Professional Negligence: London

THE FIRM This insurance behemoth scores top marks in terms of sheer size. Its massive professional negligence team is split into specialist subgroups, and benefits from its fiercely loyal client base, which includes major insurers ACE, QBE, Libra and The Travelers Companies. It has a long-standing reputation for its work on behalf of solicitors and, despite Clare Canning's departure, has managed to retain its practice in representing accountants. One of the defining features of the practice continues to be its ability to handle the gamut of claims, from smaller matters to large, high-profile cases. Most notably, the team was deeply involved in the Stone & Rolls case, successfully defending Moore Stephens in an audit negligence claim brought by the liquidators of Stone & Rolls. Although the firm's London office has suffered a series of departures, sources agree that it remains one of the dominant forces in the market and the firm has done well at expanding its regional offering, establishing practices in Oxford and Manchester.

KEY INDIVIDUALS The London team is led by the "absolutely first-rate" Sarah Clover. She is the firm's lead partner in defending a number of major City law firms, and peers agree that "she is one of the first names that lawyers seek out when facing allegations of negligence." Commercially savvy Richard Harrison is held in equally high regard for his defence of lawyers and has now taken over the running of the firm's lawyer liability group from Clover. "He has a nose for seeking out just the right settlement and is a very tough opponent to come up against," peers say. Neil Jamieson also handles a large volume of claims against lawyers, and further excels in defending accountants. "Incredibly sensible and measured, he brings reasonable suggestions to the table," say sources. Stuart Hall is the team's resident expert on financial matters and focuses his attention on claims against accountants, financial institutions and D&O liability. Simon Konsta is the firm's new senior partner and is instructed by a number of key professional indemnity insurers, including Markel and Zurich. Andrew Blair heads the firm's insurance broker group and also has deep experience of acting in claims against solicitors. Julian Randall "can always be relied on to keep a calm head." He is praised for his incisive and commercial approach, and was the team's lead partner on the Stone & Rolls case. Fergal Cathie has established himself as a go-to lawyer for large law firms and financial institutions facing negligence claims.

THE FIRM This firm is identified for its national scope; while sources are quick to point out the strength of its regional offices in Leeds, Manchester and Bristol, the firm’s London practice receives significant praise. The team advises an impressive number of national and international indemnity insurers, and the practice covers the whole range of professions. The group is particularly noted for its representation of lawyers, and continues to work for the Bar Mutual Indemnity Fund. It also excels in financial work, advising accountants and a large number of financial institutions. The firm makes its debut in the Technology & Construction table after winning widespread support from commentators.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Richard Beaty is head of the firm’s national professional and financial risks group. His practice involves the gamut of professions, and his recent work highlights include handling claims arising out of the Parmalat collapse and the Buncefield explosion.

THE FIRM Although this firm is smaller than many of its counterparts, its niche specialism in construction and its dedication to the sector have ensured that it has risen to the highest echelons of the market. The group is active on a number of important construction claims and is favoured by clients as an alternative to larger City firms. It continues to work on claims arising out of the Gerrards Cross projects and, although it is best known for its construction-related work, it is also making efforts to broaden its horizons.

Sources Say: “Hands-on in their approach, very down to earth and grounded.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Antony Smith has been heavily involved in the Gerrards Cross matter and is the firm’s most high-profile construction claims expert. He is praised for his astute case management and judgement. Partner John Ward also handles his fair share of construction claims, while the addition of Ed Anderson has given the firm’s legal practice a fillip, as he is a renowned expert in defending solicitors' professional negligence claims. He is also well known for acting for accountants.  

THE FIRM This firm is widely recognised for its regional might and also has a strong presence in the London market. It is identified for the large volume of professional negligence cases that pass through its doors. The team is particularly noted for its work in the construction and legal sectors; the lion's share of its construction work comes from its position on the ACE panel, working on a vast number of claims against engineers. The team also handles claims against architects, quantity surveyors and project managers. The firm's profile in solicitor indemnity work continues to grow, with recent highlights including advising a number of solicitors on claims brought by AXA alleging breach of contract and negligence.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Standout lawyer Charlotte Capstick specialises in defending claims against surveyors, accountants and lawyers.

THE FIRM This firm's professional negligence practice stretches across the breadth of its network of offices, and the firm has recently started to make its mark on the London market. Recruitment has seen the practice continue to grow, and the team is instructed by some of the biggest names in indemnity insurance, including QBE, Aon and The Travelers Companies. The group has particularly excelled in claims against legal professionals and is regularly instructed by Bar Mutual Indemnity Fund. In addition to claims against lawyers, the team also handles negligence claims against other professionals in the financial, insurance and construction industries.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Neil Trayhurn has played a pivotal role in the development of the firm's London practice and is credited with being one of the key driving forces behind the group's efforts. He is head of the national dispute resolution group and specialises in defending claims against solicitors, accountants and surveyors. Since publication, Richard Dedman has joined the firm from Barlow Lyde & Gilbert. His practice covers a wide range of matters, including claims against solicitors, accountants, insurance brokers and construction professionals. 

THE FIRM Traditionally at its strongest in the Midlands, this firm continues to develop its London practice. Ed Anderson's departure was a blow to the London team, which went through a substantial period of transition and consolidation, and has now hired three additional lawyers. The group continues to be noted for its work in the legal and financial field and is currently working on a potential mortgage fraud claim. Clients include Aviva, Hiscox Insurance and The Travelers Companies.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jonathan Corman is the contact.

THE FIRM This firm's practice in the construction sector has given rise to an increasing number of related professional negligence claims. The firm has made a concerted effort to expand this strand of its practice and the group is attracting new recruits. Although the bulk of its work is done outside the London office (enabling its extremely competitive price structure to continue), the team maintains a presence in the capital and the lawyers split their time between the Guildford and London offices. The group acts for all manner of construction professionals and is instructed on both the defendant and the plaintiff side.

KEY INDIVIDUALS The team is led by David Savage. 

THE FIRM Although this firm does not take on a large volume of professional negligence work, it is instructed on a number of big-ticket matters. Because of the firm's global footprint, the team regularly advises on foreign and multi-jurisdictional matters. In addition to its strong litigation capabilities, the team counsels on risk management. It is most noted for acting for accountants and on claims arising from investment and financial advice, but it also represents lawyers and insurance brokers.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Denis Brock specialises in the defence of accountants and lawyers.

THE FIRM This firm has traditionally had an illustrious reputation for insurance and reinsurance work and is considered to be one of a handful dominating the marine insurance world. The team is highly regarded in the market, thanks largely to the high calibre of its lawyers. It handles claims across the professional spectrum, from accountants to lawyers to construction professionals.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Dispute resolution partner Julian Connerty specialises in the implications of fraud on professional indemnity insurance and is the firm’s leading name in professional negligence. Partner Conrad Walker makes his debut in the table following a raft of positive feedback. Described as a "great team player who is excellent with clients," he is praised for his well-informed judgement and forensic approach.

THE FIRM This team benefits greatly from the firm's European platform, which has attracted a number of foreign insurers. The practice works along sector lines and has dedicated groups running the gamut of professions from lawyers to brokers, and financial and construction professionals, with the team particularly noted for its defence of insurance brokers and work for accountancy firms. In the construction field, architects and design and construction consultants all feature prominently in its client roster; recent matters include advising the structural engineers of the roof of the new Wembley Stadium.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Martin Fox is the team's most prominent construction negligence specialist. In addition to working on the high-profile Wembley Stadium dispute, he also defended MITIE Group against allegations of a breach of contract in the maintenance of a UK headquarters office building. Stephen Tester is acknowledged as "hugely expert in insurance." His sweeping practice sees him engaged in a number of professional negligence claims, and he also excels in D&O liability. Liam O'Connell is head of the firm's insurance and reinsurance team and one of its most prominent names. He focuses on defending insurance brokers against claims, and also leads the firm's newly formed dispute resolution group. Belinda Schofield is particularly adept at handling claims against banks and financial institutions; she also defends insurance brokers.

THE FIRM The London team works closely with counterparts in the firm’s offices in Spain and Mexico to offer a truly global professional negligence practice. The group acts for insurers of solicitors and barristers, accountants and financial advisers, and for a number of insurers in connection with claims made against construction professionals. It is on the legal panels of a number of insurers, including ACE, QBE, Bar Mutual Indemnity Fund and Beazley.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Senior partner Daniel Gowan comes highly recommended for construction disputes and negligence claims. Ross Risby is a well-known name in professional negligence circles; he is much sought after for defending claims against barristers and solicitors and is the team's lead partner on Bar Mutual Indemnity Fund work. He also handles numerous construction-related claims.

THE FIRM Differing from the majority of firms in this section, Edwin Coe is renowned for its work for claimants. Although it is a small niche firm, it represents a large number of brokers in negligence claims and related coverage issues against insurance companies. Recent work highlights include acting for Camden Market against its brokers, Jardine Lloyd Thompson, in relation to a fire which caused approximately £8 million of damage.

Sources Say: "Thoroughly deserving of all the recognition that comes its way."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael Whitton heads the firm's insurance claims team. He has gained a reputation for championing the cause of claimants and, in addition to working on the Camden Market claim, has been acting for Synergy Healthcare on a claim against its insurers and insurance broker for breach of contract and negligence, following a fire at its premises.

THE FIRM This firm's London insurance practice has been rocked by a string of departures. However, it retains its visibility in the professional negligence market and sources agree it is still too early to tell what effect the departures will have on the practice. The core team of specialists here is well placed to draw on the wider resources of the firm's national and international network to provide clients with a comprehensive service. It is handling litigation for brokers, solicitors, accountants and construction professionals, but draws most acclaim for its work for brokers and solicitors. The group works for a number of lawyers' insurers, including Libra, RSA and Aon.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Simon Brooks leads the team and is a recognised expert in handling insurance brokers’ E&O claims. He also defends solicitors, accountants and construction professionals.

THE FIRM This firm is one of the big hitters in the construction liability world, representing engineers, architects and other construction professionals. Most notably, it is heavily involved in the Wembley Stadium litigation. However, the firm casts its professional negligence net wider and handles claims against a number of professionals, including accountants, financial advisers, solicitors and barristers. An in-house claims-handling team and close relationships with insurers such as ACE, The Travelers Companies and QBE ensure that the group enjoys a constant stream of high-volume claims. There is no disputing that the firm is heavily invested in the market and its commitment is illustrated by the expanding team, which was recently bolstered by a string of new hires from rival Eversheds. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Andrew Davis is particularly noted for his work relating to financial services, actuaries and insurance brokers. Peter Campion is one of the firm's foremost specialists in construction negligence and enjoys a loyal client base: "Clients absolutely love him and are always singing his praises," sources report. Partner Ian Welland has been heavily involved in the TAG litigation and focuses his practice more generally on claims against solicitors, insurance brokers and accountants. John Bennett makes his debut in the table, following reports of his superb work: "He is pretty much the best thing since sliced bread," one client enthused. Bennett's broad practice encompasses negligence involving construction professionals and surveyors, insurance brokers and financial services professionals.

THE FIRM This firm makes its debut in the high-end litigation rankings this year, after commentators highlighted its involvement in complex professional negligence claims. In particular, the team is active in representing accountants, and recently acted for Deloitte & Touche in the defence of disciplinary proceedings brought against it by the Accountants' Joint Disciplinary Scheme, in relation to alleged failings in the audits of Semple Cochrane. The team is also instructed by financial institutions in this field and, in addition to acting on claims, it also advises clients on risk management.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Andrew Hart is the key contact.

THE FIRM This litigation powerhouse excels at handling complex, high-stakes claims. The team is instructed by investment banks, major law firms, Big Four accountancy firms and insurance brokers such as Willis, Marsh and RSA. On the accountancy side, it continues to act for the liquidating partners of Anderson UK and Deloitte & Touche.

KEY INDIVIDUALS David Reston is head of the firm's contentious insurance and reinsurance practice and concentrates his efforts on representing insurance brokers. Paul Lewis is also renowned for his defence of insurance brokers and continues to advise Marsh on E&O claims across its global network.

THE FIRM This major City player is highly capable of handling professional negligence matters. It focuses on quality rather than quantity, and is one of the few teams of choice when it comes to bet-the-company claims. In particular, it receives a number of instructions from major law firms in trouble. The team is also noted for its financial practice, handling an increasing number of claims involving accountants and actuaries. In addition to its work for defendants, the team also represents claimants, and recently represented Royal Doulton in a claim brought against PwC regarding allegations of actuarial negligence in relation to the Royal Doulton pension scheme.

KEY INDIVIDUALS John Trotter leads the firm's professional indemnity practice and comes highly recommended for his expertise in defending negligence claims against both lawyers and accountants. He is "sensitive and well attuned to the issues and worries that his clients face ." Fellow partner Graham Huntley is also a noted member of the group. He has been heavily involved in defending major law firms in high-stakes claims.

THE FIRM This team of professional indemnity specialists has stamped its mark on the sector, thanks largely to its thriving insurance practice. The team has an impressive reputation for representing ship brokers and handles niche work for marine surveyors and engineers. The practice is far wider in scope than solely shipping-related matters and it handles broader insurance work, legal and accountant cases.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice head David Rutherford is widely admired as the firm's go-to professional negligence lawyer and has built up an enviable practice handling claims against solicitors and barristers. He also defends other professionals including brokers, accountants and architects.

THE FIRM Widely recognised for its insurance practice, this firm has made a considered effort to grow its professional negligence practice. The team has expanded considerably following its acquisition of insurance boutique Davies Lavery, thereby adding to its firepower in London. The growing practice has been bolstered by its success in the TAG litigation and is now involved in the defence of the Composite Legal Expenses litigation. The team has also established itself as a key player in construction negligence.

Sources Say: "A good, strong practice." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Nick Thomas is singled out for particular praise, with sources pointing to him as the linchpin of the firm's construction practice. Simon Gibson co-led the team's involvement in the TAG litigation. His practice runs the gamut of professionals and he advises solicitors, financial advisers and brokers, architects and construction professionals on a regular basis.

THE FIRM This magic circle heavyweight is a top choice for banks, the Big Four and large corporate clients when it comes to high-stakes litigation. It is best known for its defence of professional negligence claims in the accountancy sector, having cornered this market through its close relationships with KPMG, Ernst & Young, Deloitte & Touche and PwC. It recently acted for KPMG in connection with a claim brought by the liquidators of Independent Insurance. The team's practice has a distinctive international flavour to it and it has acted for KPMG in litigation in South Korea, Belgium and the USA.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Kathryn Ludlow is the contact.

THE FIRM This firm continues to build on its already strong professional negligence practice. Sources unanimously agree that the firm pulled off a massive coup in hiring Clare Canning from Barlow Lyde & Gilbert, ramping up its profile in the sector in one fell swoop.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clare Canning is "one of the serious players in the market." She is known for her work in the financial services sector and works for the Big Four, actuaries, hedge funds, financial institutions and insurance brokers. Michael Regan and Sally Davies lead the charge for construction. Regan is an incredibly well-known figure who has a strong client following and is respected by peers. Davies, meanwhile, is praised for her resolute approach and recognised as "one of the most successful defence solicitors out there; her record speaks for itself." Sean Connolly continues to enjoy an illustrious reputation and is considered to be one of the go-to experts on insurance and broker disputes; he is also active in representing major law firms in negligence claims. James Oulton is "extremely thorough and relentless in his coverage of a case, and leaves no stone unturned." He represents a range of professionals, including lawyers, surveyors and valuers, accountants and IT professionals. Karen Abbott is head of the firm's insurance and reinsurance group. Most recently, she has been highly active in professional negligence claims arising out of mortgage fraud. William Glassey is widely praised for his "terrific defence of barristers who find themselves in hot water." He makes his debut in the rankings this year and is described as "an absolute joy to work with."

THE FIRM Although this firm is best known for its regional practice, its high-calibre London practice attracts praise and enjoys a growing reputation. While the group handles claims against solicitors, financial advisers and construction professionals, insurance-related cases still form the backbone of the practice.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Neil Davis leads the London practice.

THE FIRM This firm has made its mark in the professional negligence arena through its handling of high-profile and complex litigation. The team's profile has skyrocketed following its work for the liquidators of Stone & Rolls. It also acts for a number of international insurance brokers, defending claims arising out of avoidance of cover.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Susan Dingwall is the key contact.

THE FIRM This team has traditionally been praised for lawyer negligence work, with its particular strength lying in solicitor claims. However, the team has also successfully diversified its efforts and is active in a number of other sectors, including IT and pensions, with pensions advisers such as Mercer on its roster. The team is praised for its strength in handling claims against insurance brokers and has recently defended SBJ and its insurers in a multiparty claim in the Commercial Court. It also enjoys a thriving construction professional negligence practice. Although professional negligence defence work constitutes the bulk of the team's workload, it handles a substantial amount of claimant work.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Fiona Heyes is admired for her handling of claims against a wide variety of professionals, including accountants, lawyers, brokers and construction professionals. 

THE FIRM This dedicated professional indemnity firm may not have been in the market for as long as some of its competitors, but it nevertheless provides clients with a comprehensive service. The firm handles an impressive volume of claims for the likes of RSA, ACE and QBE, and was recently appointed to handle claims for the Electrical Contractors' Insurance Company. It boasts a specialist in-house claims unit for smaller matters. The practice has undeniably been bolstered by the arrival of two new partners from Squire & Co and its lawyers cut across the breadth of professional negligence matters, handling claims against lawyers and surveyors. However, sources highlight its construction claim practice as its key strength.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Peter Court is the head of the firm's professional negligence practice.  

THE FIRM This firm has established itself as a key player in the professional negligence market and has won major instructions from across the accounting and legal sectors. Sources highlight its involvement in the TAG litigation as a crowning moment for the group, which is currently being instructed by AXA in a claim against approximately 80 firms of solicitors. It is seeking to recover losses sustained through the underwriting of Composite Legal Expenses, an after-the-event insurance scheme. The group's work in the legal sector attracts particular praise and it is instructed by a number of law firms, as well as Bar Mutual Indemnity Fund; it also advises financial institutions.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Nick Speed is the firm's key professional negligence partner.

THE FIRM Historically, this firm has been deeply entrenched in the market and its professional negligence practice is still considered one of the strongest around, with a formidable base of insurance clients. The group's exhaustive list of insurance clients includes ACE, Aon, Beazley, QBE and The Travelers Companies. The sizeable team is divided into sub-specialisms which cut across a number of sectors, including accountants, actuaries, insurance brokers, lawyers, surveyors and construction professionals.

Sources Say: "One hell of an insurance player. It does the work in spades." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Simon Greenley is an expert in the defence of financial institutions facing negligence claims, including D&O liability claims. Nick Bird is "clever, calm and a very sure hand" when it comes to lawyer liability claims. He acts for a number of major law firms, particularly on claims arising out of banking and finance matters and M&A transactions. Working alongside Bird, Dominic Dennis-Browne is also an integral component of the team's legal negligence practice, and an expert on claims relating to fraud and dishonesty. Rupert Boswall is equally admired in the market and handles a broad range of claims against lawyers, insurance brokers, accountants and asset managers. Tim Brown's broad practice encompasses professional liability, with a particular focus on claims involving insurance brokers, accountants and the financial services industry. Edward Smerdon is an expert in insurance and reinsurance and a leading figure in D&O liability. His practice has taken on an international flavour and he advises a number of major foreign companies. Stuart White is a well-established name and boasts "a great deal of expertise." He focuses his efforts on negligence claims in the construction field. Barney Micklem retains an active role at the firm as a consultant and is on hand to offer the wealth of experience and expertise that he has built up over his lengthy career.

THE FIRM This boutique firm has gained an impressive reputation in the market in a relatively short period of time. It operates a seamless service across its four national offices, maintaining a strong practice in London. Its profile was undeniably raised following its involvement in the TAG litigation and it continues to handle a large volume of claims against solicitors. The team also handles defence work for accountants, financial advisers, brokers and construction professionals. The firm is on legal panels for a vast number of insurers, including ACE and AIG, and has recently won new appointments to the panels of Liberty Mutual and Chubb Group, ensuring that it is never short of work.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael Robin handles claims for a broad sweep of the professions, while David Simon is regularly instructed by insurers to defend accountants and solicitors. He has over 25 years of experience in professional negligence defence work.

THE FIRM This compact team has an established presence in the sector and is often involved in large, high-end claims. It forms a discrete part of the larger commercial litigation department and defends claims against law firms, accountants, actuaries, insurance brokers and construction professionals. Claims against finance professionals remain a core focal point of the practice and the group acts for a number of accountancy firms, including BDO Stoy Hayward and Grant Thornton. Sources highlight the team's work in the construction sector as a particular strength, and it has recently demonstrated its ongoing commitment through the hire of a new lawyer from Beale and Company. The team has been involved in some of the most high-profile matters in the construction arena, such as litigation in the TCC regarding claims over the construction of Wembley Stadium.

KEY INDIVIDUALS James Pollock is the firm's most prominent professional negligence practitioner. Peers admit: "He is loved by his clients and is one of the darlings of the insurance world." Clients turn to Colin Passmore when they are faced with tricky matters: "He knows just how to pick claims apart."

THE FIRM This international player may not take on a large volume of professional negligence matters but it does have the expertise and depth of resources to handle large-scale litigation. Its core team of professional negligence experts works with the wider litigation department and draws on the firm’s massive wealth of resources to enable it to handle complex multi-jurisdictional matters. The team specialises in advising insurance brokers, actuaries, banks and other financial institutions on professional negligence matters. The team has been acting for Willis in a number of claims, and also counts pensions giant Mercer among its clients.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Richard Clark is the key contact.

THE FIRM This compact firm differs from its rivals, as it solely concentrates its efforts on claimant work. It is recognised for the work it does on behalf of mortgage lenders bringing claims against professionals. The expanding team's practice has flourished in light of the increase in mortgage repossessions and it has been kept busy with a flurry of claims lodged against surveyors and solicitors.

KEY INDIVIDUALS David Bailey returns from sabbatical in January 2010, when sources expect him to resume his role as an impressive practitioner in this sector.

THE FIRM This firm’s professional negligence group operates out of its substantial commercial litigation department and stands out for its handling of both defendant and claimant work. The team acts for and against a range of professionals such as accountants, financial institutions and lawyers. In particular, it continues to be heavily involved in negligent tax advice claims.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Roland Foord is the key contact.

THE FIRM This firm has built up niche expertise in the defence of barristers and this type of work still constitutes the bulk of the team's workload. Due to the firm's private client and family practices, the team is often sought out for its expertise in tax, trust, probate and matrimonial matters. For example, it recently defended a silk in connection with allegations of negligence arising from advice given during a divorce settlement. In addition to its defendant practice, the team takes on claimant work and, although it is primarily heralded for its work involving lawyers, it is taking on an increasing amount of claims against investment and tax advisers.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Christopher Coffin is praised as " a shrewd tactician." He is a recognised expert in defending claims against lawyers, and does a great deal of work for Bar Mutual Indemnity Fund.