Joseph F. Bermudez, Esq.
Partner, Pierson Ferdinand LLP · Expert & Thought Leader, CPIPRI360.com
joe.bermudez@pierferd.com · 303.547.2822 · joebermudez@cpipri360.com
Professional Summary
With over 20 years of exclusive dedication to Contaminated Product Insurance and Product Recall Insurance (CPI/PRI), Joseph F. Bermudez offers unparalleled 360-degree expertise to the global CPI/PRI Marketplace. Having served as coverage counsel, broker, coverholder, policy author, wording analyst, and crisis consultant, he provides a holistic understanding enabling rapid resolution of complex claims, wording issues, and crises. Frequently retained as a CPI/PRI expert, he delivers extraordinary results in mediations and coverage determinations while preventing claim friction. Available 24/7; crises handled across North America, Europe, Asia, and South America.
Key Expertise & Services
- CPI/PRI coverage analysis, claims handling, and extent-of-loss determination
- Policy wording, manuscript form development, review, and enhancement
- Expert testimony, mediation, arbitration, and alternative dispute resolution
- Crisis management consulting (food, consumer goods, auto, pharmaceutical, aviation)
- Development of innovative CPI/PRI products
Professional Experience
Partner · Pierson Ferdinand LLP, Louisville, COAugust 2025 – Present
- Exclusive CPI/PRI focus; created and developed CPIPRI360.com
Partner · Stewart Smith, Louisville, CODecember 2017 – August 2025
- Retained CPI/PRI Expert; developed Global Crisis Management Summit (N. America & Europe), Think Differently newsletter, Discussions in Crisis Management podcast, Crisis Management Salons, and C-19 Virtual Town Halls
- Gained Insurer national panels; advised on wordings, claims, and crisis resolution
EVP · Berrian Insurance Group, Denver, COJuly 2016 – November 2017
- CPI/PRI Expert; created programs for international food retail, innovative contamination policies, and novel endorsements; CEO/CFO exposure sessions
Regional Managing Partner / Equity Partner · Wilson Elser, Denver, COJuly 2011 – October 2016
- Opened/managed Denver office (revenue >400%, attorneys >300%); Co-Lead Crisis Management Practice; developed CPI/PRI policies for 18 insurers; handled hundreds of matters; lectured in China on CPI/PRI
- Created Crisis Management Summit and PRISM; co-created Cybersecurity & Data Privacy Practice Group
Partner · Cozen O'Connor & prior firms (Nelson Levine, McElroy Deutsch, Luce Forward, Haythe & Curley), Denver/NY1988 – 2011
- Leadership in insurance coverage and CPI/PRI; national counsel on complex litigation; developed CPI/PRI Conference Series and Global Insurance Group marketing.
Education & Admissions
J.D., University of Michigan Law School; Hague Academy of International Law; B.A., Boston University. Admitted: Colorado, New Jersey, New York, District of Columbia; Sixth Circuit and multiple U.S. District Courts.
Thought Leadership & Initiatives
- Creator of CPIPRI360.com, Global Crisis Management Summits (Americas, Europe, Asia), Think Differently, Discussions in Crisis Management, and Crisis Management Salons.
- Frequent lecturer/author on CPI/PRI, food safety, cyber, product recalls, and emerging issues (Law360, Mealey's, Best's Review, ABA).
- Available 24/7 for coverage opinions, expert retention, mediations, crisis consultation, arbitration and litigation.
