USI Insurance Sues Former Broker Over Client Solicitation
The firm alleges that a former aviation broker violated non-solicitation agreements after joining a rival.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Business Travel
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USI Insurance Services has filed a lawsuit in Georgia against former aviation broker Lauren Hanes, alleging she solicited clients while still employed at the firm. The company claims Hanes shared confidential information with competitor Howden.
Why it matters
The legal action highlights the intense competition for aviation insurance portfolios as firms move to expand their specialized practices. It also underscores the high stakes of restrictive covenants in the insurance brokerage industry.
Lauren Hanes is bound by a two-year client solicitation ban and a five-year restriction on using confidential company information. USI acquired the aviation unit from Wells Fargo Insurance Services in 2017.
The players
USI Insurance Services
An insurance brokerage firm that provides property-casualty, employee benefits, and personal risk services.
Lauren Hanes
A veteran insurance broker with a 20-year career who is based in McDonough, Georgia.
Howden
A London-based international insurance broker that is actively expanding its footprint in the U.S. aviation market.
James Van Meter
The former practice leader at USI who resigned from the firm on the same day as Hanes.
The details
USI alleges that Hanes called a Nashville-based charter company to announce a team move to Howden, leading the client to signal an intent to switch brokers. Hanes, who is based in McDonough, Georgia, resigned from USI on March 13 alongside practice leader James Van Meter, who has disputed the allegations of coordinated misconduct.
Timeline
2017: USI acquired the aviation unit from Wells Fargo.
March 12, 2026: Lauren Hanes allegedly solicited a Nashville charter company.
March 13, 2026: Lauren Hanes and James Van Meter resigned from USI.
May 2026: Howden launched its new U.S. aviation practice.
October 23, 2026: The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia.
Travel Outlook
The litigation follows a pattern of enforcement set by the Defend Trade Secrets Act, which allows companies to seek federal redress when confidential business information is improperly transferred to competitors. This lawsuit reflects a broader industry trend of utilizing federal courts to enforce restrictive covenants during aggressive talent poaching in specialized sectors.
The outcome of this case may influence how insurance firms structure employment contracts and handle client transitions. Professionals in the industry should review their own non-solicitation agreements to understand their legal obligations when changing companies.
The takeaway
Companies should maintain rigorous documentation of client interactions and confidentiality policies to bolster their position in potential litigation. Employees shifting firms must strictly adhere to existing contractual obligations to mitigate the risk of legal challenges from former employers.
Further reading
For more on the industry trends impacting the sector, visit Business Travel.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Business Insurance.
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