Terrance J. Evans

Practice areas

Banking, Business Litigation, Real Estate: Business, Insurance Coverage

Terrance J. Evans serves as a partner within the Trial Practice Group at Duane Morris in San Francisco. His primary focus lies in representing entities within the financial services sector, encompassing international, national, and local banks, loan service companies, as well as insurance firms. Over the course of his career, Mr. Evans has been instrumental in securing and conserving tens of millions of dollars for clients through settlements, court decisions, and alternative legal procedures. Additionally, he actively contributes to the Diversity and Inclusion Committee of the firm and holds the position of West Coast Vice Chair within the Duane Morris Banking Practice Group. Notably, in 2016, the National Bar Association recognized Mr. Evans as one of the leading 40 attorneys in the United States under the age of 40.

Regarding the insurance industry, Mr. Evans specializes in intricate commercial litigation and the meticulous interpretation and analysis of insurance policies. He has effectively represented various tiers of commercial insurers in significant cases valued in the millions, encompassing issues like declaratory relief, bad faith claims, rescission matters, subrogation, indemnity disputes, additional insurance coverage, and legal actions for reformation. In this capacity, Mr. Evans has also undertaken roles as national coordinating and monitoring counsel for insurance companies handling complex, multi-jurisdictional claims, often involving substantial financial stakes.

Mr. Evans has provided comprehensive guidance to both commercial insurers and policyholders, addressing their obligations pertaining to primary, excess, and additional insurance matters across numerous U.S. jurisdictions. His expertise spans diverse sectors including construction, automotive, homeowners associations, real estate, accounting, legal services, religious organizations, intellectual property, international trade, and more. He has also advised insurance companies on matters related to national security and the U.S. military.

In the domain of banking, Mr. Evans has effectively represented a spectrum of banks – from international giants to local community banks – as well as loan service companies. His practice encompasses litigation related to consumer lending, complex commercial issues, and various secured transactions. These transactions include foreclosure processes, creditors’ rights concerns, bankruptcy court actions, lien disputes, and various contentious matters involving property transactions, lending practices, and related claims. Mr. Evans has demonstrated proficiency in representing financial institutions in title insurance coverage disputes as well, showcasing his ability to analyze policies, negotiate coverage terms, and successfully resolve coverage-related conflicts.

With extensive experience in handling multimillion-dollar settlements, litigations across numerous states, and participation in various forms of alternative dispute resolution, Mr. Evans has proven his legal acumen. He has also effectively represented clients in appellate matters, including cases brought before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Mr. Evans has been a featured speaker at diverse legal seminars, business development workshops, and inclusivity conferences across the nation. He has been actively engaged in pro bono initiatives within the firm as well.

His professional achievements have been widely recognized at both local and national levels. Notably, he was appointed to the Minority Corporate Counsel Association’s Next Generation Advisory Board in 2016, reflecting his commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion within the legal profession. Additionally, he has held leadership positions within the American Bar Association’s Section of Litigation, Insurance Coverage Litigation Committee. He has also received honors from organizations like the American Business Trial Lawyers of Northern California, the Stakeholder Organization, the NAACP, and various other institutions.

Mr. Evans holds a degree from Cornell University, where he achieved multiple Dean’s List appearances and was a Cornell Tradition Fellow. He further graduated from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles with distinction and earned recognition as the Third Best Oral Advocate in the United States at the Frederick Douglass Moot Court Competition.