February 15, 2012, Blue Bell, PA - Nelson Levine de Luca & Hamilton (Nelson Levine), a leading law firm representing the insurance industry, announced today the appointment of former insurance industry executives Cathy Lazaroff and John J. Geer to the firm's Executive Board. Ms. Lazaroff and Mr. Geer replace two departing members of the five-person Board.

Nelson Levine's Board is comprised solely of retired insurance industry executives, all of whom have significant legal and operational knowledge attained while employed at some of the country's most prominent insurers. Formed in 2009, the Board helps identify strategic initiatives and address challenges and trends impacting the insurance industry. The Board also consults with firm management on management matters, growth opportunities and operational issues.

Prior to her retirement in 2008, Ms. Lazaroff worked for Allstate Insurance Company for 30 years where she held a number of high-level positions, including Vice President roles in Marketing, Claims and P&C Technology. Heavily involved in the advancement of the insurance industry, Ms. Lazaroff has served on several Claims Boards or Claims Advisory Councils, including American Insurance Services Group/Insurance Services Organization, Insurance Research Council, National Insurance Crime Bureau and NAII.

Mr. Geer brings more than 17 years of insurance industry experience, including serving as Assistant Vice President & Head of Staff Counsel at Geico, where he oversaw all attorneys who represented policyholders as well as Vice President, Head of Claims Home Office. Mr. Geer was appointed to Geico's Board of Directors in July 2000, a position he held until his retirement in 2009. Prior to Geico, Mr. Geer served on active duty for 23 years as a member of the U.S. Navy's Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAGC), where he was involved in claims and tort litigation, among other responsibilities. He is a former Chair of the Board of Directors of the National Insurance Crime Bureau and served on the Board from 2000-2005.

"Our Executive Board has played a critical role in the firm's continued growth and allows us to maintain an advantage in understanding and effectively addressing issues concerning the insurance industry," said Nelson Levine Chairman Mike Nelson. "Cathy and John are tremendous additions for us - their collective experience in the insurance industry and with the law is a tremendous asset and we are confident that the firm and our clients will be well served by these appointments."