
Howard Panensky
Partner | Litigation
howard.panensky@pierferd.com
+1.908.415.0103 cell
+1.551.298.5043 office
New York
About
Howard Panensky is a seasoned litigator and strategic advisor whose practice focuses on commercial litigation, insurance defense, and complex coverage matters. He has deep experience representing both insurers and policyholders, providing comprehensive legal and advisory support across a broad spectrum of insurance lines.
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With a particular focus on cyber liability, Howard routinely advises clients on data breach response, coverage analysis, incident preparedness (including tabletop exercises), and the defense of cyber claims. His experience also spans financial lines, including Directors & Officers (D&O) liability, Employment Practices Liability (EPL), and Fiduciary Liability, where he counsels clients on high-stakes claims and policy interpretation.
Howard’s background includes significant in-house and brokerage-side roles at Marsh, WTW, and Ironshore Insurance. This industry experience gives him an insider’s understanding of carrier operations, policy structures, and claims handling—allowing him to offer not only effective litigation strategies but also practical, business-oriented solutions.
He represents clients in:
Cyber risk and privacy-related litigation
Insurance coverage disputes across various lines, including cyber, D&O, EPL, and fiduciary
Defense of policyholders in insured claims
Claims monitoring, coordination, and response strategy development
Commercial litigation and risk mitigation across diverse sectors
Howard’s practice is defined by a proactive approach to risk, clarity in complex insurance matters, and a commitment to protecting clients’ business interests in both advisory and litigation contexts.
Practices
Commercial Litigation
Cyber, Privacy & Technology
Insurance
Litigation and Risk Management
Professional and Management Liability
Technology
Information Security
Admissions
New York
New Jersey
U.S. District Court of New Jersey
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York
Education
Rutgers University School of Law, J.D., 2006
University of Delaware, B.S., 2003
Law Firm Experience
Fox Rothschild, LLP
Winget, Spadafora & Schwartzberg, LLP
Law Clerk to the Honorable F. Patrick McManimon, J.S.C., Mercer County, New Jersey
Corporate Experience
Marsh
WTW
Ironshore Insurance
In the News
Business Interruption Claims in Cyber Insurance: Policy Wordings, Misinterpretations, and Best Practices, March 6, 2025
“Pierson Ferdinand Hires Cyber Specialist Panensky from Marsh,” Cyber Risk Insurer (March 18, 2024) (subscription required)