Atty. Michael T. Sharkey

Atty. Michael T. Sharkey

Michael Sharkey is a partner with the firm’s Insurance Recovery practice and concentrates his practice on representing policyholders in insurance coverage disputes nationwide. He has represented clients on a wide variety of insurance issues, including litigation seeking insurance coverage for alleged products liability, environmental contamination, water damage and mold, director’s and officer’s liability, errors and omissions, asbestos bodily injury and property damage, unfair trade practices, trademark infringement, employer’s liability, defamation, and malicious prosecution.

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Profile Summary

About Michael T. Sharkey at a glance

Michael T. Sharkey is a insurance attorney based in Washington, District of Columbia, practicing at Perkins Coie LLP. Admitted to practice in District of Columbia, United States and Maryland, United States. Educated at Yale University (J.D., 1994) and Yale University (BA, 1991). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Insurance Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026). Serands clients in Washington, DC and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Michael Sharkey is a partner with the firm’s Insurance Recovery practice and concentrates his practice on representing policyholders in insurance coverage disputes nationwide
  • He has represented clients on a wide variety of insurance issues, including litigation seeking insurance coverage for alleged products liability, environmental contamination, water damage and mold, director’s and officer’s liability, errors and omissions, asbestos bodily injury and property damage, unfair trade practices, trademark infringement, employer’s liability, defamation, and malicious prosecution
  • In connection with his representation of policyholders, Michael has participated in all phases of litigation, including several that involved multi-month trials, and has briefed appeals to state supreme courts and state and federal appellate courts
  • Michael advises clients on insurance coverage before a claim arises, providing advice on the scope of coverage under their existing or proposed policies and possible improvements to seek at renewal
  • Michael also regularly advises clients on the insurance issues that arise in connection with corporate transactions
  • These include the effect of the transaction on the parties’ existing and historic insurance coverage arrangements as well as insurance, such as representations and warranty coverage, that may be purchased in connection with the deal itself
  • Additionally, he counsels clients on the drafting and interplay of insurance and indemnification provisions in contracts, including construction contracts, supplier and service agreements, and corporate transactions, with the goal of aligning the provisions with the parties’ intent during the drafting process – before a dispute arises
  • Michael is a prolific writer and speaker on issues related to insurance recovery

Practice Areas Explained

Michael T. Sharkey's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Michael T. Sharkey handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Insurance Law

Insurance attorneys for coverage disputes, bad faith claims, denied claims, and policy disputes.

Michael T. Sharkey is one of 121,912 insurance attorneys indexed nationally. Browse insurance attorneys in District of Columbia →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in District of Columbia

Practicing law in District of Columbia. Legal matters in District of Columbia are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Washington are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate District of Columbia state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in District of Columbia brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in District of Columbia courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional District of Columbia attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Washington or all attorneys in District of Columbia.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Michael T. Sharkey

Where is Michael T. Sharkey's law office located?
Michael T. Sharkey's law practice is located in Washington, District of Columbia. The firm is Perkins Coie LLP. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Michael T. Sharkey handle?
Michael T. Sharkey focuses on insurance. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in District of Columbia.
Where did Michael T. Sharkey go to law school?
Michael T. Sharkey earned their education at (J.D., 1994); (BA, 1991).
How can I contact Michael T. Sharkey for a consultation?
You can contact Michael T. Sharkey directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Michael T. Sharkey received?
Michael T. Sharkey's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Insurance Law; Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:; Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation; Best Lawyers in America — International Arbitration - Commercial; Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Insurance.

Practice Areas

Education

J.D.
Yale University
- 1994
BA
Yale University
- 1991

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Insurance Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — International Arbitration - Commercial
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Insurance
- 2026

Bar Admissions

District of Columbia, United States
Maryland, United States

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