The Legal 500

The firms recommended in this chapter range from the Magic Circle firms to niche practices handling high-volume work and international firms with specialist practices in the City.

London is a global hub for the insurance/reinsurance industry. Some lawyers are reaping the benefits of the challenging economic conditions; the upheaval in the financial markets has led to significant claims activity and insurance companies are now more likely to contest an insurance claim. While there has been a slow down in deal activity, strategic deals are still being done, with Part VII transfers continuing to dominate this area. On the regulatory side, Clifford Chance, Lovells LLP and Reynolds Porter Chamberlain LLP are among the leading firms. Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP, Clyde & Co LLP and Ince & Co remain strong on the insurance/reinsurance litigation front, with Herbert Smith LLP and Mayer Brown International LLP also having made considerable strides in this sector. The separate table for policyholder work reflects the fact that some law firms have a dedicated practice representing corporate entities on insurance matters.

Leigh Day & Co dominates the ranking for claimant clinical negligence, with Capsticks and Hempsons leading the market on the defendant side. As well as rising in the ranking for clinical negligence work, Stewarts Law LLP stands out for claimant personal injury, with its focus on high-value catastrophic injury work. Defendant personal injury remains a stable market, with Beachcroft LLP, Berrymans Lace Mawer LLP and Greenwoods Solicitors leading the way.

The demand for product liability advice has shown no signs of being adversely affected by the economic downturn; current EU and UK initiatives to facilitate consumer claims, together with the countercyclical increase in litigation, have led to a rise in clients’ instructions. Firms ranked in the top two tiers handle matters for insured companies, mainly in the tobacco, asbestos, consumer and pharmaceuticals industries. Beachcroft LLP, Reynolds Porter Chamberlain LLP, Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP and Kennedys tend to represent insurance companies.

Our professional negligence ranking includes firms handling high-value, complex work, alongside others handling higher-volume work and smaller, niche firms. Many saw an increase in instructions in 2008, and further growth is anticipated for 2009, as recession - and Madoff-related claims filter through.

Standing ‘head and shoulders above the rest’, Leigh Day & Co’s 11-partner department is led by the ‘very well-organised’ Russell Levy, who is ‘clearly an expert in the field’. Renowned for its strength in the healthcare sector, the team acted on a number of complex claims in 2008, recovering damages ranging between £15,000 to nearly £6m in addition to a number of significant periodic payment settlements and awards. The practice includes the ‘eminent’ Anne Winyard; the ‘stand-out’ Claire Fazan; the ‘excellent’ Frances Swaine, and Sarah Campbell, who is described as ‘a real thinker’. Orthopaedic and spinal expert Henry Dyson, Olive Lewin who is experienced in cases involving demyelination of the nervous system, and Shurouk Al-Sabbagh are also recommended.

A real ‘star in the field of clinical negligence’, Paul McNeil leads Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP’s ‘excellent’ team, which includes Samantha Critchley who is consistently praised as ‘one to watch’; she ‘has all the makings of a star performer, she is clever, brave and knows each of her cases inside out’. Richard Earle is singled out for his ‘smooth and thorough’ approach. Successful cases for the team included Munday v Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, in which the highest reported settlement in an Erb’s Palsy case was awarded.

With 25 years of experience particularly in cases relating to obstetrics and neurosurgery, the ‘renowned’ Alison Eddy leads the practice at Irwin Mitchell LLP, which is praised for its reputation as ‘a national team with real presence in each office’; clients are ‘guaranteed good service’ from ‘well-structured’ teams. Birth injury specialist Auriana Griffiths is ‘excellent’. Work highlights in 2008 included a number of multimillion-pound awards for brain-damaged babies as well as several cases involving severe spinal injuries. Muiris Lyons moved to Stewarts Law LLP in 2008.

The ‘formidable’ six-partner practice at Kingsley Napley, led by the ‘skilled’ Kate Rohde, was significantly strengthened in 2009 with the arrival of the ‘terrific’ Stephanie Code from Charles Russell LLP and Dr Jock Mackenzie from Leigh Day & Co. Focusing on high-value catastrophic work, the team recovered damages in excess of £36m in 2008. The ‘personable and utterly professional’ Terrence Donovan, the ‘bright, hardworking and brave’ Alison Moore and cerebral palsy claims expert Ross Brain are consistently praised by clients.

Caroline Jenkins heads the six-partner department at Parlett Kent, which is highly regarded in the market. It is split across the firm’s Exeter and London offices and continues to receive referrals from Action against Medical Accidents. Julie Say is also recommended.

Muiris Lyons joined Stewarts Law LLP as head of department from Irwin Mitchell LLP, and is noted as a ‘clear leader in the field’. Specialising in complex, high-value claims, highlights for the five-partner practice in 2008 included a £4m spinal cord injury case. The team includes the ‘reassuring and compassionate’ Nick Knowles, the ‘totally committed’ Kevin Grealis and ‘impressive’ Leeds-based partner Frank Pinch, who is ‘a star of the future’.

Described as a ‘formidable and steely intellect’, Jon Nicholson leads the five-partner practice at Anthony Gold, which has welcomed the ‘excellent’ Stephanie Prior (a qualified nurse) to the team as a solicitor from Charles Russell LLP. The ‘exceptionally hardworking and approachable’ Jenny Kennedy and Jackie Spinks are recommended by clients. The team has particular expertise in cases involving birth injury and brain-damaged children, and orthopaedic and psychiatric injury cases.

The ‘legendary’ Richard Vallance leads the team at Charles Russell LLP alongside the ‘immensely talented’ Grainne Barton, who has joined the Guilford office from Parlett Kent. Birth injury expert Amanda Stevens is also recommended. The team lost former joint practice head Stephanie Code to Kingsley Napley and renowned associate Stephanie Prior to Anthony Gold. Associate Edwina Rawson is singled out by clients. Recent highlight cases include a high-value birth injury cerebral palsy claim.

The ‘hardworking’ and ‘experienced’ Deborah Blythe heads the three-partner department at Russell-Cooke LLP where key cases in 2008 include acting on a significant spinal injury case that settled on a lump sum and periodic payment basis for £1.2m. Janice Gardner ‘thinks outside the box’ and ‘is meticulous and committed to securing the best results for her clients’.

Lynn Knowles leads the two-partner team at Bindmans LLP, alongside Jon Crocker. It continues to see a high volume of cases brought by brain-injured clients. Key work in 2008 included the complex case of Jay Thompson v The Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Trust, for a child who sustained a significant brain injury and impaired vision as a consequence of a failure to monitor his rising temperature following a cardiac catheterisation procedure. Associate Siobhan Kelly is also recommended.

The ‘top-quality’ three-partner team at Bolt Burdon Kemp is led by Caroline Klage and is praised for its ‘ability to assess individual needs and address them accordingly’. The firm receives instructions on cases involving birth injury, brain damage, cerebral palsy, general surgery, spinal injury, and infectious diseases. The firm also has expertise in advising service and ex-service personnel who have suffered injury as a result of negligent treatment at the hands of medical officers employed by the MoD in the UK and overseas. Rosamund Rhodes-Kemp left the firm to join Kester Cunningham John in 2008.

The ‘energetic’ Jacqui Hayat and the ‘switched-on’ Olivia Lawson lead a ‘well-knit’, ‘dedicated’ two-partner team at Hodge Jones & Allen LLP. Highlights included two significant multimillion-pound cases including a case involving a failure to diagnose and treat a very rare inherited disorder which left a child severely brain damaged.

The ‘excellent’ team at Pattinson & Brewer Solicitors is led by Linda Levison. Cases in 2008 included several notable failure-to-diagnose claims as well as a number of spinal injury cases. John Kyriacou is also recommended.

James Bell and Paul Sankey lead the two-partner team at Russell Jones & Walker, which receives a significant number of instructions from its Claims Direct business. Recent instructions include a catastrophic injury case relating to a GP’s failure to manage a sickle cell patient. The team is also instructed on a number of birth injury cases.

The ‘absolutely superb’ nine-partner department at Capsticks is led by the ‘exceptional’ Alison Morley. It acts for approximately 200 NHS trusts, PCTs, health authorities and other healthcare bodies from the private and voluntary sectors across the UK. High-profile work in 2008 included representing NHS bodies involved in the issues surrounding the death of Baby P, including advising on the criminal process and dealing with a number of requests for information, as well as ensuring appropriate disclosure of information to the health professional regulators. Peter Marquand leads the ‘experienced, responsive and measured’ team of lawyers covering NHSLA work, while Philip Hatherall specialises in handling inquests, inquiries and medical malpractice cases. Majid Hassan is ‘always calm and terrific with clients’, and Iain Pickering leads a team that defends industrial disease claims. Katie Hay retired in 2008.

Led by the ‘absolutely brilliant’ Bertie Leigh, the nine-partner department at Hempsons consistently ‘provides clients with a high level of service’. Ongoing work highlights include advising the NHSLA on the Opiate Dependant Prisoners Litigation, where up to 1,000 prisoners are claiming clinical negligence and breach of human rights (alleging that they were forced onto detoxification programmes and given inadequate treatment for withdrawal symptoms). Noted partners include managing partner Janice Barber; Christian Dingwall who has 25 years’ experience in the healthcare field; John Holmes, who is ‘always helpful and is a real source of information’; Rachel Kneale, who has a ‘lovely manner’; and Zoë Harvey, who is ‘able to conduct cases in an efficient and personable manner’.

With a ‘top-quality team’ led by Kevin Bitmead, Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP is praised for its strong multidisciplinary approach. In 2008, the department acted on several high-profile multimillion-pound cases including a highly contentious case involving a brain-damaged baby. Also recommended are associate director Claire Petts, who is ‘an absolute bundle of energy’; ‘incredibly bright’ catastrophic injury specialist Charles Brown; and healthcare expert Karen Keogh.

Beachcroft LLP’s truly national clinical negligence practice is spread across the firm’s Bristol, Leeds, Winchester and newly opened Newcastle offices. Renowned national department head Nigel Montgomery is based in Bristol. In November 2008, it acquired two separate nine-fee-earner teams from Eversheds LLP, one joining the Leeds office and the other joining in Newcastle; notable individuals include former head of healthcare David Weatherburn and Paul Taylor. The firm’s extensive client base includes the NHSLA, MDU, Allianz, Norwich Union Healthcare, BUPA and Spire.

Joanne Easterbrook heads Bevan Brittan LLP’s ‘outstanding’ six-partner team, which provides ‘good client care’ and is based across the firm’s London, Birmingham and Bristol offices. Highlights in 2008 included the House of Lords test case Savage v South Essex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, which examined the duty of care on practitioners for patients detained under the Mental Health Act. In addition to handling a spread of claims as part of the NHSLA panel, the firm has expertise in highly specialist areas such as indexation, mental health and human rights, congenital screening and hospital-acquired infections. Matthew Trinder is ‘excellent’; and the ‘terrific’ Julie Charlton, Bristol-based Joanna Lloyd, and ‘knowledgeable’ Simon Lindsay are also recommended.

Kennedys ‘has the edge in knowledge and professionalism’. Led by the ‘excellent’ Janet Sayers, the five-partner team is spread across the firm’s London and Cambridge offices. It acts for the NHSLA; NHS trusts in London, the whole of East Anglia and elsewhere; and one of the largest national and international medical malpractice insurers. Also recommended are Christopher Malla and Nico Fabri, who has ‘excellent knowledge and carries a heavy workload well’.

Areas of specialism for RadcliffesLeBrasseur include advising medical defence organisations, doctors’ partnerships and individual GPs - both NHS and private - in relation to obstetric, surgical, paediatric and psychiatric cases, as well as cosmetic surgery claims. Recommended partner Ricardo Bassani’s specialisms include head, neurological and sports-related clinical negligence actions.

Reynolds Porter Chamberlain LLP’s ‘excellent’ three-partner department is ‘prompt, helpful, very friendly and good value for money’, and includes recommended partners Dorothy Flower, Clare Jaycock and Nick McMahon. It has vast experience in the private sector, advising hospitals, hospices and care homes as well as individuals such as doctors, dentists, nurses and forensic medical examiners. In the insurance market it continues to act for Novae, Brit, QBE, Marketform, Travelers, W R Berkley, Chubb and Catlin. Recent highlights include defending two consultants in relation to a claim for damage to the spinal accessory nerve sustained during allegedly unnecessary surgery.

The three-partner team of ‘aggressive litigators’ at Weightmans LLP is led by the ‘excellent’ Rena Field. Recent work includes the case of Leslie Chapman (nee Ash) v Chelsea & Westminster Healthcare NHS Trust, which attracted widespread media interest. The firm has recognised expertise in the C-Difficile infection, and has been appointed by the NHSLA to deal with all related claims nationally. The ‘very helpful’ Beth Buchanan is praised for her ‘ability to put witnesses at ease’, and Sarah Ellington ‘has a very fine eye for detail’.

The ‘extremely professional’ six-partner team at Berrymans Lace Mawer LLP is spread across the firm’s London and Manchester offices, with Gary Allison heading the London team and Mike Brown leading in Manchester. The firm’s vast practice deals with a number of instructions in the areas of dentistry, ophthalmic medicine and cosmetic surgery. London-based Vicki Swanton is recommended for her expertise in high-value claims and represents healthcare professionals in disputes with PCTs, hospital trusts and regulators.

Simon Eastwood leads the two-partner team at Eastwoods Solicitors, which welcomed Adam Smith to the partnership in 2008. The firm has a well-established reputation in healthcare work.

Peter Fitzpatrick heads the national four-partner team at Nabarro LLP, spanning the firm’s offices in London and Sheffield; the latter in 2008 welcomed Chris Horsefield and his team from Beachcroft LLP’s Leeds office. Recent work includes numerous cases involving brain-damaged children, and acting for a leading obstetrician in a claim involving the death of a baby at a private hospital.

The ‘calm and efficient’ Sian Davies leads the ‘knowledgeable and approachable’ 11-strong team at Plexus Law, a division of Parabis Law LLP. It continues to receive instructions on a variety of clinical negligence defence claims involving UK-based private hospitals and private healthcare practitioners. Recent highlights include a number of complex brain injury claims, as well as surgical issues such as retention of wire in orthopaedic surgery, gynaecological complications following hysterectomy, and plastic/cosmetic surgery and treatment issues. Heather Grimbaldeston joined the partnership in 2008.

Clifford Chance - a ‘very strong all-round practice’ - has immense transactional and regulatory experience in the insurance sector. It advised Aon Corporation on the acquisition of Benfield Group (deal value £844m), and 2008 also saw it attract new clients such as Qatar Financial Centre Authority and XL Services Switzerland. The team includes leading lights Hilary Evenett, who ‘performs well in crisis situations’, and Katherine Coates, who is ‘dominant’ in the life sector. Tim Page and Clare Swirski are noted as ‘problem solvers’, and clients are also appreciative of its ‘very good team of associates’.

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP’s team has ‘very good technical knowledge’. Robert Stirling has a ‘very commercial and sensible approach’, and Philip Richards is an ‘extremely able tactician and negotiator’. James Smethurst is ‘technically very good’ on the regulatory side, and Simeon Rudin is ‘absolutely first rate’ for structured products. An enviable client list includes household names such as Barclays, Generali, HSBC, and Marsh & McLennan. Standout deals included advising the Pearl Group on its £4.9bn acquisition of Resolution, the FTSE 100 life insurer. Ian Poynton has moved back to London from Dubai.

Herbert Smith LLP’s team is ‘always responsive’ and includes the highly regarded Geoffrey Maddock, who is ‘very experienced and knows his onions’, and Adam Levitt, who is also recommended. The core corporate team is supported by tax practitioners with particular life tax experience. An impressive client base includes Pearl Group, Royal London, Zurich Financial Services, and Co-operative Financial Services. A busy year on the deal front saw it advise Canada Life International Re (a subsidiary of Great-West Lifeco) on its reinsurance of just over half of Standard Life’s annuity liabilities. On the regulatory side, it advised two UK general insurers on Upper Tier 2 regulatory capital raisings, including FSA prudential requirements.

Linklaters LLP is noted for its ‘commercial approach coupled with excellent technical and insurance industry knowledge’. Practice head Duncan Barber is widely respected, and is ‘technically excellent with a formidable intellect’, and Victoria Sander is also highly rated. Particularly adept at complex and large-scale work, areas of focus include bulk purchase annuity work, longevity risk transfer, and advising on insurance special purpose vehicles. The team advised a number of investment banks on longevity swap and contingent loan transactions with insurers, and also advised RBS on the potential disposal of its UK non-life insurance businesses.

Lovells LLP’s team, headed by John Young has ‘excellent technical knowledge’. Tim Goggin and Charles Rix are ‘easy to deal with’, Rachel Kent has ‘excellent transactional skills’, and David Sullivan is also highly rated. The firm advised LV on the proposed £150m acquisition of Highway Insurance Group, and Max Capital Group on its £11m acquisition of Imagine Group (UK). It has also been advising on areas such as the new codified directors’ duties, governance issues affecting life assurance companies, and issues relating to with-profits businesses.

Norton Rose LLP has a ‘very strong team’ with the ‘knowledgeable and experienced’ James Bateson at the helm. David Whear ‘leaves no stone unturned’ and is a Lloyd’s specialist, while Maria Ross and Ashley Prebble are ‘a pleasure to work with’. Martin Scott is ‘outstanding - he moves the deal forward’. The team advised Royal London on its £1.2bn acquisition of Phoenix Life and Scottish Provident’s new business capabilities from Pearl, and acted for AIG on a raft of issues arising from the restructuring of the group, including the sale of HSB to Munich Re.

Slaughter and May has the ‘superb’ Glen James, who is especially strong on regulatory matters; the ‘very clever’ Nilufer von Bismarck; the ‘intellectually very capable’ Oliver Wareham; and the ‘technically excellent’ Lucy Wylde. It advised Aviva on the sale of the offshoring operations business owned by Aviva Global Services (Singapore) to WNS (Holdings), and has also been especially active in the risk transfer arena and in the pensions buy-in and buy-out market. Other clients of the wide-ranging practice include BUPA, Scottish Widows, Standard Life and Legal & General.

Allen & Overy LLP’s team is ‘pragmatic and practical in its guidance’. The ‘commercial’ Philip Jarvis heads the team, and ‘negotiates in a rigorous and reasonable manner’. Andrew Barton ‘hugely personable and knowledgeable’, and Stephen Mathews is also recommended. The practice combines capital markets and insurance expertise, recently advising RBS on an innovative longevity swap, involving RBS and Norwich Union/Partner Re, in which the risk of UK annuitants living longer has been transferred to the capital markets for the benefit of Norwich Union.

Ashurst LLP provides ‘an excellent service which can not be faulted’. Jonathan Drake ‘manages to combine a high technical capability with a strong commercial understanding’, and James Perry is ‘always available’. Highlights include advising various Bermudian groups on their entry into the London insurance market, and representing numerous clients, including Skandia Life and Pearl Group, on regulatory matters. It was also appointed to Aviva’s panel of City law firms.

Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP’s clients appreciate its ‘personalised service and prompt, clear and helpful advice’. Stephen Browning is very knowledgeable about the Lloyd’s market, and has an ‘astonishing ability to master complex financial structures’. Mike Munro and James Parker are ‘available to discuss emerging issues in very short timescales’. The firm advised London Market Claims Services Limited (an association of major global insurers) on the outsourcing of health hazard insurance claims handling and settlement. Clients include Canopius Group and Novae Group.

At Clyde & Co LLP, department head and ‘star’ Andrew Holderness has a strong reputation in the Lloyd’s market. A successful year saw the practice appointed to the non-claims legal panel of ACE European Group, and it maintains its place on other panels such as AXA’s global panel. It is becoming more active in the public company arena; one highlight was advising Heritage Underwriting Agency on the £141m recommended cash offer made by Argo Group International Holdings. Christopher Duffy is also recommended, and Andy Tromans has joined from Clifford Chance.

A busy year on the transactional front saw Dewey & LeBoeuf advise Aspen Insurance Holdings on the public offering prospectus and sale by Candover Investments of its stake of US$50m common shares in Aspen, while other clients include Brit Insurance Holdings, NFU Mutual and Torus Insurance. Head of department William Marcoux is recommended along with Nicholas Bugler and Joseph Ferraro.

Pinsent Masons LLP’s Martin Membery is ‘assiduous’ and ‘amazingly tuned in to what clients want’. Matthew Griffith is a ‘sensible and practical thinker’, and has been acting for Royal & SunAlliance on a number of strategic corporate transactions including the acquisition of Fyfe Group and its subsidiaries. Other clients include Allianz Insurance, Zurich Financial Services and Aviva. Bruno Geiringer has considerable experience on the life insurance side.

Reynolds Porter Chamberlain LLP’s advice is ‘spot on’; Dianne Vander Cruyssen is noted for her ‘friendly approach’ and has ‘recruited an impressive team’. Sanjay Pritam is ‘very knowledgeable’, while Jonathan Davies does a ‘great job’. The firm assisted the European subsidiary of a major Bermuda-based insurance and reinsurance group with its preparations for its FSA ARROW II visit.

CMS Cameron McKenna LLP was appointed to the Ace Insurance panel. MetLife was also a major new client in 2008, with the firm advising it on a range of issues relating to its expansion in the UK and Europe, including the development of a retirement portfolio insurance product. Head of department Paul Edmondson, along with Christopher Southorn and John Cadman, are the primary contact partners.

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP’s Jeremy Hill is a prominent figure in the London insurance market. It advised Benfield Group on its acquisition by Aon Corporation, and also acted for Catlin Group on its £200m rights issue, underwritten by JPMorgan and UBS.

Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge UK LLP has a fine reputation for alternative risk transfer transactions. Richard Spiller (noted for his ‘attention to detail and responsiveness’) co-chairs the regulatory and transactional practice group, and Ambereen Salamat is another primary contact. It recently advised Munich Re on several large reinsurance contracts, while other clients include American Insurance Association and new client Montpelier Re.

Eversheds LLP’s Michael Wainwright is well respected in the market and was the lead solicitor advising on the closure of AIG Enhanced Fund, which entailed advising AIG Life on the emergency suspension of redemptions and the restructuring plan put forward by the company. American Express and AXA are also clients. Pamela Thompson is another key contact.

Holman Fenwick Willan LLP’s clients appreciate its ‘first-class service’. Practice head Nicholas Hutton’s ‘business acumen and ability to get the job done is unparalleled’; Paul Wordley is a ‘first-class lawyer’; and Kapil Dhir has an ‘excellent grasp of the important matters in the London insurance market’. The team is advising a major insurance group on a proposed acquisition of a Lloyd’s syndicate.

Addleshaw Goddard LLP’s Ivor Edwards has ‘extraordinary knowledge of the industry’, and is currently acting for a major life company on the disposal of a number of life portfolios. David Heffron is recommended on the regulatory/commercial side. Royal Liver Assurance Society, Simplyhealth, and Standard Life are clients.

Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP’s key partners are Pollyanna Deane and Nathan Willmott. Highlights included assisting AIG on an FSA investigation and enforcement action, and adding new clients such as Aon and QBE Insurance to its client base. BUPA is another major client.

Ince & Co maintains a solid client base in the insurance broking, syndicate management and insurance company sectors, and recently advised an airline on its appointment as an appointed representative of a UK medical/travel insurer. Key contacts include Peter Rogan and Stephen Jarvis.

LG advised Arthur J. Gallagher on its acquisition of Oxygen Insurance Managers. A year of change at a senior level saw the arrival of Richard Everett from the FSA, and the departure of Martin Mankabady to Mayer Brown International LLP. NFU Mutual and Generali are clients.

Karen Abbott heads the insurance and reinsurance group at Mayer Brown International LLP, which was strengthened by the arrival of Martin Mankabady. It advised Argo Acquisitions, a subsidiary of Argo Group International Holdings, on its £136m acquisition of Heritage Underwriting Agency.

At Shearman & Sterling LLP, the ‘commercial’ Barnabas Reynolds heads the department. Regularly involved in cross-border deals, it advised Allianz SE on the regulatory aspects of the sale of Dresdner Bank AG to Commerzbank AG (value US$13.9bn). Other important clients include IntercontinentalExchange Inc. (ICE) and Lloyd’s of London.

At Simmons & Simmons, Jennifer Donohue’s forte lies in longevity swaps and insurance-linked securities. She also has considerable experience in the application of cross-border European Commission directives in the insurance single European market. Christopher Braithwaite heads the department. Key clients include Royal London.

Steptoe & Johnson provides ‘very accurate and timely advice’, with Angus Rodger renowned as ‘well versed in insurance matters’. It was instructed by CIGNA Life Insurance Company of Europe on a wide range of regulatory issues, and Swiss Re and QBE are other significant clients.

Beachcroft LLP’s is lauded for its ‘great sector focus’. Prominent clients include Friends Provident, AXA and The Law Society, and it retained its place on Groupama’s panel for insurance agreements and advice on other matters. David Hunt, James MacNish-Porter and Richard Hobbs are the primary contacts.

At DLA Piper UK LLP, private equity specialist Mel Sims is well regarded for his experience in the insurance sector. The team acted for IAG on the sale of its Hastings and Advantage businesses to a management buyout vehicle.

Reed Smith’s Ian Fagelson ‘thinks laterally and finds solutions’. He has considerable transactional and regulatory experience on insurance and reinsurance matters.

Speechly Bircham LLP has a broad practice and considerable experience in advising insurers on IT and data protection issues. The team advised longstanding client Ecclesiastical Insurance Office on its purchase of South Essex Insurance Brokers. Nick Janmohamed and Mervyn Couve are recommended.

Taylor Wessing LLP’s regulatory focus remains on the intermediary side of the London market, and a large growth area has been for non-market clients who have become involved in regulated insurance activities primarily as intermediaries. It counts Hiscox and Colemont Insurance Brokers as clients. Peter Kempe is recommended for non-contentious work, and Clive Cunningham for regulatory matters.

Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP advised the Scheme Trustee of Electricity Supply Pension Scheme on setting up investments with insurance companies; Kirstene Baillie is the prime contact.

Maclay Murray & Spens LLP’s Philip Skerrett is experienced in life insurance.

Clifford Chance has a ‘busy and strong practice’ for insolvent and solvent run-offs. Its leading individuals include ‘good all-rounder’ Philip Hertz (‘technically very sound’), and the ‘very experienced’ David Steinberg. It advised Equitas on a large and complex Part VII Transfer, and is also advising the administrators of Highlands Insurance Company (UK) on an innovative section 895 scheme for the company’s direct insurance policyholders in order to reach a settlement between Highlands UK and its US sister subsidiary. An impressive roster of clients includes PwC, AXA and Grant Thornton.

Clyde & Co LLP is particularly active in the run-off market. Leading partners include the well-regarded Geraldine Quirk, Paul Bugden and David Coupe; the ‘sensible and commercial’ Juliette Stevens left the firm for an in-house position but is retained by the firm in a consultancy capacity. The firm advised GLOBALE and its subsidiary, Global General, on their solvent schemes of arrangement; GLOBALE’s scheme was the first solvent scheme of arrangement for a German insurer/reinsurer. The team also advises the insurance industry on insurance/reinsurance company and broker insolvencies.

At Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP, the ‘highly regarded’ Neil Golding heads the department, with Robert Stirling and Matthew Cosans also recommended on the non-contentious side. Areas of strength include cross-border deals; highlights include advising the various officeholders appointed over the HIH group (which has some 250 members) on the largest collapse in Australian history. Clients include leading names in the insurance industry such as The Hartford Group, AIG and Ernst & Young. ‘Calm under pressure’ senior associate Nick Stern joined the team from Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge UK LLP.

The ‘intelligent and personable’ Robin Spencer heads Lovells LLP’s practice, and Joe Bannister is noted as ‘going that extra mile’; the team has the ‘technical expertise, market savvy and resources to be able to do a good job’. It acted for Phoenix & London Assurance, part of the Pearl Group, in a groundbreaking restructuring of part of its £4.9bn with-profits fund, and advised the trustee of Cable & Wireless pension scheme on its landmark £1bn bulk annuity deal with Prudential. Alexander Wood is active in the area.

Jon Yorke heads the group at Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP and is appreciated as ‘commercial and having a very good understanding of insurance and insolvency issues’. The firm is advising longstanding client PwC as administrators of the Stirling Cooke Brown companies on the closing down of a long-running administration and scheme for a reinsurance broker. Other significant clients include Minster Group, and World Marine & General Insurance Company. The team was joined by Emily Benson as an associate director from the FSA.

Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge UK LLP has been attracting some good instructions with a cross-border dimension. The team expanded at a senior level with the addition of Peter Fidler from CMS Cameron McKenna LLP. The firm acted for Reinsurance Solutions through KPMG to prepare solvent schemes of arrangement for 82 companies participating in four of the EW Payne reinsurance pools. Major clients include KPMG and Compre.

Mayer Brown International LLP’s teams in Europe, the Americas and Asia have been combining to advise a sizeable number of companies on a large multi-jurisdictional transaction dealing with proposed solvent schemes of arrangements to be followed by Chapter 15 applications. Devi Shah and Ian McKenna jointly head the department in London, and Martin Mankabady is recommended. Significant clients include AXA Group, Quest Group and Begbies Traynor.

Norton Rose LLP has been involved in a diverse range of work and has significant international capabilities. A busy year on the restructuring front saw it advising Travelers on the restructuring of its London Market operations and sale to Enstar, and XL on the cross-border merger of XL Europe and XL Insurance Company. The firm’s blue-chip client base includes Whittington, Riverstone and AXA, alongside new clients ACE and Groupama. James Bateson is the key contact.

Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP, under David Leibowitz, has been advising PwC as liquidators on the high-profile liquidation of insurance broker WIC. The team includes Pollyanna Deane, and counts Cavell Managing Agency, PRO Insurance Solutions, and Deloitte as clients.

Herbert Smith LLP is acting for Zurich Financial Services Group in its project to consolidate all general insurance business carried on by Zurich entities in the EU into Zurich Insurance plc, involving a transfer under Part VII of the Financial Services and Markets Act. Laurence Elliott, Geoffrey Maddock and Adam Levitt are key figures in the team, which acts for Pearl Assurance, FSCS and Swiss Re among others.

At Pinsent Masons LLP, Matthew Griffith is valued as ‘responsive’, and Martin Membery is prominent in the market. The highly rated team advised Liverpool Victoria on the Part VII transfer of its life business. Clients includes Zurich Financial Services, AXA and Aviva.

Nigel Montgomery at Sidley Austin LLP is ‘doing well and knows his stuff’’. The London team combined with colleagues in Germany to advise Deutsche Rück AG on the transfer of two portfolios of run-off business from Germany to the UK. This team has considerable expertise in pools schemes.

Denton Wilde Sapte LLP’s Mark Andrews is recommended. Key clients include Deloitte and PwC.

Peter Sharp is highly rated at Dewey & LeBoeuf, which is acting as global restructuring counsel to ScottishRe.

Elborne Mitchell acted for a Lloyd’s insurance broker on solvency issues. Tim Goodger is the prime contact.

Eversheds LLP’s clients include PwC and Ernst & Young. Simon Waller is the lead partner.

New entrant K&L Gates acts for Vantis, KPMG and Baker Tilly, with the well-regarded Edward Smith a key contact.

Speechly Bircham LLP is advising on the implementation of schemes of arrangement for five insurers participating in a London Market Reinsurance Pool. Christopher Harlowe is recommended.

Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP has ‘great reinsurance pedigree’ and is also widely respected for its insurance expertise, although it has seen some major changes at partner level; Roger Doulton has moved to Clyde & Co LLP, and Colin Croly has also left. The remaining partners continue to garner praise; practice head Jason Bright has ‘very good commercial acumen’; Clive O’Connell ‘knows insurance inside out’; David Abbott is ‘very responsive’; and Patrick Foss is ‘very knowledgeable’. The team is representing QBE in arbitration and in Commercial Court proceedings (currently subject to appeal to the Court of Appeal) in a dispute concerning the revocation of an agent’s authority to conduct the run-off of legal expenses/insurance business written for the principal under a binder.

Clyde & Co LLP has some superb partners; Nigel Brook is valued for his ‘very good strategic sense of how to run a case’; Michael Payton is ‘the sage in the market’; Andrew Grant has ‘gained a significant reputation as an excellent reinsurance lawyer’; and Nigel Chapman and Roderick Smith are also well known. Recent instructions include acting for the insurers of a construction company repairing a railway bridge in the Czech Republic which collapsed onto the track, leading to eight fatalities. The firm was appointed to ACE European Group’s non-claims legal panel, and retains panel appointments with AXA among others. Roger Doulton has joined the team, while Anthony Menzies has moved to Taylor Wessing LLP.

Herbert Smith LLP is ‘perennially excellent’, with clients noting its ‘first-class service’. The team features the ‘tenacious and extremely thorough’ David Reston; Christopher Foster; Paul Lewis; Anthony Dempster (‘absolutely top of the tree’); Alexander Oddy, who provides ‘quick and comprehensive answers’; and Martin Bakes, who ‘considers a problem from every angle’. The team advised CMS Cameron McKenna LLP on the defence of proceedings brought against it by the accountancy firm HLB Kidsons, a case involving the difficult issue of notification. The practice counts leading players in the insurance and reinsurance industry as clients, among them Royal & SunAlliance, and Travelers. Broker clients include Marsh and Willis.

Ince & Co’s clients appreciate its ‘exceptional service’. It has a number of excellent practitioners, such as the ‘knowledgeable’ Allan Hepworth; the ‘very responsive and efficient’ Tony George; and Alan Weir, who ‘knows the market’. The practice ranges from marine and energy insurance to political and trade credit risks. The ‘practical and able’ Jan Heuvels and ‘elder statesman’ Peter Rogan represented Allianz Life in complex multi-party proceedings in connection with the run-off of its corporate member at Lloyd’s, and Rebecca Axe successfully represented the underwriters in Commercial Court litigation arising from the transportation of items to and from a Fabergé Exhibition in the US.

Mayer Brown International LLP’s team ‘looks for solutions to potential problems rather than purely being reactive to issues’. Head of department Karen Abbott is ‘focused on ensuring that the client is satisfied’; and Sean Connolly and Lindsay McQuillian are ‘pleasant and sensible to deal with’. David Chadwick is recommended for political risk insurance, and Wendy Allen-Rodney has the ability to ‘manage claims in the best possible way’. The firm has strategic roles for insurers in Madoff-related matters, and also in relation to the collapse of Icelandic banks. Major reported victories for clients include the Dunlop Hayward v Nationwide case, and team has also been advising on reinsurance issues relating to the California bush fires and Hurricanes Rita and Katrina.

CMS Cameron McKenna LLP is ‘very good across all areas of insurance’. Practice head Liam O’Connell is ‘very commercial and astute’; Belinda Schofield is ‘very analytical’; and Stephen Tester has the ‘ability to balance a number of complex cases, please clients and win cases’. The ‘very competent’ John Hall is now a consultant; Anthony Hobkinson has moved in-house; and Ed Foss has joined the team, having previously been in-house counsel at Jardine Lloyd Thompson. The ‘reliable’ Vere Wheatley is acting for Willis and CNA in a US$300m claim for fraud.

Clifford Chance provides a ‘prompt and professional service’. Nicholas Munday and Stephen Surgeoner are singled out for praise; Philip Hill is ‘solution orientated’; and Denis Brock has a ‘no-nonsense and knowledgeable approach’. With strengths including its international reach, its impressive roster of clients includes Aon Corporation, Metlife, and XL Capital. Highlights included acting for ESR Insurance Services (in administration) in an investigation into the activities of a director who allegedly operated a fraudulent insurance scheme with a purported underwriter in the US. The team has also seen an increase in disputed claims on credit, political risk and trade disruption insurance, and advice on mis-selling claims made against major financial institutions is another growth area.

Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge UK LLP provides a ‘top-notch’ service, and David Kendall is ‘one of the best around’. The team is acting for Centre Re and Munich Re as reinsurers of T&N’s £500m asbestos liability policy, in one of the largest and most complex cross-border asbestos disputes. The ‘dependable and professional’ Richard Hopley is recommended for his product liability work, and Mark Everiss for his experience in the run-off sector. This team also does a considerable amount of Bermuda Form arbitration work.

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP’s track record includes technically complex disputes and regulatory investigations with clients seeking advice in ‘bet the company’ situations. One such high-profile example was advising Aon in a number of jurisdictions on regulatory issues concerning third party payments from commissions. Raj Parker takes ‘quick and sensible decisions’, and Ali Sallaway ‘knows the market very well’. Clients include the UK branch of AIG Life, and Prudential. The firm’s payment protection insurance (PPI) practice had a busy year, including advising Alliance & Leicester on an FSA investigation into telesales of PPI on unsecured loans.

Holman Fenwick Willan LLP has a ‘strong team at partner and solicitor level’. Head of the team Paul Wordley can ‘handle big matters well’, and Andrew Bandurka ‘quickly grasps the legal and commercial implications and tailors his advice accordingly’. John Duff can ‘negotiate his way out of tough situations’, and Rebecca Hopkirk and Costas Frangeskides are also recommended. In addition to its regular flow of major claims work, the team is increasingly acting for buyers, sellers, intermediaries and service providers in the insurance and reinsurance market. It is representing HLB Kidsons in a substantial coverage dispute arising from underwriters’ refusal to indemnify the firm for claims arising from tax schemes.

Kennedys has ‘one of the pre-eminent insurance/reinsurance practices in London’, with ‘master strategist’ Nick Williams at the helm. Geoff Lord is ‘very good technically on sophisticated insurance matters’, and the addition of Trevor Davies following the firm’s merger with Davies Lavery was a ‘major coup’. Other partners include the ‘tenacious’ Iain Corbett; the ‘dynamic and extremely clever’ Jennifer Boldon; and the newly promoted Catherine Shuttleworth, who has ‘her clients’ best interests at heart’. The firm was instructed by numerous insurers who had provided insurance to individuals and businesses whose premises were in close proximity to the Buncefield oil depot and suffered damage from the explosion.

Lovells LLP’s team includes Nick Atkins (‘one of the real superstars’ at the firm), and Peter Taylor, who is highly thought of and ‘looks at all the angles of a case’. It is acting for Federal Mogul US Asbestos Trust in relation to asbestos claims, insurance and reinsurance coverage to the US Trust established by the s 524(g) Plan, and has also been involved in a sizeable number of arbitrations. ‘Having a North American office with equally good lawyers as its London office is an additional advantage’.

Reynolds Porter Chamberlain LLP’s team is ‘very thorough’ and ‘keeps clients well informed’. On the insurance side, Edward Smerdon is an ‘acknowledged market leader’, while on the reinsurance side Simon Kilgour ‘sees the wood from the trees’. Other partners are Simon Greenley, who ‘leaves no stone unturned’, and Paul Dowsey, who ‘makes complex issues easy to understand’, especially on the energy insurance side. ‘Big hitter’ David Webster and the ‘sensible’ Paul Castellani have both recently joined from Eversheds LLP. The firm is acting for a fund manager in a major credit crisis driven liability claim arising from the management of a portfolio.

Beachcroft LLP’s Chris Wilkes ‘seems to get it right every time’, and Julian Miller and new partner Ben Nicholson are ‘very switched on’. The team attracts instructions from all sectors of the market including Lloyd’s syndicates and companies such as Swiss Re and AXA. The team is defending a well-known London law firm against claims relating to its alleged involvement in a substantial and complex fraud on investors in a tax relief scheme (value approximately £50m).

Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP has a ‘young and enthusiastic team’. Anthony Lennox and Jonathan Sacher are ‘very able and knowledgeable’, especially on reinsurance matters, and David McCarthy is ‘very solid’. The practice continues to act for Goshawk Lloyd’s Syndicate in run-off on insurance policies which provided cover to the US secondary life policy market.

Chadbourne & Parke MNP’s Christopher Cardona is a specialist in the Latin American market, and is appreciated for his ability to handle complex and lengthy cases. Adrian Mecz is noted as knowledgeable about financial institutions risk, and Michelle George is ‘easy to work with and responsive’. The firm is acting for Lexington Insurance Company (and other following reinsurers) in Commercial Court proceedings against a Venezuelan insurer.

Davies Arnold Cooper LLP’s William Allison and his team are recommended as offering ‘a very quick service’. Nick Young is ‘hard working and tenacious’, and Hermes Marangos has ‘outstanding breadth of knowledge on multi-jurisdictional issues’. The firm is representing Total as the 60% major shareholder of Hertfordshire Oil Storage, in all civil claims being brought against the company relating to the explosion at the Buncefield oil depot.

At Dewey & LeBoeuf, the ‘completely unflappable’ Francis Mackie is a central figure along with David Wilkinson, who ‘makes clients feel that they are in safe hands’; and ‘nothing gets past’ Damian Cleary. The firm is advising insurers on their liability and exposure in respect of D&O cover in favour of Northern Rock following its collapse and subsequent nationalisation. Other strengths include London Market arbitrations. AXA and Munich Re are key clients.

Addleshaw Goddard LLP’s Richard Leedham has ‘built up a strong team’, ‘inspires confidence in clients’, and is ‘tactically very aware’, with particular areas of activity including treaty reinsurance arbitrations. Michael Green is acting for the defendant reinsurer in WASA v Lexington, a case relating to back-to-back reinsurance, and Simon Twigden is noted as ‘tenacious’. A successful year saw the team add to its already impressive client base with gains such as Hannover Re and Swiss Re.

Simon Brooks leads the insurance/reinsurance team at Eversheds LLP. Recent work includes representing Scor Re in a reinsurance dispute arising out of product liability claims written under a catastrophe excess umbrella wording in favour of Merck & Co (value US$33m), while other clients include XL and Royal & SunAlliance. David Webster left the team to join Reynolds Porter Chamberlain LLP.

At Fishburns, the addition of John Groome to the team has considerably enhanced the firm’s Anglo-American offering, and Jonathan Moss and Robert Lloyd are ‘incredibly thorough’. The ‘very pragmatic’ Antony Marsh was involved in acting for the successful Lloyd’s underwriters in the major coverage litigation case HLB Kidsons v Lloyd’s Underwriters & Others. The firm is noted for its significant partner involvement in cases, helping to ensure that ‘there won’t be any nasty surprises or bombshells at a later stage’.

LG’s team is ‘very responsive and knowledgeable’, with William Sturge, David Breslin, and head of department Nick Bradley all recommended. Key strengths include property insurance disputes, and financial lines and D&O work, with a particular focus on the reinsurance side. Major clients include Allianz Insurance, Novae, Harel, and Phoenix Life Insurance Company.

Norton Rose LLP has a ‘strong team with an excellent work ethic’. The ‘very dedicated’ Susan Dingwall is building up considerable expertise in Takaful (Islamic insurance), and Michael Mendelowitz is ‘very sensible’. The team advised National Insurance and Guarantee Corporation on a large credit insurance dispute (with a value around £16m), and attracted new clients such as Fortis Bank and Standard Chartered Bank to add to its impressive roster of clients, including HSBC.

Slaughter and May has an ‘absolutely excellent team’; Efstathios Michael’s ‘attention to detail is incredible’, and Richard Swallow is another key partner in the group. It represents insurers and a sizeable element of the broking market, with clients such as Marsh & McLennan, and is acting for Willis in a US$250m-plus claim brought by American Reliable Insurance Company (ARIC) in the Commercial Court, a complex multi-jurisdictional claim in which ARIC is seeking damages in relation to Willis’ role as reinsurance broker.

Dedicated insurance firm Clausen Miller, L.L.P. ‘always delivers the highest level of service’, and has some fine partners, including the ‘exceptionally bright’ John Startin and ‘skilled litigator’ Jane Beacham, who has considerable expertise in providing coverage advice on casualty cases. Jonathan Hall is praised for his ‘sharp eye for detail’. Key clients include Broadgate, XL and Tokio Marine.

DLA Piper UK LLP was instructed last year by Munich Re and Swiss Re to represent the international reinsurance market, comprising 38 of the best-known global reinsurers, in relation to the BHP Billiton mining-related losses. The ‘smart and experienced’ Charles Gordon and ‘excellent litigator’ David Murphy are recommended. Key clients include Hannover Re and SCOR.

Elborne Mitchell ‘consistently punches above its weight’, with Timothy Brentnall and Timothy Akeroyd ‘extremely competent’. The eight-partner practice is experienced in the energy reinsurance sector, particularly in Latin America, and continues to act on primary insurance disputes, particularly liability issues on professional indemnity matters.

Halliwells’ Damian McPhun ‘manages expectations well’. The team acted for the primary and excess markets in the successful defence of proceedings brought to recover losses arising from the explosion at the Buncefield oil depot. Jolyon Patten left the firm for Sedgwick Detert Moran & Arnold LLP.

Mills & Reeve LLP’s team includes Michael Mitchell, who joined last year having previously headed the London office of Vizards Wyeth, and Paul Cha, who has a ‘friendly and pragmatic approach’. A highlight was successfully obtaining a judgment in the defence of a complex product liability claim brought by a building contractor alleging defective manufacture of pipes. Major clients include Lincoln National and Marlborough Underwriting Agency.

Pinsent Masons LLP provides a ‘friendlier service’ than some competitors, with the ‘thorough and diligent’ Colin Read singled out for particular praise. The team’s experience includes construction insurance claims and the use of nuclear insurance. It is advising a client on its claims under a Property All Risks policy following a catastrophic fire at an oil refinery. Major clients include Aviva and Allianz Insurance.

Sedgwick Detert Moran & Arnold LLP has an excellent practice, with clients appreciating, among other things, its international reach. Sarah Hills is ‘very detail orientated’ while new addition to the team Jolyon Patten offers ‘sensible and commercial solutions’. It represented a large Bermuda insurer in respect of its insured’s involvement in the Buncefield oil depot explosion. Adam Barker and James Pilgrim-Morris have moved to in-house positions.

Simmons & Simmons is acting for the architects in the defence of claims brought by Brookfield relating to the construction of the new Wembley stadium. Key figures include practice head Christopher Braithwaite and James Pollock. In addition to its coverage work, the practice handles a range of high-end claims work spanning D&O, product liability, financial institutions, professional liability and reinsurance.

Steptoe & Johnson’s Gavin Coull is a ‘safe pair of hands’; and Angus Rodger ‘does not miss any issues’. One highlight was acting for one of the world’s leading reinsurance companies on high-value reinsurance claims arising out of Hurricane Katrina. The group is on Swiss Re’s panel for insurance and reinsurance claims, and has strong international connections with XL.

Taylor Wessing LLP’s James Crabtree is a ‘dedicated litigator with a good team’, which works closely with colleagues in the firm’s German and French offices, and now acts in almost equal measure for reinsureds and reinsurers. Clients include Alliance & Leicester Commercial Bank, and Marsh & Partners. Anthony Menzies joined from Clyde & Co LLP.

Berrymans Lace Mawer LLP continues to represent a building insurer in relation to the major fire which destroyed Primark’s sole distribution centre, and has a significant number of property insurer clients. Catherine Hawkins heads the property insurance and recovery department, and Peter Fitzpatrick is recommended.

Carter Perry Bailey LLP is a new firm founded by Stephen Carter and Bill Perry, formerly of Charles Russell LLP. It has niche expertise in areas such as fine art and pharmacy insurance, and major clients include AXA Art Insurance and Senator Broker Services.

Greenwoods Solicitors’ Richard Houseago is highly regarded in the market for his property and electricity insurance work. He is a ‘prolific worker who never lets down a client even when the deadlines look impossible’. New partner Mark Aitken is ‘robust and tenacious’.

Hill Dickinson LLP joins the ranking following its merger with Middleton Potts in July 2009. Clients include UK and overseas insurance and reinsurance companies, Lloyd’s Syndicates and multinational companies. David Godfrey and Edwin Cheyney are highly rated.

A particular forte of Latham & Watkins is the environmental coverage arena, and it also has considerable experience in D&O insurance coverage issues. Key clients include Fluor Corporation. John Hull and David Mulliken are the main contacts.

Sidley Austin LLP’s practice has made ‘great strides’. Dorothy Cory-Wright heads the department and is noted as ‘very client focused’ with ‘excellent technical skills’. The group has been involved in some interesting multi-jurisdictional disputes, and works closely with colleagues in Chicago and New York City.

Stephenson Harwood’s Alex Davis is widely known in the market for his marine insurance work, and Tony Concagh is recommended for his energy insurance work. Key clients include AIG, Amlin and Markel. This practice has particular expertise in geoseismic streamer cases.

The ‘able and personable’ Victoria Brackett heads the department at Thomas Eggar LLP, whose clients include Cavell Managing Agency. Associate Andrew Nixon is also recommended.

Peter Knight heads the group at Bird & Bird LLP and has particular experience in the power, energy and water sectors and counts Thames Water and Zurich as clients.

The ‘commercial and pragmatic’ Chris Warren- Smith at Fulbright & Jaworski International LLP is recommended.

At Robin Simon LLP, Michael Robin and Joanne Staphnill are well regarded.

Ling Ong at Weightmans LLP ‘responds quickly and is proactive’.

Allen & Overy LLP’s Joanna Page exercises ‘good judgement and is like a terrier with a bone’ when it comes to resolving issues for clients, and Richard Smith is ‘practical and knowledgeable’. The practice continues to excel in credit insurance and Bermuda Form work, and acts for the likes of Nokia and BAE. It is also representing one of the world’s largest healthcare and pharmaceutical companies in a substantial London arbitration against its insurers for product liabilities incurred in the US.

Covington & Burling LLP acts for large corporate policyholders, and continues to represent Northrop Grumman on the insurance aspects of its UK employer’s liability claims. It has particular expertise in the pharmaceutical sector, and has been involved in a substantial number of London insurance coverage arbitrations against Bermuda Form carriers. Key contacts Roger Enock and Richard Mattick are recommended. The firm is noted for its ‘strong Washington presence’.

Edwin Coe LLP’s ‘responses are well considered, swift, concise and commercial’; Michael Whitton’s knowledge of this area is ‘second to none’, and Roger Franklin is ‘very astute’. The team is experienced in advising on quantum issues and business interruption losses, and is acting for a number of companies in recovering uninsured losses in the aftermath of the Buncefield explosion. Key clients include Land of Leather, Synergy Healthcare and Kidde Products.

Jane Harte-Lovelace leads the insurance coverage group at K&L Gates, and is ‘very knowledgeable’ about claims procedures. Sarah Turpin (now special counsel) is recommended for her work on D&O policies, and new partner Matthew Smith is ‘in demand’ on project insurance matters. The practice is acting for Flexsys America LP, a subsidiary of NYSE-listed Solutia Inc., in a coverage dispute with XL. Major clients include Transport for London, Laing O’Rourke and Man Group.

Reed Smith’s Peter Hardy is ‘very swift to respond with excellent advice’, while Mark Connoley shows ‘true commitment to his cases’, and Margaret Campbell is also recommended. It acted for a film production company on a potential coverage dispute arising from liability insurance placed on the London market, while other clients include AT&T, PwC and Guernsey Financial Services Commission.

Watson, Farley & Williams LLP is new to the ranking. Andrew Savage is ‘very savvy, easy to deal with and hardworking’, and has broadened the litigation department’s disputes practice to include dealing with claims against the market. The team is representing a hedge fund manager (the insured) on a very substantial trading loss incurred in the aftermath of the Lehman collapse.

Providing clients with an ‘incredibly high level of service’ Stewarts Law LLP remains the ‘standout’ firm for personal injury work in London. Consistently praised as ‘one of the best claimant firms in the market’, it focuses on high-value catastrophic injury cases. Led by Paul Paxton, the now nine-partner team recovered damages worth £80m in 2008, and handled claims worth a total of £450m. It includes ‘impressive’ managing partner John Cahill; the ‘excellent’ Stuart Dench; Julian Chamberlayne, who has vast experience in international claims; Andrew Dinsmore; the ‘highly regarded’ Katherine Lennon; ‘leading light’ Kevin Grealis; and brain and spinal cord injury case expert Charles Edwards. Lucy Robinson was promoted to partner in 2008.

The ‘renowned’ Colin Ettinger leads Irwin Mitchell LLP’s truly national personal injury practice that is praised by clients for its ‘high level of expertise’ and ‘exceptional service’. It represents clients on the full range of claims, and is split into specialist teams covering neurotrauma, serious injury, asbestos, child abuse and travel. Guy Darlaston’s asbestos disease team recovered more than £9m in 2008, and the ‘committed’ Tracey Storey heads the firm’s renowned child abuse team. Particularly experienced in head injury claims, Alison Eddy is a ‘first-class litigator’. ‘Outstanding’ associate director Keith Barrett is praised for his constant availability to clients and his ‘thoughtful and constructive advice’.

Sally Moore and Martyn Day lead the ‘excellent’ six-partner team at Leigh Day & Co, which welcomed Richard Meeran back to the partnership in 2008. As well as representing claimants in relation to serious RTA, industrial disease, travel and sports injury claims, it has a renowned international practice, specialising in bringing claims for groups of foreign nationals injured by the actions of UK companies or government organisations. With a ‘quality practice’, highlights include acting for approximately 50 Iraqi citizens who allege that they were unlawfully treated by British soldiers in Iraq (with Sapna Malik leading the advice).

Jon Nicholson heads the ‘excellent’ five-partner team at Anthony Gold where ‘client service is second to none’; it ‘always provides practical solutions’. The broad practice spans RTA, accident at work, public liability, and brain, spinal and psychiatric injury cases. David Marshall is ‘expert, thoughtful, and insightful, and inspires confidence’, and Jenny Kennedy is a ‘real star in the field’; she is ‘extremely knowledgeable, capable, intelligent and understanding’.

A ‘true leader in the field’, Rodney Nelson-Jones leads the ‘extremely approachable, professional and efficient’ five-partner team at Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP, which ‘cares for its clients’ welfare and adds the personal touch’. It is ‘in a class of its own for disease cases’, recovering more than £16m in 2008 for asbestos claims alone. It also has an ‘excellent’ catastrophic injury practice, acting on complex cases often involving an international element. The ‘approachable’ and ‘tremendously supportive’ Jill Greenfield is ‘exceptional’; Paul McNeil is ‘highly regarded’; and Andrew Morgan has ‘an intellectual curiosity and will take novel points’.

The ‘extremely knowledgeable’ Paul Kitson heads the six-partner team at Russell Jones & Walker. It has a strong catastrophic injury practice, alongside expertise in sports injuries, and receives instructions from the Police Federation, USDAW, Community, the Royal College of Nursing, the PFA, and the Cyclists’ Touring Club. The ‘caring and empathetic’ Liz Dux is singled out by clients.

Clare Mellor heads a team of ‘excellent lawyers’ at Thompsons. The firm’s national personal injury practice acts for the three largest unions in the UK (UNITE, UNISON, and GMB) as well as many others including the NUT and the NUJ. In May 2009, the firm was strengthened by its merger with Rowley Ashworth, which had offices across the UK.

Warren Collins leads the ‘impressive’ two-partner practice at Davies Arnold Cooper LLP, which focuses solely on high-value complex claims arising out of catastrophic injuries, specialising in spinal cord and brain injury cases, amputations and fatalities. The ‘excellent’ Allison Dias is praised by clients.

The ‘first-rate’ Patrick Allen heads Hodge Jones & Allen LLP’s ‘extremely efficient’ seven-partner department. In 2008 the firm set up a military claims department to handle claims against the MoD, and is handling a number of ongoing post traumatic stress disorder claims. The ‘extremely clever’ Peter Todd specialises in catastrophic and fatal injury claims, particularly vaccine injury cases. Alison Parker is ‘brilliant with clients’, and Melanie Williams is ‘incredibly able’.

Frances McCarthy heads the seven-partner department at Pattinson & Brewer Solicitors. 2008 cases ranged from asbestos-related claims to a claim for stress at work.

Russell-Cooke LLP’s three-partner department is led by Deborah Blythe. Significant work for 2008 included acting for an overseas student from Ghana who suffered severe head injuries in a serious RTA.

Jonathan Wheeler leads the ‘excellent’ three-partner team at Bolt Burdon Kemp. Highlights for 2008 included child abuse, employer’s liability and brain injury claims. Caroline Klage has a specialism in head injury cases, and Joanna Chapman is also recommended.

Previously known as Rymills Law, Cogent Law’ s case list includes RTAs, accidents at work, and public liability claims.

Daniel Marks heads Finers Stephens Innocent LLP’s two-partner team which in 2008 saw an increase in High Court cases, including cases relating to the construction industry and tunnel mining. Leon Marks is also recommended.

Levenes’ nine-partner practice is spread across the firm’s London and Birmingham offices. Known for its multi-lingual capabilities, the expanding practice covers accidents at work, industrial disease, occupational illnesses, and criminal assault cases. David Levene is recommended.

The two-partner department at Pritchard Englefield is led by Ros Ashby. It is experienced in working with legal expenses insurers across Europe in relation to RTAs and other accidents resulting in serious injury or fatalities, such as skiing accidents and accidents at sea. Marian Joseph is also recommended.

RMPI LLP (formerly the personal injury business of Reid Minty LLP) specialises in RTA, public liability, employer’s liability, and travel and sports-related claims. Andrew Reid leads the team.

Providing service ‘of the highest quality’, Beachcroft LLP’s five-partner department is led by the renowned Tania Sless, who has significant expertise in defending claims involving occupational stress and upper limb disorders, as well as product liability claims for retailers and manufacturers. Current active clients include Allianz Insurance, BP, Marks & Spencer, and Zurich Insurance. The team features the ‘knowledgeable’ Patricia Baxter, head of strategic litigation Andrew Parker, and Paula Jefferson, who heads the firm’s national disease group and is experienced in child abuse claims. Duncan Rutter is the national practice head.

Berrymans Lace Mawer LLP’s ‘excellent’ 16-partner practice is led by Michael Pether. It centres around defending cases involving occupational disease, catastrophic injury, motor claims, abuse and public sector clients. Headline clients include Royal & SunAlliance, Norwich Union, NFU Mutual and Zurich. Notable individuals include Jenny Moates and Nick Pargeter, who head the catastrophic injury and occupational disease unit respectively. Also recommended are Terry Renouf and Boris Cetnik.

A ‘real star’ in the field of defendant personal injury, Malcolm Henke heads the catastrophic injury group at Greenwoods Solicitors, while Steven King heads the firm’s liability insurance group. Fielding nine partners in total, the team is praised as ‘providing a service that is hard to beat’. Norwich Union, Direct Line, Churchill, NIG and EDF Energy are active clients. The ‘recommended’ Charles Ashmore heads the firm’s motor claims team. The team has two new partners in Chris Crook, who recently joined the firm, and Tanja Neuhoff.

Providing an ‘excellent level of service’, the ‘extremely responsive’ five-partner team at Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP is led by Kevin Bitmead. High-profile work in 2008 included acting for the Coroner of the De Menezes Inquest. Notable clients include Zurich Financial Services, Catlin, BBC and UPS. David Knapp specialises in the defence of claims against public bodies, and John Goodman has particular experience in stress-related claims. The ‘pragmatic’ Danielle Singer and the ‘impressive’ Charles Brown are also recommended.

Howard Watson leads the renowned eight-partner department at Herbert Smith LLP, specialising in complex high-value claims. It continues to advise Chevron over claims following the Buncefield explosion. Royal and SunAlliance, Caterpillar and Panasonic are other headline clients.

The ‘extremely helpful’ team at Kennedys is led by Tim Wilson and was as a result of the firm’s merger with Davies Lavery boosted by the arrival of Mark Burton. Praised as performing at a ‘consistently high level’, Burton is the lead partner representing the ten local authorities in the policy triggers test litigation, which examines employer’s liability in mesothelioma cases. The team was also joined by a number of partners from Hextalls LLP in 2009, including Joe McManus and Charles Martin.

Tim Oliver, Tim Roberts and Andrew McDougall lead a vast team at Plexus Law, a division of Parabis Law LLP spread across the firm’s London, Croydon, Leeds and Colchester offices. It has a dedicated occupational disease unit and catastrophic loss team, and clients include Royal & SunAlliance, SAGA, RBS and Zurich. Now incorporating Badhams Law, the team includes the recommended Kathryn Oldfield.

Now boasting ten partners, DWF LLP has grown significantly in the past 12 months; it recently welcomed six partners from Weightmans LLP including former managing partner Mark Whittaker and the ‘recommended’ Dan Mitchell. The ‘renowned’ Graham Dickinson and Claire Bowler established DWF LLP’s London office, which specialises in large loss or complex personal injury claims, catastrophic injury cases, coverage disputes, accidents abroad and cross-border claims. Notable clients include Fortis Insurance, Hastings Direct, Norwich Union and Royal & SunAlliance.

The ‘respected’’ Allison Dias leads the practice at Davies Arnold Cooper LLP, where specialist expertise includes asbestos cases as well as employer’s and public liability. It also boasts an impressive international practice, advising clients from the travel and leisure industry throughout Europe on high-value claims brought against them. John Smith has strong expertise in cases involving brain damage and paraplegia, including serious motor claims and public liability matters, and Simon Pearl is recognised for his knowledge in defending high-profile claims relating to the whooping cough vaccine, HIV, MMR and Hepatitis C. Warren Collins is also recommended.

Mark Newman leads the four-partner department at Vizards Wyeth, which acts for key composite insurance clients, local authorities and multinational companies in the areas of employer’s liability, public liability and product liability.

Niche insurance practice Watmores is well respected in the market. With experience in motor and rail claims, the firm advisees clients on disease, workplace injury and serious injury cases. Managing partner Jon Grunewald, Andrew Mayne and consultant Nigel Goss are recommended.

Ian Evans leads the ‘exceptionally skilled’’ team at Weightmans LLP. Despite recently losing a number of partners to DWF LLP, it maintains a good client base. It successfully defended a high-profile case involving a near fatal road traffic collision involving a police driver on an emergency call. Noel Walsh is a specialist in workplace violence cases, and Sarah Hamilton has ‘good all-round strengths’.

David Maggs is the key partner at Browne Jacobson LLP, where headline clients include Gallagher Bassett, JLT Municipal Risks, Municipal Mutual and Travelers.

Andrew Nathan remains the practice head at Hextalls LLP, specialising in serious injury and occupational disease cases. The firm lost a team of eight fee-earners to Kennedys.

Notable client wins for Hill Dickinson LLP’s personal injury practice include Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines and Disney Cruises. Maria Pittordis ‘does a very active job of managing her team to ensure client focus’. A ‘very safe pair of hands’, John Caddies heads the firm’s industrial disease practice.

Holman Fenwick Willan LLP’s specialist personal injury practice excels in the shipping arena, under Paul Dean. Notable work includes representing one of Europe’s premier tour operators in the defence of personal injury claims on an international basis.

Ince & Co’s two-partner team is led by Charlotte Davies, specialising in high-value cases for clients in the marine, offshore oil and gas, transport, hotel, and aviation industries. Significant clients include Volvo Car UK Ltd, Steamship Mutual, Axa Global Risks and Elf. Gillie Belsham is also recommended.

Reynolds Porter Chamberlain LLP’s ‘recommended’ three-partner practice in 2008 handled a wide range of cases including claims relating to brain injuries, amputations and paralysis as well as a number of fatal accident claims. Its industrial disease practice continues to expand, and it is experienced in claims relating to asbestos-related disease, mesothelioma, occupational asthma and noise induced deafness. Head of the firm’s general liability team Gavin Reese, James Miller, and catastrophic injury expert Nick McMahon are recommended.

Andrew Tucker heads the team at Irwin Mitchell LLP. Recent work includes representing claimants in complex multi-party actions, in relation to the Human Growth Hormone/CJD, and also Vioxx, Reye’s syndrome, silicone breast implants, and Opren. Other high-profile cases in the firm’s track record are the British coal respiratory disease litigation, and tobacco and BSE cases.

Leigh Day & Co is widely recognised by clients and peers for its product liability work. Martyn Day and his team, which includes Bozena Michalowska-Howells and Sapna Malik, represent four of the six drug trialists who received the TGN1412 monoclonal antibody (T-cell stimulator) drug in March 2006.

At Freeth Cartwright LLP, Paul Balen reached settlements in cases relating to hip and elbow prostheses, hydrogel breast implants, contraceptive devices, and vaccines. In addition to the medical device field, the practice also has experience in cases relating to exercise equipment, hair dye and shampoo.

Hugh James’ strengths include recovering compensation for victims of harmful products in the consumer market, as well as in the pharmaceutical and medical fields. Practice head Mark Harvey is leading the Seroxat group litigation order, while Stephen Webber is acting for claimants involved in the South Wales outbreak of E.coli in the Welsh Assembly government’s first public inquiry.

Arnold & Porter (UK) LLP is pre-eminent in the lifesciences sector, acting for UK and international pharmaceutical, biotech and healthcare companies. The team is advising four foreign companies on the notification of product recalls to UK regulators. Ian Dodds-Smith heads the team, which also features Alison Brown, Elizabeth Driver, Lincoln Tsang and Adela Williams.

Davies Arnold Cooper LLP is a key player in pharmaceutical field, advising GlaxoSmithKline and Roche, and is increasing its product safety and product recall work in the food and domestic goods industries. In 2008, the firm advised Woolworths on claims in connection with the supply of defective flooring to the company’s stores. Simon Pearl heads the team, which provides ‘superb input, advice and guidance’. Alison McAdams and Michael Goldberg are also recommended.

Lovells LLP’s team is ‘second to none: very knowledgeable and always offering focused, practical, and pragmatic advice’. The practice spans the pharmaceuticals, tobacco, telecoms, asbestos, and electrical and electronic sectors. The team is currently advising Merck & Co on the withdrawal of its VIOXX painkiller. Practice head John Meltzer gives ‘good strategic advice and understands the environment’, and Rod Freeman and Matthew Hibbert are also recommended.

Ashurst LLP is particularly strong on the litigation side. In 2008 it acted for Aventis in connection with the Sabril group litigation, and the team also defended claims against Imperial Tobacco. Practice heads Mark Elvy and Arundel McDougall are attracting more and more clients seeking advice on regulatory risk.

Baker & McKenzie LLP is noted for its ‘excellent overall level of service’ and ‘good response times coupled with industry knowledge’. It continues to act as Mattel’s primary adviser outside the US, and as product safety counsel for Emerson Electric. In the field of product recall, the practice secured new clients, including Abercrombie & Fitch, Ideal Standard, Home Retail and Apple. The ‘experienced’ John Leadley heads the team.

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP has an ‘extremely strong team, with a stunning breath of activity, unmatched in the sphere of pharmaceutical work, chemicals and tobacco’. In addition to Heinz and Mitsui & Co Europe, the team is acting for JT International SA on matters relating to healthcare costs caused by smoking. The team is headed by John Blain and includes Paul Bowden, who is viewed as ‘one of the leading practitioners in product liability’, and Andrew Austin, who is ‘a rising star with a very bright future’.

Herbert Smith LLP focuses on major product liability cases, advising on commercial and risk insurance matters, including product recall. Its client list features Cadbury, Coca-Cola, 02 and Renold. Practice head Tony Dempster is recommended, together with Howard Watson and Alexander Oddy.

Addleshaw Goddard LLP advises companies from a wide range of industries, particularly in the pharmaceuticals and medical device fields. It is currently defending GlaxoSmithKline against claims relating to Seroxat. John Kelleher heads the team, which includes Michael Isaacs, whose focus is on product-based work in the chemical sector.

Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP advises numerous UK product liability insurers including Munich Re, and manufacturers Groupe Safran and BIC. In the automobile industry, the practice represents SAAB, and is currently defending Iveco in claims arising from allegedly defective component parts. Jason Bright is ‘highly respected for the quality of his advice and commercial sense’, and Giles Kavanagh and Mark Wing are also recommended.

Beachcroft LLP’s attracts household names in the pharmaceuticals, chemical, industrial, manufacturing and retail sectors. Practice head Chris Wilkes advises Zurich Global Corporate, Allianz, ACE and Unilever. Wendy Hopkins is currently defending a Dutch biosciences company against claims relating to contraceptive implants.

At Covington & Burling LLP, Anne Ware and Roger Enock are prominent in the pharmaceuticals and medical device fields, representing Roche, Merck, Novartis and Vaccines. The practice is experienced in all aspects of product liability litigation, from one-off cases to complex multi-party litigation. Clients praise the lawyers’ ‘business acumen, excellent knowledge on health claims, and broad expertise in relation to food matters’.

Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge UK LLP acts for both insurance companies, such as Centre Re, Munich Re and Swiss Re, and insured companies, including Hertfordshire Oil Storage, one of the major defendants in the Buncefield litigation. Laurence Harris and David Kendall head the London team.

Following its merger with Davies Lavery in September 2008, Kennedys has expanded its breath of experience across the pharmaceuticals, consumer products, food and drink, and cosmetics fields. The practice represents more than 50 leading insurance companies, such as AIG, AXA, Zurich, Swiss Re, Munich Re and numerous Lloyds syndicates. Shane Sayers and his team are ‘highly recommended’, and provide ‘excellent service’.

‘Responsive and commercially realistic’, Paul Llewellyn leads the team at Reed Smith, representing clients in the automobile, medical device and pharmaceuticals industries. The practice can draw on the firm’s network of offices worldwide to advise on the regulatory and litigation aspects of product liability cases across multinational jurisdictions.

Julian Acratopulo leads a three-partner-practice at Clifford Chance, supported by a team of 11 assistants. The practice has wide geographical coverage, assisting clients in the US and Far East facing European issues, whether advisory, regulatory or contentious.

Jones Day is new to the ranking this year, having only recently established a London-based product liability practice. It is acting for Crown Packaging UK in a multimillion-pound claim against Alphagary. Craig Shuttleworth heads the dispute resolution group in London, while Ian Lupson heads the product recall practice.

Andrew Masterson at Pinsent Masons LLP handles product liability, recall and advisory matters for manufacturers in the electronics, furniture, chemicals, toy and consumers industries. ‘The practice is personal and commercially oriented, and its overall standard of work is extremely good’.

Reynolds Porter Chamberlain LLP has experience in product recall across a variety of sectors, and in 2008 increased its workload in the energy sector, particularly renewables. Stuart White and his team ‘constitute one of most experienced and trusted group of lawyers both for coverage issues and litigation’.

Simmons & Simmons’ strengths include the consumer goods, IT, telecommunications and retail sectors. Miles Alexander has broad experience in defending multi-party claims across various jurisdictions, and Mark Dewar specialises in consumer products and services relating to risk management strategy.

With specialised knowledge of the tobacco industry, Chadbourne & Parke MNP’s product liability team in London ‘understands the business, provides immediate responses and spot-on advice’, and is able to draw on ‘an extremely intelligent and astute team in New York for assistance and support’. Practice head Allison Alcasabas ‘offers unsurpassable and forward-thinking strategy on key areas’.

Clyde & Co LLP stands out for its work in the petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, engineering sectors, and aviation product and manufacturers’ liability issues. It is currently representing an insurance company in a coverage dispute with a Belgian manufacturer of hormone replacement therapy. Chris Harris leads the practice, which features Manoj Vaghela, Victor Rae Reeves, Lisa Payne Lawrey and Peter Hirst.

Eversheds LLP has a multinational client base that includes Samsung, Canon, SPX, DuPont and Meyer. Heading the practice, Richard Matthews is experienced in crisis management spanning the consumer goods, chemicals and medical device sectors. Simon Brooks and David Young are also recommended.

Trevor Fox heads a niche product liability practice at Fox Hartley. It advises clients on the sale and supply of goods and services, product recall, and insurance coverage disputes in a variety of industries.

Karen Abbott is the new head of insurance and reinsurance at Mayer Brown International LLP, with the team also featuring Ingrid Hobbs, Miles Robinson and Chris Langford. It continues to advise Selfridges on commercial and product safety.

Andrew Smith heads the team at Wragge & Co LLP, which includes Susan Dearden, John Cooper and James Gordon. It advises on compliance and contractual frameworks, and has particular expertise in product recall. Clients are drawn from the automobile, healthcare, transport and food industries.

Providing an ‘excellent overall level of service’, Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP is the ‘best all round in the market’, with a ‘responsive, practical, user-friendly’ team noted for its strength in depth. The 20-partner department is led by Sarah Clover, who is praised for her ‘commercial approach’ and ‘first-class knowledge’. Its ‘vast client base’ includes the Big Four accounting firms as well as insurance heavyweights Zurich Professional Limited, Fortis and ACE, and it has also acted for 31 out of the top 50 law firms and numerous construction professionals, surveyors and brokers. Head of the lawyers’ liability group Richard Harrison is ‘a first-rate lawyer always willing to go the extra mile to meet clients’ expectations’, and the ‘very experienced’ Neil Jamieson, the ‘quick and decisive’ Julian Randall and the ‘excellent’ Richard Dedman are singled out for praise.

With ‘excellent understanding of the marketplace’, CMS Cameron McKenna LLP’s 13-partner group is led by Liam O’Connell, who ‘always delivers’. It has a ‘robust commercial approach’ and covers all of the major disciplines including solicitors, brokers, accountants, actuaries, financial professionals, and surveyors, and is well known as ‘one of the top firms for construction litigation’. Previously in-house counsel at Jardine Lloyd Thompson, Ed Foss joined the partnership in 2008. Bristol-based Peter Mansfield and Peter Maguire are recommended, and Martin Fox is a ‘good strategic thinker’.

Providing clients with ‘pragmatic advice’ and an ‘excellent level of service’, Mayer Brown International LLP’s 29-partner practice is led by Karen Abbott who is noted for her ‘excellent market knowledge’. The practice spans the financial, insurance, legal, technology and construction sectors. The team has a ‘get-it-done attitude’ and includes the ‘excellent’ Clare Canning, the ‘superb’ William Glassey, Lindsay McQuillian, Matthew Lawson, Simon Willis and Jim Oulton. Michael Regan leads the construction group, closely supported by Sally Davies; it continues to act for insurers in relation to claims arising out of Wembley Stadium.

Reynolds Porter Chamberlain LLP’s 12-partner practice is highly regarded in the market. As well as advising traditional professions such as accountants, solicitors and surveyors, it acts for financial professionals such as trustees, actuaries, and hedge fund and technology professionals. It acts for three of the Big Four accounting firms, and also Grant Thornton, QBE, Markel and Canopius. Tim Bull leads the professional risks group, and Robert Hogarth leads the construction group, where highlights included acting for Xplor in the defence of a claim for £2.7m issued against geotechnical engineers for allegedly negligent ground investigations. Jane Howard heads a team handling claims against accountants and auditors, and Edward Smerdon and Simon Greenley are also recommended.

Herbert Smith LLP’s 18-partner team is ‘one of the top firms in the market’. A leading firm for complex, high-value work, the ‘excellent’ David Reston and Paul Lewis lead a team praised for its ‘highly professional, efficient and client-friendly’ approach. The practice encompasses the insurance, financial, technology and construction arenas. Highlights for 2008 included acting for CIBC World Markets in relation to the highly publicised failure of the Box Clever securitisation.

Kennedys’ 25-partner team, led by Matt Andrews, is highly rated in the market and expanded in 2008. It now has a presence in the South West having acquired Reynolds Porter Chamberlain LLP’s Taunton office, and former DLA Piper UK LLP partner Eamon Mooney has established a team in the Midlands. In 2008, the firm successfully concluded the TAG litigation for AIG, Hiscox, R&SA, St Paul (Travelers) and Zurich; this was led by Simon Gibson and Sue Plumb.

Richard Beaty leads Beachcroft LLP’s seven-partner team, whose client base includes a significant number of domestic and international insurers and reinsurers. Current active clients include Ace Global Markets, Royal & SunAlliance, Aspen, Aviva and Capita. Patrick Hill is also recommended.

Beale and Company Solicitors LLP is renowned for its ‘excellent construction practice’, led by Antony Smith. It also advises on legal, financial and insurance related claims, where Ed Anderson is recommended. Highlights for 2008 included advising the insurers of a large firm of solicitors on a mortgage fraud case to date involving over 500 fraudulent property transactions.

Highlights for the ‘well-established’ ten-partner team at Berrymans Lace Mawer LLP included its appointment to the Zurich professional panel, and a resulting increase in claims against solicitors. Michael Salau and Keith Lonsdale’s ‘renowned construction practice’ advised on a multimillion-pound dispute relating to a redevelopment of 42 acres of former industrial and railway land at the edge of Norwich city centre. Practice head Charlotte Capstick and Simon Hilditch are recommended.

Chris Harris leads the 19-partner team at Clyde & Co LLP, where notable instructions include advising the insurers of a construction company which was repairing a bridge when it collapsed causing eight fatalities and over 70 injuries in the Czech Republic. The team was also notably appointed to the ACE European Group’s non-claims legal panel.

With a team that provides ‘first-class support’ and has ‘a friendly, approachable and down-to-earth approach’, Davies Arnold Cooper LLP expanded its international team with the appointment of Hermes Marangos from Clyde & Co LLP in 2008. Panel memberships for the practice include QBE Solicitors Panel, Assigned Risks Pool Solicitors Panel, the Bar Mutual Panel and the Libra Panel. Philip Murrin is ‘alive to commercial realities’ and has an ‘astute, immediate and intuitive grasp of the relevant issue in any case’. Ross Risby is also recommended.

Eversheds LLP’s well-regarded professional negligence practice is led by Simon Brooks. Praised for its ‘can-do attitude’, highlights for the five-partner team included acting for leading broker Miller in a multimillion-pound dispute regarding claims against a major accountancy firm in relation to tax avoidance schemes.

Fishburns’ 15-partner practice ‘punches above its weight’ and was boosted in 2008 by the arrival of John Groome from Davies Lavery. Known for its expertise in construction and engineering cases, the ‘extremely knowledgeable’ team is also rated for its work in the legal, insurance and financial sectors. Praised for its ‘streamlined approach’, the team includes the ‘extremely knowledgeable’ Andrew Davis, Philip Heartfield and Antony Marsh, who are all are singled out by clients.

The ‘excellent’ Kathryn Ludlow heads the 16-partner team at Linklaters LLP, which focuses on complex, high-value disputes that threaten the business and reputation of the client. Highlights for 2008 include acting for KPMG UK on a £450m claim by the liquidators of Independent Insurance plc.

The ‘tough’ 11-partner team at Lovells LLP is led by John Trotter. Focusing on high-profile, high-value work, the practice has a strong reputation in the area of legal professionals, and is increasingly active in accounting and actuary claims. Highlights included advising two directors of HAE Trustees Ltd, defending a claim seeking to make them personally liable for alleged breaches of trust by the trustee company. Angela Dimsdale Gill ‘always does an excellent job’.

Neil Davis leads a five-partner team at Mills & Reeve LLP that is ‘very consistent and provides a high level of service’. It continues to attract high-value, high-profile claims against solicitors, and also construction professionals and insurance brokers. Virginia Hickley demonstrates ‘remarkable drive, determination and vision’. The firm was boosted in 2008 with the arrival of Nicolas Oldham and Michael Mitchell from Vizards Wyeth. Former team head Geoff Barrett retired in May 2008.

With work ranging across the legal, pensions, IT, construction, surveyors and brokers markets, Pinsent Masons LLP’s ten-partner team has a ‘pragmatic approach’ and is led by Fiona Heyes. Highlights for 2008 included advising Travelers Insurance Company in connection with two separate matters involving a leading law firm, valued at £3m. Isabel Nurse-Marsh ‘is a pleasure to deal with’.

Led by Nick Speed, who ‘has great experience in the insurance field’, Reed Smith’s 16-partner team is commended as ‘approachable, efficient and supportive’, with Catherine May singled out for praise. Notable clients include Amec, Foster and Partners, and QBE.

Mark Aizlewood leads the five-partner team at Robin Simon LLP, which was boosted by the arrival of Mark Aizlewood from Mills & Reeve LLP and Jacquetta Castle from Charles Russell. The firm has seen a growth in complex professional indemnity including D&O and FI claims, and is increasingly receiving instructions from lawyers defending claims from a range of insurers and underwriters. Former office head Claire Bolton left the team in 2008.

Noted for its ‘no-nonsense approach’, Simmons & Simmons’ four-partner team is led by Colin Passmore, who is praised for his ‘excellent response times and accessibility to clients’. The recommended Caroline Hunter-Yeats was promoted to partner in 2008, and Ian Hammond is singled out by clients.

The ‘adaptable’ and ‘brilliant’ Christopher Coffin leads the ‘first-class’ four-partner team at Withers LLP, which acts for defendants, insurers and claimants. Highlights for 2008 included defending several high-profile barristers in relation to negligent advice claims.

Headline cases for the ‘excellent team’ at Bond Pearce LLP - led by Karen Morrish - include advising CNA in respect of a claim against a firm of architects arising from a substantial residential development in London.

Clifford Chance is experienced in acting for accountants, lawyers, and insurance brokers as well as acting in relation to claims concerning financial and investment advice. Active clients include ESR, Mayer Brown International LLP and Philipp Holzmann AG. Leading individuals in the ‘excellent’ four-partner team include Denis Brock, Philip Hill and Kari McCormick.

Focusing on complex, high-value work, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP is particularly experienced in defending financial institutions and accountancy firms against negligence claims. Part of a ‘team that does an excellent job’, Raj Parker and Sarah Parkes are singled out for praise by clients.

David Robinson, Andrew Bandurka and Paul Wordley lead the team at Holman Fenwick Willan LLP, which acts for both buyers and sellers of insurance policies as well as for businesses making claims against insured professionals.

Ince & Co’s team is led by the ‘experienced’ David Rutherford. Praised for its ‘ability to handle large, complex matters’, it advises professionals in the legal, insurance, accountancy, financial, engineering and shipbroking sectors.

Significant cases for the team at Norton Rose LLP include advising Stone & Rolls, in a US$100m claim against auditors Moore Stephens. Team head Susan Dingwall is recommended.

Led by the ‘expert’ Richard Clark, Slaughter and May is ‘very good value for money’, and specialises in high-end professional negligence work, advising major insurance brokers, actuaries, banks, and other financial institutions. Clients of the specialist pensions dispute resolution team include Mercer.

Noted for its ‘immediate, partner-level responses’, Stephenson Harwood provides ‘clear, commercial advice’. The ‘exceptional’ and ‘enthusiastic’ Roland Foord leads the team, whose clients include KPMG LLP, Financial Services Compensation Scheme and Christie’s International. Stephen Roberts is also recommended.

Taylor Wessing LLP was boosted by the appointment of three new partners in 2008: Laurence Lieberman from DLA Piper UK LLP, Len Murray from Baker & McKenzie LLP, and Anthony Menzies from Clyde & Co LLP. Active clients include Alliance & Leicester, Bath & North East Somerset Council, and GE Commercial Finance. Richard Marsh is singled out for praise.

Led by Jonathan Leslie, Travers Smith LLP’s three-partner practice continues to represent the wholesale banking arm of Abbey National in relation to a £21m claim brought against it and another company by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.