Pierson Ferdinand Hires Am Law 100 Partner to Lead New International Insurance Regulatory Practice
Thomas F. Morante brings deep insurance law pedigree to PierFerd
New York, NY – May 1, 2025 – Pierson Ferdinand LLP (“PierFerd”), one of the world’s fastest-growing law firms, announces the appointment of industry-leading insurance lawyer Thomas (Tom) F. Morante as Partner.
Tom will launch and lead PierFerd’s International Insurance Regulatory Team Practice; expanding PierFerd’s insurance law offering domestically and overseas. He joins directly from Am Law 200 peer Carlton Fields following a decade at Am Law 100 peer Holland & Knight.
The new practice will draw on Tom’s considerable international experience as PierFerd cements its position as a trusted global advisor to the insurance sector; ensuring clients have access to the highest-quality legal services as they navigate evolving regulatory regimes, technological innovation, and risk factors.
Collaborating with Partners across other Practices, the International Insurance Regulatory Team Practice will assist Fortune 500 and regional corporations, plus insurance and reinsurance companies; captive insurers; insurance agents; brokers and wholesalers; broker/dealers; financial institutions; and investment funds. The breadth of Tom’s insurance experience will also assist clients in high-net-worth trust and estate planning; digital marketing; and insurtech activities. Joining Tom at PierFerd in the International Insurance Regulatory practice is Barbara Efraim. Barbara is a California lawyer based in the firm’s Los Angeles office. She worked with Tom on several Latin American insurance projects at Holland & Knight.
A. Michael Pierson and Joel M. Ferdinand, Co-Chairmen of Pierson Ferdinand, said:
“The launch of our International Insurance Regulatory Team Practice is a strategic milestone for PierFerd. It cements our leadership position in serving the insurance sector and widens our international capabilities - invaluable given the complex multinational needs of many clients. Tom’s deep experience and strong working relationship makes him well-placed to lead the Practice, and we are delighted to welcome him to PierFerd.”
Tom Morante, Partner at Pierson Ferdinand, added:
“It is an honor to launch and lead PierFerd’s International Insurance Regulatory Team Practice – helping PierFerd and our Partners leverage the significant opportunities in providing high-quality legal services to the sector. At an individual level, PierFerd’s technology-driven, collaborative approach makes it the perfect home for us to continue delivering for our present and future clients.”
At Carlton Fields, Tom led the firm’s International Insurance Regulatory & Transactional Practice Group; driving growth while assisting clients with developing offshore products, cross-border regulatory and compliance matters, M&A, and licensing and distribution agreements.
Tom has received numerous industry accolades recognizing his outstanding client service. He is AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell and has featured in prominent industry rankings, including The Best Lawyers in America for Insurance Law, International Trade and Finance Law, and Tax Law (2005-2025); and Super Lawyers Magazine’s Florida Super Lawyers (2006-2022).
He is the former chair of both the ABA Business Law Section’s International Coordinating Committee and International Business Law Committee, and currently co-chairs the International Collaboration Task Force (a joint initiative of the ABA Business Law Section and International Law Section). Tom also serves on the Board of Advisers of Inter-American Dialogue’s Financial Services Advisor publication and is bilingual (English/Spanish).
Tom earned his L.L.M. from Georgetown University Law Center and holds a J.D. from The American University Washington College of Law.
About PierFerd
Pierson Ferdinand LLP is an international law firm serving clients globally from 25+ markets. Its 200+ partners practice in 80+ areas of law, including corporate, employment and executive compensation, intellectual property, litigation, private clients & estates, and tax. Its partners have a reputation for excellence and significant experience practicing in preeminent law firms, corporate legal departments, and government.[1]
Media Contact
Jake Horwood
pf@thoburns.com
+44 7564 584 481
[1] In London, the firm operates as Pierson Ferdinand UK LLP, a limited liability partnership registered in England & Wales with registered number OC449880. It is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority with registered number 8006801. Pierson Ferdinand UK is connected with its affiliate in the United States, Pierson Ferdinand LLP, although they are two separate legal entities.
The word “partner” denotes a member of Pierson Ferdinand UK or an employee or consultant with equivalent standing and qualifications.
