In Their Shoes

I was fascinated when chatting with CLM Fellow Jeff Berino last month as he took a break between investigating wildfires out west (a top job these days, job security-wise). As we bantered about the breadth and scope of fires now and what are sure to come in the near future, I felt all 34 years of wildfire investigative experience come through in one particularly long sigh. “It’s rough out there, and it’s only getting worse,” he said. When we landed on the idea of doing a day-in-the-life approach for this month’s cover story, it was an instant lightbulb moment for both of us, and I couldn’t wait to walk a few thousand acres in his shoes. Lace up on page 24.

Also, as summer comes to a close, it’s a chance to don a pair of sneakers and check in with CLM’s summer interns. These students worked eight weeks at several insurers and third party administrators across the nation, exploring new careers by working on real files and claims. Their insights and experiences will take you back to your first days in the field, and who wouldn’t want to relive a few youthful days? Managing Editor Bevrlee Lips takes us there on page 32.

Lastly, we trade in shoes for black robes with CLM Member Karen Kalzer’s analysis of the U.S. Supreme Court decisions that will impact our space. Kalzer has graced our magazine several times before, and her ability to summarize and digest large amounts of research in a very readable way never ceases to impress. If you’re like me, you won’t be able to get enough. It starts on page 36.