Insurance: General Claims & Reinsurance: London

THE FIRM Addleshaw Goddard maintains a formidable and ever-increasing policyholder practice, and a highly respected reputation for reinsurance work and run-off market expertise. The group continues to be prominently involved in acting for the defendant reinsurer in the momentous Wasa v Lexington case; at the time of writing, this case had reached the House of Lords. Other highlights include acting for Cavell Managing Agency in arbitration regarding a USD25 million claim concerning the World Trade Center attacks.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Simon Twigden specialises in complex reinsurance cases and is “an exceptionally serious player in the field.” His arbitration practice spans both sides of UK and US disputes. Practice group head Richard Leedham is “an immensely capable and pragmatic lawyer,” with tremendous experience of reinsurance and ADR matters in particular.

THE FIRM This magic circle firm is renowned in the market as one of the strongest for policyholder work. Sources are particularly impressed by the team's commercial knowledge, and by the breadth of resources available across many jurisdictions. Recently, credit insurance, D&O notification, professional indemnity and product liability have all become increasingly prominent.

Sources Say: “It can assemble a massive team at the drop of a hat, which is incredibly helpful in colossal litigation.” "A very strong team."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice group leader Joanna Page has recently been acting in a complex dispute regarding a company’s financial risk insurance programme. Richard Smith is particularly well versed in Bermuda Form arbitrations and wins significant acclaim for his “excellent skills in large-scale claims and litigation.”

THE FIRM This firm continues to offer vast resources and excellent industry-specific expertise across the gamut of insurance and reinsurance, professional negligence, product liability, marine, aviation and personal injury matters, despite the recent departure of a significant number of its leading players. It also maintains its reputation for handling big-ticket disputes, with recent highlights including an increased number of assignments concerning financial institutions and a number of Madoff-related cases.

Sources Say: “A giant of the insurance world .”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Reinsurance specialist Clive O'Connell is coming to the fore of the firm’s reinsurance capabilities following the departure of Colin Croly. He is tremendously respected as a leading authority in the field and for his roles in some of the largest reinsurance disputes of recent years. Similarly active on the general claims side, Timothy Taylor is “fantastically capable.” His wide-reaching insurance practice encompasses significant international disputes and general coverage matters, including issues in marine and war risks, energy and fraud areas. Janet Lambert recently represented QBE in arbitration and Commercial Court proceedings. David Abbott is recognised as a rising star at the firm. Leigh Williams recently acted for major Polish telecoms company Elektrim, and earns acclaim from many leading figures in the market.

THE FIRM Beachcroft's London office has had an extremely successful year in the insurance market, particularly in flood, fire, explosion and hurricane damage claims. The group has a strong foundation in volume claims work, and continues to develop a thriving high-value practice. Highlights include defending a client against £50 million claims arising from alleged involvement in a substantial fraud on investors in a tax relief scheme.

Sources Say: “Handles major disputes with a degree of skill that never fails to impress.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice leader Chris Wilkes has strong expertise in handling international property and construction loss claims. “He commands respect and is excellent in bringing parties with differing views together in order to move matters forward.” Brendan McCarthy is recognised as a specialist in a range of fire, property, construction and product liability disputes. “He is tough but looks after clients extraordinarily well.”  “Tactically astute,” Julian Miller wins increased acclaim as a “real tower of strength throughout difficult and complex issues.”

THE FIRM This firm continues to develop its general complex claims work, but its true strength remains in the area of reinsurance claims. Collectively the group is admired for its ability to handle the most intricate cases. In addition to an increased amount of trial work, the firm acted for Goshawk Lloyd’s Syndicate on run-off work relating to policies which provided cover to the US secondary life policy market.

Sources Say: “Excellent on detail and technical analysis.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Litigation practice head Jonathan Sacher is an insurance and reinsurance expert lauded for his capabilities in directing a case towards a successful resolution. Clients also appreciate practice leader Anthony Lennox's clear, tough approach to defending their interests in disputes.

THE FIRM Having broken off from Charles Russell in 2009, this new insurance and reinsurance boutique is expected to do very well in coming years, already having a case before the House of Lords. The group’s expertise is evenly split between direct insurance and reinsurance, with particular strength in coverage issues and claims in the fine arts sector.

Sources Say: “We would have no hesitation in using them across a broad spectrum of insurance work.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Stephen Carter handles a large portion of the firm’s reinsurance matters, while Bill Perry is similarly famed for his general claims practice. Many sources highlight these two lawyers' “excellent combined knowledge and responsiveness.”

THE FIRM This formidable London insurance and reinsurance practice is bolstered by the firm's well-integrated network of teams in the USA, providing it with the resources to handle large, high-end international cases, particularly involving financial institutions. In the past year the group acted for two major reinsurers in relation to Bermuda arbitration proceedings arising from allegedly fraudulent US tax shelter schemes; it also represented Lexington in Commercial Court proceedings against a Venezuelan insurer.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Adrian Mecz earns significant repute as “an extremely committed supporter of his clients, with reams of experience of insurance-related cases.” His eminent practice covers financial institutions risk as well as banking and professional indemnity. Christopher Cardona has renowned expertise in cases with Spanish or Latin American aspects, and in reinsurance matters.

THE FIRM Clausen Miller maintains strong ties with its counterparts in the USA and can therefore handle US-type insurance in the London market extremely well. Demonstrating its international coverage, the group was recently involved in a large-scale property damage and business interruption claim by owners of a South American steel plant, and in a similar claim by owners, operators and users of a South American port facility.

Sources Say: “This group  always delivers the highest level of service, regardless of the size of the claim.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS John Startin earns praise for his expertise in multi-jurisdictional disputes and property and energy claims.

THE FIRM This insurance team is a significant part of Clifford Chance’s large dispute resolution department, and has the recommended capabilities and resources to handle large, multi-jurisdictional, high-end insurance work. Recent cases have highlighted the international nature of the group’s work, such as advising MetLife on a life reinsurance fund dispute arising out of contracts governed by English and Hong Kong law. The firm is also noted for its continued involvement in the investigation into the activities of a director of ESR Insurance Services in a matter involving regulatory, criminal and civil proceedings for the recovery of misappropriated insurance premiums.

Sources Say: “It has experts in almost every area of the law.” 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Head of the UK litigation and insurance groups, Nicholas Munday receives market-wide admiration for his strength in reinsurance and regulatory matters. Stephen Surgeoner has a broad-based insurance and reinsurance practice, and clients commend his exceptionally collegial and practical approach. Philip Hill's profile is on the increase and he receives praise from interviewees.

THE FIRM Fielding a massive and ever-increasing number of pure insurance specialists, this firm is frequently involved in market-leading disputes across all manner of industries, including aviation, marine, energy and finance. Demonstrating its prominence in aviation and space insurance work, the firm recently handled an aviation coverage case involving allegations of fraud and material non-disclosure in relation to North Korean state criminality. It was also involved in a major jurisdictional litigation case in US and London courts. 

Sources Say: “Edging ahead of the rest of the insurance market on all counts.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Roger Doulton joined the team from Barlow Lyde & Gilbert and he is applying his esteemed insurance and reinsurance expertise in leading a newly formed unit focusing on financial institutions, property and products matters. Senior partner Michael Payton remains “a market leader – the guiding hand of the sector.” He lends his near-unparalleled experience to some of the firm’s most significant cases, and many disputes benefit from his “tremendous gravitas and influence.” Sources unanimously agree that Rod Smith is a leading authority in the sector and one of the most favoured insurance specialists, particularly in political and trade risks work. One client commented: “If a matter is on his to-do list, I can consider it done.” Nigel Brook is single-handedly credited as “the reason the firm excels in reinsurance.” He handles some exceptionally high-profile matters, including cases concerning the subprime crisis and the related reinsurance of credit default swaps. Reinsurance expert Bryan Young often assists Brook and is famed for his "enormous industry knowledge.” He recently succeeded for the claimant in Aegis v CNA. Nigel Chapman is “immensely strong on coverage matters” and is often involved in insurance cases with marine, energy and industrial dispute elements. Andrew Grant earns extensive praise as “one of the firm’s driving forces in political risk issues.” Jane Andrewartha is becoming increasingly well known for her ADR work. Based in the firm’s Guildford office, Ray Bell is praised for his “meticulous, detailed work ethic and excellent judgement.”

THE FIRM This firm is widely commended for its unified litigation and insurance capabilities, and competitors expect to see it involved in the sector’s largest insurance disputes. The group has experienced significant growth in construction and financial institutions insurance work recently, and observers recognise its distinction in professional liability and indemnity assignments. Notable highlights include advising insurers of one of the defendant banks on matters arising out of the collapse of Enron.

Sources Say: “ Excellent knowledge of the technical issues clients are looking to insure, balancing legal issues with commercial issues extremely well.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Pre-eminent financial risks practitioner Belinda Schofield is “at the top of the tree for her wealth of experience in major insurance litigation.” Vere Wheatley is an exceptionally impressive operator in the reinsurance field. He wins plaudits from leading authorities in the market, particularly for his phenomenal expertise in acting for brokers, and recently acted for CNA in a USD300 million claim for fraud. Head of the insurance and reinsurance team, Liam O'Connell is “an extremely gifted lawyer, excellent negotiator and effective communicator.” Stephen Netherway focuses on broker and cover-holder disputes. Sources highlight his prominence in tackling professional indemnity matters and issues in the travel sector. Andrew Symons' practice covers both direct claims and reinsurance, with particular emphasis on claims on policies relating to financial institutions. Stephen Tester is an expert in a range of professional indemnity, energy and D&O cases. Ed Foss joins the team as partner from Jardine Lloyd Thompson, bringing expert knowledge of working with brokers and of related liability issues. Sources expect his profile to continue to rise.

THE FIRM Covington & Burling maintains a strong niche in acting solely for policyholders, a major proportion of whom are large corporate clients based in the USA. The firm's UK offices co-operate closely with its branches in the USA, utilising the group’s product liability capabilities. In addition to handling substantial Bermuda Form issues, the team recently represented ExxonMobil, Textron, Goodrich, ITT and Zapata as creditors of The Scottish Lion Insurance Company in relation to a proposed scheme of arrangement.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Roger Enock has a varied practice in both commercial litigation and policyholder representation. Various sources highlight his experience with market recovery issues in particular.

THE FIRM This firm is highly regarded for its high-volume claims work and is increasingly handling prominent large-value insurance and reinsurance disputes. The group has commendable expertise in a range of areas, including international and domestic cases for financial institutions and clients involved in the construction and energy sectors. For example, the firm continues to be involved in representing Total in all civil claims relating to the Buncefield fuel depot explosion, and is acting for QBE and Amalfi Underwriting in an action for damages for breach of fiduciary duty.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Senior reinsurance practitioner Michael Dobias is undeniably a market leader in this area, acting for an excellent clientele of underwriters and leading global reinsurers. Nick Young led the group in the Buncefield matters and is an expert in a variety of policy coverage and liability issues, with particular proficiency in handling insurance cases with a South American element. Richard Highley specialises in insurance disputes relating to banking and financial institutions. He recently handled some extremely high-profile matters for London insurers regarding potential exposures relating to Anglo Irish Bank, the collapse of the Icelandic banks and the Madoff scandal. Matthew Wescott has a wide-ranging commercial disputes and insurance practice, with particular emphasis on Spanish and Latin American matters.

THE FIRM Dewey & LeBoeuf continues to increase its reputation for handling complex and high-value international matters. The strong US component of the firm’s operations provides it with an excellent advantage in handling UK insurance work for US clients and vice versa. For example, the group was recently involved in high-value property damage and business interruption matters arising from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Group co-chair Francis Mackie is an extremely well-established figure on the insurance and reinsurance landscape. His varied insurance practice includes arbitration work. Of counsel Nicholas Rochez is one of the firm’s leading authorities on financial risks and D&O matters. Clients appreciate that he is “fantastically pragmatic and easy to do business with.” Damian Cleary is highly regarded by peers and continues to develop his reputation, particularly in the areas of engineering, energy and D&O matters. 

THE FIRM DLA Piper maintains an excellent reputation for handling big-ticket and momentous insurance and reinsurance disputes. This compact group has impressive international capabilities at its fingertips, and strength in litigation, regulatory issues and fraud. In major disputes work, the team continues to be involved in the employers’ liability trigger litigations regarding asbestos-related disease liabilities, and is playing a key role in the approval of a co-ordinated case management direction for current and future asbestos-related disease liabilities. The group also acted for Munich Re, Swiss Re and a large number of global reinsurers in relation to a reinsurance.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Charles Gordon is an insurance specialist renowned amongst clients as being "exceptionally sophisticated and an excellent organiser." He is noted for his activity in a great number of claims and coverage disputes, and is "extremely skilled in getting a result quickly."

THE FIRM Commentators consistently praise this firm’s activities in the insurance arena since the Kendall Freeman merger. The team has the necessary numbers and international offices to cover large-scale disputes across a multitude of jurisdictions, with particular strength in the USA and, more recently, Hong Kong. It advised PwC as the provisional liquidators of Lehman Re Bermuda on reinsurance disputes, and has also been involved in a London arbitration against a reinsured concerning claims relating to losses caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Sources Say: “A major part of the insurance industry.” 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Team co-chair David Kendall leads a large proportion of the group’s most significant cases and is “clearly one of the top lawyers across the board.” His profile has increased of late, and sources have “a tremendous amount of respect for his knowledge and capabilities” in all manner of insurance and reinsurance matters. Mark Meyer is head of the firm’s aviation practice and has a wide-ranging insurance practice, with many lauding his policyholder expertise in particular. He is “exceptionally good at assessing the client’s position” and staying focused on their goals.

THE FIRM Elborne Mitchell is traditionally recognised as a long-standing niche reinsurance firm, fielding a number of prominent experts in the sector, but recent additions to the team have seen its direct insurance profile increase dramatically. Highlights from the past year include some major international reinsurance disputes; a notable proportion of these occurred in the Latin American energy insurance markets, where the firm is developing particular strength.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Tim Akeroyd's practice spans all aspects of insurance and reinsurance work. Peers compliment his reputation as an “extremely tenacious litigator and a formidable opponent.” Senior partner Tim Brentnall plays a major role in a number of the firm’s largest reinsurance disputes and is also recommended for a range of banking and commodities-related cases. Sources similarly praise Andrew Pincott as a well-established specialist in advising on reinsurance matters.

THE FIRM This full-service firm has a strong network of international connections, ensuring its insurance team is well equipped to cover a range of industries and jurisdictions, with its financial services, fraud and European expertise receiving the most recognition. Despite the departure of reinsurance expert David Webster, the group maintains an impressive caseload of broker’s negligence and D&O matters.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Simon Brooks leads the team and is an expert in complex professional indemnity claims. Clients appreciate that he is “marvellously aware of the market, which means he can be extremely commercial and know what will and won’t work in a case.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS This firm's wide range of clients includes Lloyd’s, with which it has excellent relations. Observers highlight the team’s expertise in Bermuda Form arbitrations and D&O matters. The firm recently advised Aon on regulatory issues concerning third-party payments from commissions in a number of jurisdictions, demonstrating what many sources see as the group’s growing strength in regulatory issues.

Sources Say: “Great for high-value and complex big-ticket work.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Raj Parker co-heads the firm’s financial institutions disputes practice and is the group’s leading insurance practitioner. He has particular strength in regulatory investigations. Ali Sallaway maintains an excellent insurance and reinsurance workload, including notable payment protection insurance cases.

THE FIRM This firm maintains its long-held reputation for handling big-ticket, complex and high-value insurance and reinsurance disputes, and is highlighted particularly for its financial institutions and D&O practice. The group is consistently involved in a large proportion of the market’s most important cases: it recently advised Chevron on the HSE’s criminal prosecution investigations following the Buncefield explosion. The firm has also been advising clients on issues relating to a multibillion-pound catastrophe financial risk insurance programme.

Sources Say: “The quality of legal opinion here is absolutely first-rate.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS The “first-rate and intellectually powerful” David Reston leads the group and is the relationship partner for a number of the firm’s most prestigious clients, including RSA, Willis and Zurich Financial Services. Martin Bakes leads a large share of the group’s most significant insurance cases, particularly assignments involving professional indemnity issues. He has nearly 30 years’ experience in the field, and clients are impressed by his “thoughtful, clear approach” to resolving disputes. Tony Dempster has a broad-ranging and highly regarded insurance and reinsurance practice, undertaking work for clients such as RSA, XL Insurance and Gen Re. Sources particularly rate his adept handling of complex and novel cases, with many praising his “fantastic capacity to navigate his way through technically difficult claims.” Chris Foster is increasing his standing in the reinsurance field, with peers and clients alike rating his “extreme strength in terms of legal acumen and commercial solutions,” as well as his “undeniably compelling reinsurance expertise and spread of clients.” Similarly, “exceptional operator” Paul Lewis is credited as a significant driving force behind the group’s prowess.

THE FIRM As a giant in professional negligence, product liability and fraud, this group has the talent, depth and resources to handle any manner of dispute. The team is also bolstered by its pre-eminent non-contentious insurance capabilities, and is particularly noted for its regulatory expertise. Recent work highlights include acting for Federal-Mogul US Asbestos Trust on asbestos claims, insurance and reinsurance coverage and insolvency-related issues; the group also acted for AXA Mexico and its reinsurers in London Commercial Court in relation to damage caused to a major road in Mexico.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice group leader Nick Atkins is “a fantastic communicator” praised for his control of complex multiparty cases: “He is so respected by everyone that he becomes the focal point for all parties in a dispute.” Peter Taylor is particularly strong in reinsurance work, including run-off matters. Clients admire his “quick, accurate and clear advice,” and the way he “thinks outside the box.” Christian Wells is “eminently experienced.” His practice covers all manner of contentious and non-contentious insurance and reinsurance matters.

THE FIRM This firm covers all manner of disputes, including big-ticket, multi-jurisdictional claims and proceedings, and is especially renowned for its pre-eminent expertise in international marine, energy, aviation and construction insurance matters. The group is also recognised for its work on behalf of Lloyd’s syndicates, recently acting for three in pursuing proceedings against a Greek company.

Sources Say: “An excellent and extremely sizeable insurance and reinsurance practice, with a  fantastic squad of partners.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS John Duff is a leading reinsurance authority with more than 25 years’ experience in the field. His practice covers a plethora of insurance and reinsurance disputes across a multitude of foreign jurisdictions, including the USA, Bermuda, Australia, the Middle East and North Africa. Andrew Bandurka also stands out for his expertise in a range of insurance and reinsurance disputes. He is highly recommended for professional indemnity work and noted for his knowledge of the aviation industry. Paul Wordley leads the team and has a similarly broad-ranging insurance and reinsurance practice, with particular expertise in professional negligence and environmental litigation.

THE FIRM Ince & Co remains a powerhouse of the insurance world, manned by an impressive number of leading market authorities. It makes excellent use of its pre-eminent resources in marine and energy insurance to dominate a diverse number of fields, including political and financial risks, professional indemnity, construction and reinsurance. Notable marine matters include representing the owners of the bulk carrier ‘Alexandros T' in claims in excess of USD40 million following the vessel’s loss. The firm’s international network goes hand in hand with the global nature of these specialisms and secures the group excellent levels of expertise in a number of jurisdictions, particularly in the Far East, Dubai and Europe. Other highlights include representing reinsurers of an oil major involved in the 2005 Buncefield fuel depot explosion.

Sources Say: “Outstanding responsiveness, approachability, diligence and hard work.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Peter Rogan is near unparalleled in his expertise and experience in reinsurance, with market sources recognising “the peerless standard of his work.” Tony George leads the charge with his expert knowledge of trade credit and political risk insurance issues. He receives particular acclaim for the global range of jurisdictions covered by his recent workload, which includes cases involving African, Asian, Middle Eastern and South American markets. Allan Hepworth is a similarly praised reinsurance specialist, with tremendous arbitration experience across a broad range of industries. Jan Heuvels heads the reinsurance team and is an immensely well-regarded non-marine insurance and reinsurance practitioner, often seen leading on a large number of the group’s most significant matters. Simon Todd handles a mix of marine and energy insurance, largely for the London market; his recent highlights include notable disputes involving hull and machinery claims. Ben Ogden heads the firm’s ADR team and is highly regarded for his recent professional indemnity work involving brokers. Chris Jefferis is “exceptionally bright” and has a strong and active high-end international reinsurance caseload; recently this has included representing brokers in New York and English High Court actions in reinsurance disputes arising out of AIG’s energy and construction account. Rebecca Axe wins notable acclaim for being “fantastic in managing clients’ expectations.”

THE FIRM Kennedys continues to surpass its historic reputation as the leading mid-market insurance firm and further increases its standing as a solid high-end insurance group. In 2008 it impressively merged with the insurance specialists of Davies Lavery, significantly bolstering the group’s resources. The firm maintains enviable relationships with some of the top insurers and reinsurers, such as AIG, AXA and Munich Re. It has expertise in a range of areas, including energy, pharmaceutical, financial institutions, product liability, and construction and professional negligence insurance matters. Highlights include handling a USD400 million claim for an Indian oil refinery damaged by a storm while under construction, and the pursuance of large quantities of quantum claims following litigation surrounding the Buncefield explosion.

Sources Say: “Tremendous quality of service and value for money.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Nick Williams is skilled in a vast array of insurance disputes across a multitude of jurisdictions, and leads a major share of the firm’s work. Nick Thomas is recommended as “a magnificently safe pair of hands for insurance issues.” He has particular experience of handling property and energy claims in foreign jurisdictions as well as professional indemnity matters in the construction industry. Trevor Davies continues to play an integral part in a large number of the group’s international property, product liability and professional indemnity claims. David Wilkinson joined the firm from Dewey & LeBoeuf in July 2009. He is admired by both peers and clients for his excellent collegial approach and the intuitive methods he applies to complex disputes.

THE FIRM LG is widely respected as a formidable player in reinsurance work and increasingly in direct insurance. The group has had a successful year in a number of D&O and financial institutions matters, and has demonstrated its forte in reinsurance issues with assignments for key clients such as QBE, Allianz and Xchanging Claims Services.

Sources Say: “S uperior service at excellent value.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Head of department Nicholas Bradley has “considerable expertise, experience and respect in the insurance and reinsurance market.” David Breslin wins particular acclaim for his “extensive knowledge of reinsurance and insurance law” and for “never losing sight of commercial considerations.” Simon King continues to garner admiration for his sensible, quick and amiable client approach, and is seen as a potential star for the future.

THE FIRM Sources respect Mayer Brown as a growing force in the global insurance and reinsurance sectors and a major player in big-ticket disputes; peers recognise the group as a formidable competitor. Its recent cases include a coverage dispute arising out of the collapse of a Cayman Islands-based hedge fund, and matters relating to the collapse of major international banks. Clients particularly appreciate the firm’s enviable US network, granting it Atlantic-spanning expertise.

Sources Say: “A fantastic niche and an exceptional client base in the financial institutions world.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS David Chadwick is one of the UK’s leading insurance authorities on political risk and trade credit, and on issues in the financial institutions area. He is lauded for the size and complexity of the cases he handles, and for being “a knowledgeable, respected and unfailingly courteous practitioner.” Reinsurance specialist Ian McKenna has a notable reputation for his in-depth working knowledge of the industry. He has been particularly active of late in reinsurance matters arising out of hurricane and fire damage in the USA. Karen Abbott was appointed head of the firm’s insurance and reinsurance group in January 2009, having previously been head of reinsurance. In addition to her reputation for handling professional indemnity work, peers are particularly impressed by her effective presence as the group’s figurehead. Senior partner Sean Connolly has successfully handled major and high-value disputes over the past year, notably including matters relating to the PA LMX market. Peter Schwartz continues to impress on the non-marine side, with major instructions concerning reinsurance of business interruption and property damage losses due to Hurricane Katrina.

THE FIRM This firm is renowned in the small to medium claims market. Property insurance has been a particular area of growth for the group, which has handled notable damage claims recently. Professional indemnity work continues to form a large part of the firm’s caseload.

Sources Say: “An excellent alternative to the big players."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Neil Davis is a contact.

THE FIRM Norton Rose has an excellent reputation for fielding an impressive full-service and global network of resources, as well as a pre-eminent non-contentious insurance practice. These provide the insurance and reinsurance group with a strong base from which to handle work involving global financial lines.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice leader Michael Mendelowitz is an insurance and reinsurance specialist, widely recommended for handling large-scale, complex disputes, particularly involving contract interpretation or underwriting issues. Susan Dingwall is praised for her “fantastic knowledge,” displayed across a range of insurance and reinsurance disputes. She has been particularly involved in the firm’s Islamic insurance (Takaful) practice.

THE FIRM Pinsent Masons remains many clients’ first choice for construction and energy insurance, with several sources particularly highlighting the group’s strength at associate level. In addition to receiving repeat instructions from key clients in construction and engineering, such as CB&I, the group manages a broad spectrum of insurance work for other major insurers, including RSA, Aviva and Zurich.

Sources Say: “An exceptionally supportive, flexible, accommodating, responsive and commercial service.” 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Colin Read joined the firm in 2008 and continues to develop his insurance and reinsurance reputation. Since publication, Martin Membery has joined the London office of Sidley Austin LLP.

THE FIRM This team has full access to the firm's wide network of expertise and resources, and handles all types of insurance and reinsurance dispute, including an increasing amount of D&O matters. It is especially noted for its US connections. Marine, commodity and construction disputes remain the group’s forte, with numerous sources lauding the firm’s presence in these sectors. The team has been notably active in handling claims made under multiple Bermuda Form policies, and recently dealt with a major multi-jurisdictional claim for USD60 million following a terrorist attack on a ship.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice group leader Mark Connoley is highly regarded by peers and clients for his skills in managing a wide-ranging and extremely active insurance caseload, including significant marine and professional negligence matters.

THE FIRM This firm gains special acclaim for high-end insurance and reinsurance work; it has excellent expertise in the financial institutions, construction and energy sectors. It has noted a dramatic increase in professional negligence matters over the past year, including a notable quantity of Madoff-related instructions and significant assignments concerning mining losses.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Simon Greenley is “pre-eminent in financial lines work," including E&O, D&O and fidelity insurance and reinsurance matters. Sources note him as a leading authority “with sound judgement and an excellent following,” and as a lawyer who is “an absolute pleasure to work with.” Simon Kilgour is one of the firm’s leading reinsurance experts. Edward Smerdon enters the rankings having received recommendations for his “free-thinking, problem-solving approach and in-depth market knowledge.” David Webster, former head of insurance at Eversheds, joined the team in 2009. He continues to receive praise for his work in the sector.

THE FIRM This compact, well-respected insurance and reinsurance practice is particularly strong in handling matters relating to financial lines, fraud and policyholder work. It recently acted on behalf of a number of global banks in claims against the insurance market and a claim under a trade credit policy.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Chris Braithwaite leads the team and specialises in disputes and regulatory advice pertaining to the financial sector, including international banking and insurance markets.

THE FIRM This firm draws on experts in a number of fields to undertake more complex and high-end insurance and reinsurance work. It makes excellent use of its capabilities in the financial institutions, fraud and corporate sectors. Despite its smaller size, the disputes resolution team is handling an ever-increasing quantity of big-ticket insurance litigation, including some of the market’s most notable cases in recent years. Examples include acting for Willis on claims worth more than USD500 million, and a claim in excess of USD250 million brought by CNA.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Standout lawyer Efstathios Michael has “done a fantastic job in attracting insurance work to the team.” He has a tremendously well-respected commercial litigation and arbitration practice, with experience of high-value insurance and reinsurance disputes, often with international elements.

THE FIRM This group continues to develop a major presence in the UK insurance market, keenly supported by its US offering. Clients particularly appreciate this connected network across the Atlantic, which affords the team access to an immense pool of specialist resources and expertise across the gamut of insurance and reinsurance issues. Other sources highlight the group's excellent business-oriented approach. The firm remains active in reinsurance claims arising out of Hurricane Katrina, and is also acting for insurers and reinsurers in relation to pharmaceutical liability insurance claims.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources are “consistently extremely impressed” by Angus Rodger, whose expansive experience encompasses a range of insurance and reinsurance matters, particularly coverage disputes. Gavin Coull arrived from Reynolds Porter Chamberlain in 2008. He is "tremendously popular with clients” and has “exceptional in-depth knowledge of the insurance market.”

THE FIRM This full-service firm has access to multiple areas of expertise, backed up by strong European networks. The group is lauded for its impressive track record in handling high-value insurance work across a range sectors, including D&O, construction and financial lines.

KEY INDIVIDUALS James Crabtree is a contact.