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In this global role, Nicole practices general litigation, product liability, and commercial litigation with a focus on risk mitigation. She also advises on various corporate matters. Before joining Arrival in 2021, Nicole served as Associate General Counsel with Trane Technologies and an associate at Swanson Martin & Bell, LLP, a boutique litigation firm in Chicago, Illinois. 

Nicole is a 2006 graduate of Indiana University School of Law- Bloomington (n/k/a/ Maurer School of Law) and 1998 graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana (BS Biochemistry). Nicole obtained an MBA in Marketing and Management from Christian Brothers University in 2002.

Nicole serves the business in mitigation of risk, management of litigation costs and the provision of legal insight on business decisions ranging from strategy execution to relationship management. Nicole’s varied background in physical science and sales and management provides a strong foundation for her role as a dispute resolutionist and business partner to her clients. Nicole was awarded the Charlotte Business Journal’s Rising Star in 2014 and named a 2019 nominee for Outstanding Corporate Counsel.

Stephanie is a Claims Manager in the New York office of Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance. She is responsible for managing a team of Senior Claims Examiners as well as handling complex claims in the casualty and healthcare space. A native of Detroit, Michigan, Stephanie earned her B.A. from Michigan State University and her J.D. from Wayne State University. She began her career as an insurance defense litigator in New York City prior to transitioning to the insurance industry. 

Michele Fenice is Vice President, EPLI Claim Leader at Chubb. Michele leads a team of lawyers and insurance professionals handling employment practices liability litigation matters. Michele joined the organization in May 2004.

Before to joining Chubb, Michele spent time at Gulf Insurance Group, Bear Stearns and AIG. Michele was also an associate with the law firm of Gorlick, Kravitz & Listhaus.

Michele received her law degree from New York Law School and her undergraduate degree from Albright College.

Michele serves on the Board of Step Up.

Beth Fitch, Founding Partner, Righi Fitch Law Group

Beth Fitch is a founding member of Righi Fitch Law Group. She is a trial attorney with over 33 years of civil defense experience and has the AV Preeminent Rating. Beth has defended numerous multimillion-dollar cases, ranging from catastrophic injuries to construction defect cases. She has represented all types of professionals, from lawyers to real estate appraisers. Because of her defense of insureds under general liability insurance policies, Beth has successfully handled the entire gamut of complex tort cases, ranging from construction mishaps to products liability. In 2017, Beth was selected as a Business Insurance Women to Watch Honoree, and in 2021 she was recognized again as a Southwest Super Lawyer, which makes that her ninth year in a row.

Beth is certified by the International Association of Privacy Professionals. The CIPP/US certification is the preeminent privacy credential in the US private sector. Beth counsels companies and insureds on cyber hygiene and data privacy, as well as cyber security best practices. She serves as a breach coach for cyber exploits and data breaches. Beth serves as the Co-Dean of the CLM School of Cyber Claims. She advises clients on privacy and cyber security involving PII, PHI, and PCI; serves as a breach coach; and leads the firm’s data response team.

The nature of complex civil and cyber litigation not only requires experience and knowledge about the substantive law but also requires sophistication in addressing the interrelated contractual and complex insurance issues. Beth has developed expertise in risk management and assists clients with risk transfer strategies.

Beth focuses her time working with clients on mitigation of cyber risks and strategic planning for the complex cases. Recognizing that clients are best served by quick case resolutions, at the outset of every case, she looks for innovative solutions to bring about the client’s desired result in an economical and expedient manner.

Beth is a third-generation Arizonan and comes from a long line of entrepreneurs. Her family started several successful retail businesses and owned cattle ranches. As a result, she understands the business needs of clients and applies entrepreneurial principles to her practice.

Lea Kapral is General Manager of Central Claims at Acuity Insurance where she leads claim operations across Acuity’s operating territory.  She spent nearly half of her career managing field operations in the north east United States before taking on the GM role.  Education being a passion, Lea previously held a position on CLM’s Insurance Coverage Committee in the capacity of Conference Committee co-chair.  Lea currently serves as a co-chair of the CLM Transportation Committee.  While serving as an educator within CLM Claims College for many years and previously holding a position on Executive Council of the college, Lea was recently named Co-Dean of the Claims College School of Transportation.   She has spoken at industry events throughout her career focusing on topics such as coverage, transportation, and leadership. 

Deborah Saunders is Senior Director, Claims Management for Comcast NBCUniversal. She is responsible for managing all lines of Comcast and NBCUs claims programs, including Workers Compensation, Auto Liability, General Liability, Employment Practices, Property and Media Professional E&O. Prior to joining Comcast in 1998, Deborah was the Workers Compensation Claims Specialist for Campbell Soup Company. She started her career in claims as a representative for Travelers Insurance, where she handled both workers compensation and commercial liability claims. Deborah earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Massachusetts. She also holds Associate in Risk Management (ARM,) Certified Workers Compensation Professional (CWCP) and Certified Claims Professional (CCP) designations and is a certified paralegal.