Former Kemper Vice President and Associate General Counsel Baird Allis Rejoins Troutman Pepper Locke as Partner in Insurance Transactional and Regulatory Practice

CHICAGO – Baird Allis, former vice president and associate general counsel at Kemper Corporation, has rejoined Troutman Pepper Locke as a partner in the firm’s Insurance Transactional and Regulatory Practice Group in Chicago.

Allis brings more than 15 years of experience in private practice and in-house leadership in the insurance industry. He was previously a partner at Troutman Pepper Locke legacy firm Locke Lord. His experience spans the full range of complex transactions, including public company SEC reporting, governance counseling, M&A, financing, divestitures, restructurings, and joint ventures. Allis has represented clients across the insurance, banking, and investment management sectors, including insurance companies, national banks, investment management firms, and family offices.

“Insurance transactional work has seen a substantial uptick in our practice, and these deals bring nuanced complexities that require high-end talent to navigate. Clients are better served by exceptional lawyers like Baird who have sat on every side of the table,” said Zachary Lerner, chair of the firm’s Insurance Transactional and Regulatory Practice Group. “His unique experience as outside counsel, in-house counsel, and as part of the board’s inner circle will directly benefit our clients and strengthen our nationally recognized practice.”

“Chicago is a hub for the insurance industry, and Baird adds meaningful depth to the strong practice we’ve built in this market,” said Andrea Verney Kerstein, Chicago office managing partner and partner in the Insurance and Reinsurance Litigation Practice Group. “I have worked alongside him before, and his knowledge of this market, firm, and industry is second to none. We are glad to have him back.”

“I’ve watched Troutman Pepper Locke build one of the premier insurance practices in the country, first as a colleague and then as a client,” said Allis. “My time in-house showed me what clients look for in outside counsel. There’s no better place to put that experience to work than back among colleagues and clients I have known and trusted for years. It is great to be back.”

Troutman Pepper Locke’s Insurance Transactional and Regulatory Practice navigates the complex landscape of insurance laws, regulations, and corporate transactions. The team provides strategic counsel to insurance companies, reinsurers, brokers, and other industry stakeholders, ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks while facilitating mergers, acquisitions, capital raising, restructurings, and innovative market entries. By combining deep experience with industry insights, Troutman Pepper Locke empowers clients to achieve their business objectives while mitigating risks in a highly regulated sector.

Troutman Pepper Locke

Troutman Pepper Locke helps clients solve complex legal challenges and achieve their business goals in an ever-changing global economy. With more than 1,600 attorneys in 30+ offices, the firm serves clients in all major industry sectors, with particular depth in energy, financial services, health care and life sciences, insurance and reinsurance, private equity, and real estate. Learn more at troutman.com