James E. Rocap III

Partner

• jrocap@steptoe.com
• vCard
• Washington Office

James E. Rocap III is a partner in the Washington office of Steptoe & Johnson LLP, where he is a member of the Litigation Department.  Mr. Rocap’s practice focuses primarily on complex civil litigation, with a particular emphasis on large insurance coverage disputes.  Throughout 30 years of legal practice, he has developed rich experience in a range of complex civil and white-collar criminal defense matters.  He is a #1 Ranked Attorney in Chambers USA 2006, America's Leading Business Lawyers; DC Insurance: Insurer Firms.

Mr. Rocap has experience handling a wide range of insurance cases, including latent health coverage claims for exposure to asbestos, tobacco, silica, lead paint, high-decibel noise, dioxin, DES, and environmental contamination.  In addition, he has worked with construction defect claims and claims involving allegedly defective products, such as mass property damage claims involving concrete railroad ties, plumbing fixtures, and asbestos in buildings.  Mr. Rocap also has significant experience in insurance coverage-related arbitrations.

Mr. Rocap has represented companies and individuals in complex business tort litigation, including claims regarding antitrust violations, fraud, tortious interference with contract, and breach of contract.  Mr. Rocap’s white-collar criminal defense experience includes advising companies and individuals in grand jury and independent counsel investigations as well as in trials.  Investigations have included allegations involving conflict of interest, bribery, mail and wire fraud, money laundering, and perjury. 

Mr. Rocap contributes to several pro bono activities.  He is the chair of the Firm's Pro Bono committee, represents two death-row inmates, one for more than 24 years, and on a regular basis he provides legal services to the homeless through the Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless.  He also serves on the committee for the Senior Lawyer Public Interest Project of the DC Bar Pro Bono Program.

Mr. Rocap is one of the attorney authors of the Manual for Complex Insurance Coverage Litigation.  He also serves as the Vice-Chair of the Sections Council of the DC Bar.

Noteworthy

• Listed in Best Lawyers of America 2008 for Insurance Law
• Received a #1 Ranking in Chambers USA 2007, America's Leading Business Lawyers; Insurance: Insurer Firms and received a #1 Ranking in Insurance: Insurer Firms for the District of Columbia
• Euromoney Expert Guide (2007)
• Euromoney Expert Guide (2006)  

News

• Best Lawyers in America Honors 43 Steptoe Attorneys
• Chambers and Partners Names Steptoe A Leading Firm in 22 Practice Areas
• Chairman Roger Warin Receives Prestigious Award
• Chambers USA Recognizes 26 Attorneys
• New Insurance Partner

Speaking Engagements

• Jim Rocap Speaks at PLI Seminar in New York on Insurance Coverage, April 28, 2008
• James Rocap, III Presents at Mealey’s Scope of Coverage Conference, October 15, 2007
• Jim Rocap Speaks at VADA Meeting on Coverage, May 10, 2007
• Jim Rocap Speaks at PLI Insurance Coverage: Claim Trends & Litigation, April 30, 2007
• Adopting an All Sums or Pro Rata Approach Mock Oral Argument on Summary Judgment Motion, November 7, 2006, Mealey's All Sums: Reallocation & Settlement Credits Conference