Overview
Jonathan Zelig is the Managing Partner of Day Pitney's Boston Office, where he combines firm leadership with a national insurance practice. He represents domestic and international insurers in complex litigation and arbitration across the United States, handling some of the industry's most significant and emerging coverage issues. Known for securing favorable outcomes in both legacy exposures and cutting-edge risks, Jonathan has developed a reputation as a rising leader in the national insurance bar. Clients and peers highlight Jonathan's "exceptional command of emerging coverage issues" and his "steady hand in both trial and arbitration forums," while praising his "practical and realistic advice."
Jonathan has advised insurers on a wide range of high-stakes disputes. His experience includes mass tort and catastrophic loss matters such as asbestos, opioid, and sexual molestation coverage claims. He is also at the forefront of emerging risks, including coverage disputes arising from COVID-19, e-cigarettes, cyberattacks, media liability, and innovative financial transactions. In addition, Jonathan regularly counsels clients on professional, executive, and extracontractual liability, including directors and officers (D&O) claims, intellectual property disputes, healthcare compliance, professional liability, and bad faith allegations. Jonathan also has a substantial track record of success in late notice, claims-made, and claim-relatedness coverage disputes.
Jonathan is a past president of the Massachusetts Insurance and Reinsurance Bar Association, where he is now a member of the Board of Directors. He also serves on the Boston Bar Association's Financial Services Steering Committee. Jonathan was chosen for Up and Coming inclusion in Chambers USA 2025 in the Insurance Massachusetts category. He is also listed in The Best Lawyers in America® (2025–2026) for Insurance Law.
Experience
No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the highest court of any state. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Represented excess E&O insurer in coverage litigation with multinational tech company regarding settlements of defective product claims
Represented primary specialty insurer in coverage litigation regarding sexual abuse of a minor at a secondary school
Represented cyber insurer in coverage litigation regarding claim for business email compromise
Represented primary general liability carrier in coverage dispute concerning false advertising claims against a consumer goods producer
Represented excess D&O carrier in coverage litigation with multinational corporation regarding breach of fiduciary duty claims
Represented cedent mutual insurance company in arbitration seeking multimillion-dollar recovery from its reinsurer in connection with winter storm-related property damage
Represented ceding insurer in litigation seeking $250 million from its reinsurers in connection with a $1 billion underlying asbestos settlement
Represented cedent mutual insurance company in a series of state and federal lawsuits seeking recovery from its reinsurers of loss expense paid above the reinsurance accepted amount in connection with underlying asbestos litigation
Represented a mutual insurance company on appeal from a decision and order declaring coverage of a school district's multimillion-dollar settlement of intentional discrimination claims
Represented consumer television provider in a federal breach of contract action against an international media company
Represented plaintiff telecommunications company in a contract dispute that went to award after a seven-day trial before a New York arbitration panel
Represented an energy company as defendant and counter-claimant in a federal breach of contract dispute arising out of the company's $7.6 billion purchase of a subsidiary of a foreign energy conglomerate
Successfully achieved dismissal of a federal breach of contract lawsuit filed against a public utilities board by an energy consultant
Education and Credentials
Education
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Yale Law School, J.D., 2011, Yale Journal on Regulation, Editor-in-Chief
- Pomona College, B.A., magna cum laude, 2008
Admissions
- Commonwealth of Massachusetts
- State of New York
- U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of New York
- U.S. District Court, Western District of New York
Affiliations
- Massachusetts Insurance and Reinsurance Bar Association (MIReBA), President
- Boston Bar Association
- New York State Bar Association
Recognition and Community
No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the highest court of any state. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. See Awards Methodology.
Recognitions
Selected to Boston Magazine's Top Lawyers List, Insurance, 2025
Chosen for inclusion in the Chambers USA Legal Directory (Chambers & Partners), of recognized practitioners for Insurance, 2025
Chosen for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White, Inc) for Insurance Law, 2025-2026
Selected to the list of Massachusetts Super Lawyers Rising Stars (Thomson Reuters), Business Litigation, 2014-2016, 2018-2022
Semifinalist, Yale Law School Morris Tyler Moot Court of Appeals, 2009
Pomona College Morton O. Beckner Prize for Special Talent in Philosophy, 2008
Phi Beta Kappa, 2008
News & Insights
News
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Boston Magazine's Top Lawyers of 2025, November 25, 2025 -
Day Pitney Secures Summary Judgment Win for Clients in Louisiana Direct Action, August 14, 2023 -
Jonathan Zelig Elected President of Massachusetts Insurance and Reinsurance Bar Association, May 24, 2022 -
Day Pitney's Representation of CBF and Brazilian Iron Companies Covered by Law360, July 17, 2019 -
Day Pitney Congratulates Our New Partners, January 31, 2019
In The Media
Media Mentions
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Billionaire Fights Waiving Of Privilege In $48M Award Dispute, Law360, July 30, 2019