Former Association of California Insurance Companies President Joins Barger & Wolen

Samuel Sorich, the former president of the Association of California Insurance Companies (ACIC), a California property/casualty insurance trade association, has joined Barger & Wolen as of counsel. Sorich, who has been in the insurance industry for more than 30 years, will also open and head the law firm’s new Sacramento office.

As ACIC president, Sorich directed the group’s legislative, regulatory and litigation activities. Under his direction, he and ACIC played a key role in the crafting and regulatory implementation of the 2003-2004 workers’ compensation reforms, the development of regulations that implement Proposition 103’s provisions on auto insurance rating and underwriting, litigation that determines the scope of the insurance commissioner’s authority over homeowners insurance underwriting, and legislation that provides consumers with effective disclosures regarding insurance coverage.

Sorich’s role with Barger & Wolen will focus on expanding the firm’s presence and relationships in Sacramento, particularly with the Department of Insurance and other state agencies. Although Barger & Wolen is not new to Sacramento, due to its representation and regulatory work before the Department of Insurance, Sorich will become a liaison for the firm’s clients within the influential circles of the state’s capital.

“After my retirement from the ACIC, I was looking for an opportunity to continue to serve the insurance industry and its customers,” Sorich said.

Barger & Wolen is a Los Angeles-based law firm best known for its representation of insurance and reinsurance companies.