Overview
H. Michael (Mike) Byrne has extensive experience in complex insurance transactions, regulation and InsurTech matters. He advises US and international insurers and reinsurers, investors, producers and technology companies on a broad range of matters, including obtaining regulatory approvals and conducting due diligence for M&A; obtaining approvals for affiliate transactions; forming, licensing and structuring business operations; drafting and negotiating distribution and administration agreements; and developing and obtaining approvals for unique products. He delivers practical and business-focused counsel on novel issues.
Mike frequently presents on InsurTech and excess and surplus lines. He maintains a broad practice across the US with a global client base and network.
Results
- Global insurance broker, as special regulatory counsel, in its acquisition of an SME-focused InsurTech MGA
- VC investor, as special regulatory counsel, in its investment in an SME-focused digital benefits consultant
- InsurTech homeowners MGA on transactions/partnerships and regulatory, IT, IP, e-commerce and privacy matters
- InsurTech MGA serving start-ups, in establishing/growing its US platform, and in various partnerships and regulatory matters
- Israeli cyber insurance MGA in its formation, licensing and various transactions, regulatory, IT, IP, employment and privacy matters
- Israeli digital life insurance producer, in its formation, nationwide licensing and various transactions, regulatory, IT, IP, e-commerce, employment, privacy and cyber security matters
- Leading travel company in drafting and negotiating a program administration agreement with a global insurer to sell travel protection products
- Global insurance broker/claims administrator in connection with handling travel insurance claims relating to COVID-19
- Telematics insurer in forming and licensing a rate advisory organization
- Global insurer in drafting and negotiating a program administration agreement with the world’s largest travel platform and related regulatory matters
- Multiple insurers for data calls and audits regarding COVID-19 premium refunds
- Korean reinsurer in establishing a US presence through a fronting arrangement and service company
- Life and disability insurer in establishing and obtaining regulatory approvals for a trust structure for the portability of employee benefits
- VC investor in its secondary market investment in a leading telematics insurer*
- Travel protection administrator in a multi-state market conduct investigation by the NAIC and drafting the Travel Insurance Model Act, in coordination with an industry coalition*
- A national, family-owned insurance broker, as special regulatory counsel, in its sale to one of the nation’s largest specialty insurance brokerage firms*
- Ironshore, as special regulatory counsel, in its $2.2 billion sale to Fosun*
*Matter handled prior to joining McDermott
Recognitions
- Chambers USA 2017 to 2023, New York – Insurance: Transactional & Regulatory
- Legal 500 US, 2021 and 2022
- NAPSLO Legislative Advocacy Award, 2013
Community
- WSIA/NAPSLO, member of the legislative committee, 2005 to present
- Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation, Northeast Division, former member of the board of directors and the grants committee, 2012 to 2019
Credentials
Education
Rutgers Law School – Camden, JD, cum laude, 1997
Rutgers University, BA, 1994
Admissions
New Jersey
New York
Pennsylvania
