Known in the industry as the ‘leader in insurance and reinsurance disputes,’ with ‘rich history and top quality barristers of all levels,’ 7 King’s Bench Walk remains a pre-eminent set for all aspects of insurance and reinsurance work, with barristers instructed on the year’s high profile and high value cases, as well as aiding in the development of the law. During 2023, aviation litigation became one of the core areas of the insurance practice, with Andrew Wales KC, Clara Benn acting for AIG, and other members such as Rebecca Sabben-Clare KC and Alistair Schaff KC acting as opposing counsel in Aercap Ireland v AIG Europe and Lloyds Insurance Company which is the lead case begun by lessors against the aviation insurance market concerning the Russian government’s effective seizure of aircraft from foreign lessors. On top of this, members including Michael Ryan, Peter MacDonald Eggers KC, Sandra Healy and Gavin Kealey KC have been involved in the Covid-19 business interruption series of test cases, with Josephine Higgs KC acting for policyholders on Prevention of Access clauses in Gatwick Investment Ltd & Ors v Liberty Mutual Insurance. Julia Gibbon and Douglas Grant are names to watch.
Insurance and reinsurance in
London Bar
7 King's Bench Walk
Referenzen
‘Gary Rose is an excellent clerk.’
‘7KBW is undoubtedly a leader in insurance and reinsurance disputes. It has a rich history and top quality barristers of all levels.’
‘The clerks always go above and beyond to assist, often staying late and working long hours to assist solicitors teams. They are very responsive and diligent at managing matters and diaries.’
Highlight-Mandate
2 Temple Gardens
The insurance practice at 2 Temple Gardens handles a plethora of insurance and reinsurance cases, from all aspects of non-marine insurance and reinsurance disputes, to scope of indemnity, non-disclosure and aggregation. Members frequently act for and against insurers and deal with all commercial policies, including those covering liability. The set has been involved in the Covid-19 business interruption cases, with Charles Dougherty KC acting in the case of Various Eateries v Allianz which concerned which business interruption losses are covered as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Neil Moody KC ’s expertise extends to construction related litigation, while Lucas Fear-Segal has been involved in several precedent setting international insurance cases, and is regarded for ‘being able to offer comprehensive and clear advice on complex areas of law. Of note, the set also has niche experience in life and health insurance, bloodstock insurance and terrorism insurance. Kate Legh and James Partridge are names to watch.
Referenzen
‘Clerks are always responsive and helpful with any queries you have. Never had to chase them. Matthew Moylan and Ben White are usually the clerks I liaise with – they are excellent.’
‘Matthew Moylan and Lee Tyler can be singled out for praise.’
‘Attentive, responsive and helpful. Lee Tyler and his team are superb.’
Highlight-Mandate
4 New Square Chambers
4 New Square Chambers‘ insurance practice benefits from its expertise in related areas including commercial litigation, international arbitration, professional negligence and property damage, which enables members to provide a full service across the leading cases in insurance. Looking at insurance issues arising out of Covid-19, Jonathan Hough KC, leading Ben Smiley and William Harman represented Zurich Insurance Co Ltd in World Challenge Expeditions Ltd v Zurich Insurance Co Ltd which covered a dispute for a claim by a company that arranges expeditions for schools that had to cancel trips as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, with the team successfully seeking security for costs. The set has a firm grasp on issues of construction covering indemnity, non-disclosure, breach of conditions and fraud. David Turner KC regularly acts on insurance disputes and issues relating to business interruption insurance, while Clare Dixon KC has experience in professional indemnity and material damage.
Referenzen
‘Alex Dolby and Andrew Call are always very helpful.’
‘This set have a very wide variety of barristers available and offer excellent training programmes.’
‘4 New Square are generally excellent across the board, with some really stand out members. Great clerking team too.’
Highlight-Mandate
Brick Court Chambers
With ‘strength in-depth in sanctions as well as insurance,’ members of Brick Court Chambers continue to be instructed on significant and high profile cases within insurance and reinsurance, with members acting on a broad range of claims, ranging from cases related to the Russian aviation claims, to the Covid-19 business interruption cases. Noted for ‘having the court’s ear in a way that other silks do not,’ Mark Howard KC, alongside Tony Singla KC, Stephen Midwinter KC and Edward Ho have been involved in AerCap v AIG (& Others) involving imposed sanctions prohibiting AerCap and other lessors from continuing the leasing of aircraft and parts to Russian airlines. Michael Bolding and Tom Wood are further key names from the set.
Referenzen
‘Brick Court is very responsive and easy to work with.’
‘They are rightly considered first class.’
‘They are the best – especially, the head clerks.’
Highlight-Mandate
Crown Office Chambers
Crown Office Chambers is noted as being the ‘go-to set for coverholders‘ within the insurance and reinsurance sector, with members of the set routinely instructed by top tier firms in the space. Andrew Rigney KC‘s practice encompasses both domestic and international cases, and has been on the forefront in the Supreme Court in the FCA Covid-19 business interruption test cases, while Isabel Hitching KC was successful both at first instance and in the Court of Appeal in the case Allianz Insurance Plc v University of Exeter which dealt with the applicability of war exclusion clauses to damage occurring after the end of a war, and is now the leading case on the meaning of proximate cause in the war risk context – the case concerned an unexploded WWII-era bomb, which, during an otherwise successful controlled explosion, caused damage to a university hall of residence. Caroline McColgan stands out for her specialism in warranty and indemnity insurance and for her involvement in the FCA Test case. Hamish Fraser and Toby Chandler are names to watch.
Referenzen
‘Excellent. Steve Purse is excellent and always goes the extra mile to make sure the service is great.’
‘Very responsive and great do deal with. Andy Flanagan is at the top of his game.’
‘Clerking is strong at Crown Office – Steve Purse and Andy Flanagan get special mentions.’
Highlight-Mandate
Fountain Court Chambers
Members of Fountain Court Chambers represent both insurers and insureds, as well as advising in various classes of insurance including property and business interruption, directors’ and officers’ liability, product liability and warranty and indemnity insurance. The set also acts both in coverage disputes and in underlying third-party claims, with involvement in high profile insurance claims arising from the Russian aviation claims, the Covid-19 FCA test cases and other cross-border insurance and reinsurance claims. Anneliese Day KC represents both insurers and insured across a wide variety of cases both in the UK and abroad, while Bankim Thanki KC is part of the team involved in Greensill Capital and Greensill Bank v Zurich Insruance, acting for Zurich in a coverage dispute arising out of claims by Greensill Capital and Greensill Bank under trade credit policies issued by Zurich. Simon Paul and Niamh Cleary are key names from the set at junior level.
Highlight-Mandate
3 Verulam Buildings
3 Verulam Buildings has played an active role in the Covid-19 business interruption insurance litigation, with William Day and Adam Kramer KC acting for claimants in Stonegate Pub Company v MS Amlin, as well as for claimants London International Exhibition Centre. The set has also seen growth in cladding insurance claims, with Tom Weitzman KC taking an active role in this arena as well as aviation claims arising out of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In terms of insurance regulation, members of the set, including Farhaz Khan KC have been instructed by top insurance clients such as Lloyd’s in its capacity as a regulator. Sophia Dzwig is noted for her varied insurance practice.
Referenzen
‘Jack Wheeler provides excellent service and is always available.’
‘Top quality set.’
‘Responsive and helpful.’
Highlight-Mandate
4 Pump Court
Noted for being a ‘great set with good strength in depth,’ 4 Pump Court acts for a wide variety of clients, from insured parties and for insurers and reinsurers, to insurance brokers both domestically and internationally. Members of the set cover work across the high-value and high-profile insurance cases currently in the market, from Covid-19 business interruption claims, with Michael Davie KC advising on a number of different cases including Mayfair Banqueting Limited v AXA Insurance UK PLC dealing with an insurance claim for closure of a Mayfair nightclub during the pandemic. Aidan Christie KC is representing reinsurers in an arbitration appeal in the Commercial Court relating to recovery of Covid-19 losses under the Catastrophe Excess of Loss treaty, while Rachel Ansell KC has expertise in insurance claims arising out of Construction All Risks and property damage insurance policies in other jurisdictions. Kate Vaughan-Neil and Quentin Tannock are names to watch.
Referenzen
‘Chambers is well clerked and led by Stewart Gibbs and Billy Griffiths. They have helped us find innovative solutions for clients around a recovery scheme and have delivered training directly which has been a real help to build relationships.’
‘James Tanner is very helpful and user friendly.’
‘Will Jackman is an extraordinary clerk – he is highly responsive, proactive, has a great can-do attitude and is an absolute pleasure to deal with.’
Highlight-Mandate
Essex Court Chambers
Members of Essex Court Chambers continue to act in well-known insurance market disputes, including the Covid-19 business interruption cases, among others. Jeffrey Gruder KC is involved in Corbin and King v AXA Insurance, a Covid-19 test case where the High Court decided that these covers did not provide cover to policyholders in respect of business interruption loss caused by lockdowns. John Lockey KC, David Walsh and Helen Morton have also been involved in the Russian aviation litigation, a series of multibillion dollar insurance claims brought by international lessors and leased to Russian airlines when the Russian state effectively expropriated them after its invasion of Ukraine. Further to this, members have also been involved in a number of political risks and trade credit disputes both domestically and cross-border. David Peters KC was appointed as a silk earlier in 2024, while Paul Stanley KC and Mubarak Waseem are further key names from the set.
Referenzen
‘Essex Court is indisputably one of the heavyweight sets of the commercial bar.’
‘Great set with good strength in depth.’
Highlight-Mandate
Quadrant Chambers
The insurance and reinsurance practice at Quadrant Chambers is involved in a mixture of marine insurance and non-marine insurance cases, with members of the set being involved in a number of high profile insurance claims including the Russian aviation litigation, as well as marine cases arising out of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Guy Blackwood KC is involved in Aercap (and others) v AIG (and others), the case concerning the seizure of Russian aircraft from foreign lessors after the invasion of Ukraine. Simon Rainey KC has a broad marine insurance practice, while Luke Parsons KC has also been instructed by top insurance firm for marine-related work. Benjamin Coffer is another key name from the set.
Referenzen
‘The clerks at Quadrant always deliver top-notch service and are friendly and accessible. Daniel Westerman and Billy Beckett are fantastic.’
‘Incredibly efficient in responding to queries.’
‘My experience with at quadrant has been consistently positive. I am always directed to someone able to assist and each of those individuals have been exceedingly helpful.’
Highlight-Mandate
Gatehouse Chambers
The insurance team at Gatehouse Chambers is experienced in policy coverage work, having acted for a range of insureds, insurers and reinsurers. Members routinely advise on coverage and avoidance issues, including dealing with issues of misrepresentation and non-disclosure. Paul Reed KC is regarded as a ‘leading authority on construction and engineering insurance,’ having led Ebony Alleyne and James Shaw on the case of Sky Broadcasting Ltd, Mace Ltd v Insurers, winning a liability declarations trial against insurers and secured interim payment for the cost of repairing damage during construction to the largest flat roof in Europe, that of Sky’s site on Osterley. Michael Wheater KC took silk in the 2024 round.
Referenzen
‘Very good clerks, always responsive and happy to assist.’
‘The set is modern and user friendly.’
‘Gatehouse have really improved their strength in depth over recent years.’
Highlight-Mandate
Twenty Essex
Twenty Essex is experienced across a whole spectrum of commercial insurance and reinsurance disputes, both in arbitration and in court. Members of the set have been involved in a range of cases stemming from global events, such as the Covid-19 pandemic in the case Greggs Plc v Zurich Insurance Plc in which Christopher Hancock KC acted for the bakery chain as to if it was able to recover £2.5m in total, or per store, for the business interruption cause by lockdowns. Philip Edey KC specialises in a range of insurance claims, while Charles Kimmins KC has appeared for various insurers and reinsurers in the Russian aviation claims. Oliver Caplin KC was appointed as a silk in 2024.
Referenzen
‘Arron Zitver runs a refreshingly youthful and forward-thinking clerking team, who we find to be trailblazers in modernising our interaction with the bar.’
‘Very effective.’
‘The clerks are very user friendly; always available and helpful.’
Highlight-Mandate
7 King's Bench Walk
Referenzen
‘Gary Rose is an excellent clerk.’
‘7KBW is undoubtedly a leader in insurance and reinsurance disputes. It has a rich history and top quality barristers of all levels.’
‘The clerks always go above and beyond to assist, often staying late and working long hours to assist solicitors teams. They are very responsive and diligent at managing matters and diaries.’
Highlight-Mandate
2 Temple Gardens
The insurance practice at 2 Temple Gardens handles a plethora of insurance and reinsurance cases, from all aspects of non-marine insurance and reinsurance disputes, to scope of indemnity, non-disclosure and aggregation. Members frequently act for and against insurers and deal with all commercial policies, including those covering liability. The set has been involved in the Covid-19 business interruption cases, with Charles Dougherty KC acting in the case of Various Eateries v Allianz which concerned which business interruption losses are covered as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Neil Moody KC ’s expertise extends to construction related litigation, while Lucas Fear-Segal has been involved in several precedent setting international insurance cases, and is regarded for ‘being able to offer comprehensive and clear advice on complex areas of law. Of note, the set also has niche experience in life and health insurance, bloodstock insurance and terrorism insurance. Kate Legh and James Partridge are names to watch.
Referenzen
‘Clerks are always responsive and helpful with any queries you have. Never had to chase them. Matthew Moylan and Ben White are usually the clerks I liaise with – they are excellent.’
‘Matthew Moylan and Lee Tyler can be singled out for praise.’
‘Attentive, responsive and helpful. Lee Tyler and his team are superb.’
Highlight-Mandate
4 New Square Chambers
4 New Square Chambers‘ insurance practice benefits from its expertise in related areas including commercial litigation, international arbitration, professional negligence and property damage, which enables members to provide a full service across the leading cases in insurance. Looking at insurance issues arising out of Covid-19, Jonathan Hough KC, leading Ben Smiley and William Harman represented Zurich Insurance Co Ltd in World Challenge Expeditions Ltd v Zurich Insurance Co Ltd which covered a dispute for a claim by a company that arranges expeditions for schools that had to cancel trips as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, with the team successfully seeking security for costs. The set has a firm grasp on issues of construction covering indemnity, non-disclosure, breach of conditions and fraud. David Turner KC regularly acts on insurance disputes and issues relating to business interruption insurance, while Clare Dixon KC has experience in professional indemnity and material damage.
Referenzen
‘Alex Dolby and Andrew Call are always very helpful.’
‘This set have a very wide variety of barristers available and offer excellent training programmes.’
‘4 New Square are generally excellent across the board, with some really stand out members. Great clerking team too.’
Highlight-Mandate
Brick Court Chambers
With ‘strength in-depth in sanctions as well as insurance,’ members of Brick Court Chambers continue to be instructed on significant and high profile cases within insurance and reinsurance, with members acting on a broad range of claims, ranging from cases related to the Russian aviation claims, to the Covid-19 business interruption cases. Noted for ‘having the court’s ear in a way that other silks do not,’ Mark Howard KC, alongside Tony Singla KC, Stephen Midwinter KC and Edward Ho have been involved in AerCap v AIG (& Others) involving imposed sanctions prohibiting AerCap and other lessors from continuing the leasing of aircraft and parts to Russian airlines. Michael Bolding and Tom Wood are further key names from the set.
Referenzen
‘Brick Court is very responsive and easy to work with.’
‘They are rightly considered first class.’
‘They are the best – especially, the head clerks.’
Highlight-Mandate
Crown Office Chambers
Crown Office Chambers is noted as being the ‘go-to set for coverholders‘ within the insurance and reinsurance sector, with members of the set routinely instructed by top tier firms in the space. Andrew Rigney KC‘s practice encompasses both domestic and international cases, and has been on the forefront in the Supreme Court in the FCA Covid-19 business interruption test cases, while Isabel Hitching KC was successful both at first instance and in the Court of Appeal in the case Allianz Insurance Plc v University of Exeter which dealt with the applicability of war exclusion clauses to damage occurring after the end of a war, and is now the leading case on the meaning of proximate cause in the war risk context – the case concerned an unexploded WWII-era bomb, which, during an otherwise successful controlled explosion, caused damage to a university hall of residence. Caroline McColgan stands out for her specialism in warranty and indemnity insurance and for her involvement in the FCA Test case. Hamish Fraser and Toby Chandler are names to watch.
Referenzen
‘Excellent. Steve Purse is excellent and always goes the extra mile to make sure the service is great.’
‘Very responsive and great do deal with. Andy Flanagan is at the top of his game.’
‘Clerking is strong at Crown Office – Steve Purse and Andy Flanagan get special mentions.’
Highlight-Mandate
Fountain Court Chambers
Members of Fountain Court Chambers represent both insurers and insureds, as well as advising in various classes of insurance including property and business interruption, directors’ and officers’ liability, product liability and warranty and indemnity insurance. The set also acts both in coverage disputes and in underlying third-party claims, with involvement in high profile insurance claims arising from the Russian aviation claims, the Covid-19 FCA test cases and other cross-border insurance and reinsurance claims. Anneliese Day KC represents both insurers and insured across a wide variety of cases both in the UK and abroad, while Bankim Thanki KC is part of the team involved in Greensill Capital and Greensill Bank v Zurich Insruance, acting for Zurich in a coverage dispute arising out of claims by Greensill Capital and Greensill Bank under trade credit policies issued by Zurich. Simon Paul and Niamh Cleary are key names from the set at junior level.
Highlight-Mandate
3 Verulam Buildings
3 Verulam Buildings has played an active role in the Covid-19 business interruption insurance litigation, with William Day and Adam Kramer KC acting for claimants in Stonegate Pub Company v MS Amlin, as well as for claimants London International Exhibition Centre. The set has also seen growth in cladding insurance claims, with Tom Weitzman KC taking an active role in this arena as well as aviation claims arising out of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In terms of insurance regulation, members of the set, including Farhaz Khan KC have been instructed by top insurance clients such as Lloyd’s in its capacity as a regulator. Sophia Dzwig is noted for her varied insurance practice.
Referenzen
‘Jack Wheeler provides excellent service and is always available.’
‘Top quality set.’
‘Responsive and helpful.’
Highlight-Mandate
4 Pump Court
Noted for being a ‘great set with good strength in depth,’ 4 Pump Court acts for a wide variety of clients, from insured parties and for insurers and reinsurers, to insurance brokers both domestically and internationally. Members of the set cover work across the high-value and high-profile insurance cases currently in the market, from Covid-19 business interruption claims, with Michael Davie KC advising on a number of different cases including Mayfair Banqueting Limited v AXA Insurance UK PLC dealing with an insurance claim for closure of a Mayfair nightclub during the pandemic. Aidan Christie KC is representing reinsurers in an arbitration appeal in the Commercial Court relating to recovery of Covid-19 losses under the Catastrophe Excess of Loss treaty, while Rachel Ansell KC has expertise in insurance claims arising out of Construction All Risks and property damage insurance policies in other jurisdictions. Kate Vaughan-Neil and Quentin Tannock are names to watch.
Referenzen
‘Chambers is well clerked and led by Stewart Gibbs and Billy Griffiths. They have helped us find innovative solutions for clients around a recovery scheme and have delivered training directly which has been a real help to build relationships.’
‘James Tanner is very helpful and user friendly.’
‘Will Jackman is an extraordinary clerk – he is highly responsive, proactive, has a great can-do attitude and is an absolute pleasure to deal with.’
Highlight-Mandate
Essex Court Chambers
Members of Essex Court Chambers continue to act in well-known insurance market disputes, including the Covid-19 business interruption cases, among others. Jeffrey Gruder KC is involved in Corbin and King v AXA Insurance, a Covid-19 test case where the High Court decided that these covers did not provide cover to policyholders in respect of business interruption loss caused by lockdowns. John Lockey KC, David Walsh and Helen Morton have also been involved in the Russian aviation litigation, a series of multibillion dollar insurance claims brought by international lessors and leased to Russian airlines when the Russian state effectively expropriated them after its invasion of Ukraine. Further to this, members have also been involved in a number of political risks and trade credit disputes both domestically and cross-border. David Peters KC was appointed as a silk earlier in 2024, while Paul Stanley KC and Mubarak Waseem are further key names from the set.
Referenzen
‘Essex Court is indisputably one of the heavyweight sets of the commercial bar.’
‘Great set with good strength in depth.’
Highlight-Mandate
Quadrant Chambers
The insurance and reinsurance practice at Quadrant Chambers is involved in a mixture of marine insurance and non-marine insurance cases, with members of the set being involved in a number of high profile insurance claims including the Russian aviation litigation, as well as marine cases arising out of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Guy Blackwood KC is involved in Aercap (and others) v AIG (and others), the case concerning the seizure of Russian aircraft from foreign lessors after the invasion of Ukraine. Simon Rainey KC has a broad marine insurance practice, while Luke Parsons KC has also been instructed by top insurance firm for marine-related work. Benjamin Coffer is another key name from the set.
Referenzen
‘The clerks at Quadrant always deliver top-notch service and are friendly and accessible. Daniel Westerman and Billy Beckett are fantastic.’
‘Incredibly efficient in responding to queries.’
‘My experience with at quadrant has been consistently positive. I am always directed to someone able to assist and each of those individuals have been exceedingly helpful.’
Highlight-Mandate
Gatehouse Chambers
The insurance team at Gatehouse Chambers is experienced in policy coverage work, having acted for a range of insureds, insurers and reinsurers. Members routinely advise on coverage and avoidance issues, including dealing with issues of misrepresentation and non-disclosure. Paul Reed KC is regarded as a ‘leading authority on construction and engineering insurance,’ having led Ebony Alleyne and James Shaw on the case of Sky Broadcasting Ltd, Mace Ltd v Insurers, winning a liability declarations trial against insurers and secured interim payment for the cost of repairing damage during construction to the largest flat roof in Europe, that of Sky’s site on Osterley. Michael Wheater KC took silk in the 2024 round.
Referenzen
‘Very good clerks, always responsive and happy to assist.’
‘The set is modern and user friendly.’
‘Gatehouse have really improved their strength in depth over recent years.’
Highlight-Mandate
Twenty Essex
Twenty Essex is experienced across a whole spectrum of commercial insurance and reinsurance disputes, both in arbitration and in court. Members of the set have been involved in a range of cases stemming from global events, such as the Covid-19 pandemic in the case Greggs Plc v Zurich Insurance Plc in which Christopher Hancock KC acted for the bakery chain as to if it was able to recover £2.5m in total, or per store, for the business interruption cause by lockdowns. Philip Edey KC specialises in a range of insurance claims, while Charles Kimmins KC has appeared for various insurers and reinsurers in the Russian aviation claims. Oliver Caplin KC was appointed as a silk in 2024.
Referenzen
‘Arron Zitver runs a refreshingly youthful and forward-thinking clerking team, who we find to be trailblazers in modernising our interaction with the bar.’
‘Very effective.’
‘The clerks are very user friendly; always available and helpful.’