Judge Salas Appointed New Mediator for Asbestos Case
The Newark federal court has named William E. McGrath Jr. to lead mediation in an insurance dispute.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in People
Judge Esther Salas of the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey has appointed William E. McGrath Jr. as the new mediator in a complex asbestos reinsurance coverage case. The appointment replaces Noel L. Hillman, who is no longer available to serve.
Why it matters
The change in mediation leadership is a necessary procedural shift to keep the litigation moving forward as North River Insurance Co. and U.S. Fire Insurance Co. pursue indemnification from reinsurers regarding claims against Mine Safety Appliances.
The parties involved in the litigation reached a mutual selection to appoint a new mediator to oversee the asbestos and silica exposure indemnification claims. The court confirmed this transition to ensure continuity in the ongoing legal proceedings.
The players
Esther Salas
She is a judge serving on the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey who issued the order confirming the new mediation appointment.
William E. McGrath Jr.
He is the newly appointed mediator selected by the litigating parties to oversee the reinsurance coverage case.
Noel L. Hillman
He is the former mediator for the case who is no longer available to continue in the role.
Mine Safety Appliances
This company is the entity facing underlying asbestos and silica exposure claims that prompted the reinsurance litigation.
The details
The litigation centers on disputes involving North River Insurance Co. and U.S. Fire Insurance Co., which are seeking indemnification related to asbestos and silica exposure claims against Mine Safety Appliances. The parties collectively selected William E. McGrath Jr. to take over the mediation duties previously handled by Noel L. Hillman.
Timeline
Judge Esther Salas officially announced the appointment of the new mediator on September 15, 2026.
Market Landscape
This judicial appointment follows standard legal procedures to maintain the momentum of complex insurance litigation involving industrial exposure claims. The transition ensures that the court maintains its oversight of the dispute between major insurance carriers and their reinsurers.
For stakeholders and those following this litigation, the change ensures that the mediation process continues without an indefinite stall. The court order suggests that resolution efforts regarding these specific asbestos claims will proceed as scheduled under the new mediator.
The takeaway
Selecting a new mediator is a critical administrative step that prevents the litigation from entering an extended period of inaction. Parties involved in complex industrial reinsurance disputes must remain focused on these procedural updates to ensure their legal interests are properly managed.
Further reading
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Source note: This article includes information reported by Harrismartin.
