Old Republic Professional Claims Handlers

Michael Carney

Claims Counsel

Michael G. Carney joined Old Republic Professional in 2017, and is currently Claims Counsel. Prior to joining Old Republic Professional, Michael was in private law practice at a boutique civil litigation defense firm, where his practice was focused on the defense of professional liability claims. Michael received a B.A. in history from Fordham University. He received a J.D. from the Loyola University of Chicago School of Law, where he was a member of the Law Journal.

Vivian Y. Cohn

Senior Vice President, General Counsel

Vivian joined Old Republic Professional in 1990, and is currently Senior Vice President and General Counsel. Prior to joining Old Republic Professional, Vivian was in private practice for ten years as a partner in an insurance defense firm. Vivian received a B.A., magna cum laude, from Sweet Briar College, Sweet Briar, Virginia, where she was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. She received a J.D. from the Loyola University of Chicago School of Law where she was a member of the Loyola Law Review.

Michael W. Early

Vice President and Deputy General Counsel

Mike Early joined Old Republic Professional in 2000, and is currently Vice President & Deputy General Counsel. Before joining Old Republic Professional, Mike was in private practice, engaged in commercial litigation, bankruptcy and professional liability defense matters. Mike was also an attorney with the City of Chicago Department of Law, Commercial and Policy Litigation Division, where he gained extensive trial experience defending the City of Chicago. Mike received a B.A., with honors, from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio. He received a J.D. from Duke University.

Laureen Efein

Associate Claims Counsel

Laureen Efein joined Old Republic Professional in 2016, and is currently Assistant Claims Counsel. Prior to joining Old Republic Professional, Laureen was in private practice, working primarily in civil litigation defense, insurance defense, and defending employers in worker's compensation claims. During law school, Laureen clerked for the Cook County States Attorney's Office and had a 711 License where she argued motions and gained trial experience. Laureen is also fluent in Arabic. Laureen received a B.S. in finance and marketing from DePaul University. She received a J.D. from the John Marshall Law School.

Christopher Featherstun

Claims Counsel

Christopher P. Featherstun joined Old Republic Professional in 2019 as Claims Counsel. Chris brings nearly nine years' of claims handling experience to Old Republic Pro, with a background mostly in private-company and not-for-profit D&O and EPL matters. Prior to focusing on management liability, Chris handled claims across a broad range of policies, including CGL, Technology, Media, and Professional Liability.

Chris graduated from James Madison University with a B.A. in political science in 2004. Chris then received his J.D., cum laude from Mercer University's Walter F. George School of Law, where he was a member of the Moot Court Board, in 2009.

Chris moved with his wife, Cheryl, and son, Woody, from Atlanta to Chicago in 2017.

Heather Plunkett

Claims Counsel