company | 2012 |
| Title | Company name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Counsel | Ulmer & Berne LLP | 1997 - 2016 |
| Association name | Position name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Idaho State Bar | Member | 2016 - Present |
| Publication name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| The Update / Ohio Association of Civil Trial Attorneys | "We Should Get Us Some Reform" | 2013 |
| School name | Degree | Graduated |
|---|---|---|
| Case Western Reserve University School of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 1997 |
| Bowling Green State University | M.A. | 1983 |
| Bowling Green State University | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 1981 |
| Case name | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Themis Lodging Corp. v. Erie Ins. Exch., 2010 WL 2817251 (N.D. Ohio) | The court granted Erie Insurance Exchange’s motion to dismiss for lack of diversity jurisdiction. |
| Babandi v. Allstate Indem. Co., 2008 WL 906116 (N.D. Ohio) | The court granted Allstate’s motion for summary judgment, finding no coverage for a fire loss in a vacant structure. |
| Crites v. Allstate Ins. Co., 2008-Ohio-3924 (Ohio App. 5th Dist.) | Affirming summary judgment for Allstate, the court held that the Allstate policy limited coverage for personal property located away from the insured premises. |
| State Farm Fire and Casualty Co. v. Harpster, 2008-Ohio-3357 (Ohio App. 8th Dist.) | The court affirmed summary judgment for State Farm, holding that State Farm had no duty to defend or indemnify its insured for liability arising from a “road rage” incident. |
| Scott v. Allstate Indem. Co., 417 F.Supp.2d 929 (N.D. Ohio 2006) | The court granted Allstate’s motion for summary judgment, finding that a fire at the insured’s residence could reasonably have been expected to result from the insured’s conduct. |
Endorsements from fellow lawyers are an important consideration for many when selecting the right attorney. Be the first to endorse your colleague!