One of the ‘leading sets in the fields of insurance coverage,’ 4 New Square Chambers continue to receive instructions across many classes of insurance and reinsurance, including employers’ liability, public liability and business interruption. Members of the chambers, such as David Turner KC, Clare Dixon KC, Shail Patel KC and Anthony Jones have been involved in numerous cases including those involving business interruption test cases, alongside cases of contingency over-redemption policies. One such example is Opia Limited v CFC Underwriting Limited & Others, in which Turner KC acted for the insured in related to circumstances in which insurers might be liable for late payment of indemnity under s.13 of the Insurance Act 2015. Jonathan Hough KC has been involved in major litigation and arbitration over insurance coverage issues and in commercial disputes between insurers, while Justin Fenwick KC has a strong cross-border practice in this space including the Caribbean and the Far East.
Insurance and reinsurance in
London Bar
4 New Square Chambers
Testimonials
‘Prompt and professional service from the clerks’ room. Alex Dolby and Chris Ebdon are a pleasure to deal with.’
‘4 New Square have for many years and continue to be the go to set for professional indemnity advice and advocacy.’
‘4 New Square are great to work with and deservedly the pre-eminent set of Chambers for professional and insurance disputes.’
‘An excellent set with a real depth of experience, our “go to” set for insurance litigation and professional negligence claims.’
‘Excellent strength in depth, good range of senior juniors as well as silks.’
‘A very strong set. A go to set for insurance matters.’
Work highlights
7 King's Bench Walk
The ‘go to set on insurance and reinsurance matters‘, 7 King’s Bench Walk is a premier set both in litigation and arbitration, with members having experience in disputes concerning areas including avoidance of cover, points of instruction and a range of coverage issues. Members, including Peter MacDonald Eggers KC were instructed on Axis Capital v ABSA, in which he acted for insurers in relation to a claim for indemnity in connection with claims relating to improper investments in South Africa, which raised issues relating to policy exclusions and the policy attachment provisions. David Edwards KC handles a range of insurance disputes, with a focus on international arbitration, having been involved in arbitrations in London, Bermuda and the United States. Crossing over with the set’s notable expertise in shipping, Julia Gibbon is noted for her work in insurance matters related to marine cargo, innocent owners and business interruption insurance.
Testimonials
‘The clerking team is really responsive. I have been particularly impressed by Gary Rose and Eddie Johns.’
‘Greg Leyden, Eddie Johns and Gary Rose ensure the clerks’ room works exceptionally well. They are honest, reasonable and efficient.’
‘Declan Gray is great. Very personable and helpful. He comes back super quick. Gary Rose (his senior) is also helpful.’
‘7KBW is the go to set on insurance and reinsurance matters. They have great strength in depth.’
‘Indisputably the leader in the field of insurance and reinsurance.’
‘7KBW are a premier set in the insurance/reinsurance field and this is evident by the fact that the set is the go-to set in all big insurance/reinsurance matters. The aviation insurance losses arising from the Russian invasion of Ukraine are the biggest losses the aviation insurance industry has faced (circa $US 10bn) and it is not surprising that the majority of 7KBW are somehow involved in this matter.’
‘7KBW is the stand out leader in high-end commercial insurance work. The sheer number of barristers from 7KBW instructed in the covid test case and in Russian aircraft claims is testimony to 7KBW’s pre-eminence in the area.’
‘The stand-out set when it comes to high-end commercial insurance work of all types.’
Work highlights
2 Temple Gardens
The insurance team at 2 Temple Gardens handle all aspects of non-marine insurance and reinsurance disputes, including jurisdiction and choice of law issues, policy construction, scope of indemnity and effectiveness and scope of notifications and claims. Charles Dougherty KC, who one client noted as ‘engaging and charming,‘ is sought after for his wide experience in insurance and reinsurance claims alongside being involved in business interruption insurance litigation – he represented Allianz in Various Eateries v Allianz where he led Timothy Killen and acted for insurers in a test case brought by the owner of Coppa Club and Nocci in relation to issues of aggregation and policy periods in respect of Covid-19 business interruption loss and what business interruption losses are covered as a result of business closures during the Covid-19 pandemic. Marie Louise Kinsler KC handles cross-border insurance matters, having acted for insurers in a wide variety of claims and has expertise in contribution and recovery claims with an international element, while Neil Moody KC handles a full range of coverage disputes and is retained to advise on business interruption policy coverage issues arising out of Covid-19 lockdowns. Niazi Fetto KC and Sonia Nolten KC are 2023 silk appointments.
Testimonials
‘Billy Hammond and Lee Tyler are friendly, efficient and accommodating.’
‘Lee Tyler in particular is very good.
‘Leanne Taylor in particular is an excellent clerk, reliable, friendly and always goes the extra mile.’
‘2 Temple Gardens are our ‘go to’ chambers for insurance and reinsurance disputes. They have particular depth of experience dealing with disputes in the UAE, with a number of barristers regularly appearing in the DIFC and ADGM Courts.’
‘2 Temple Gardens is one of my main go-to sets for insurance related defence work. Their counsel pull out all the stops and are accommodating. A commercially minded set.’
‘I always find the clerks to be helpful and professional.’
‘They do have strength in depth in these areas around insurance litigation and have a wide range of seminars that take place frequently.’
‘One of the top sets serving the insurance industry – quality advice and advocacy from top KC to junior counsel level.’
Work highlights
Brick Court Chambers
Brick Court Chambers continue to be instructed on significant insurance and reinsurance cases, including Aercap v AIG (& Others), in which Mark Howard KC was involved and raised significant legal issues both about the US, UK and EU Sanctions law, and English insurance law alongside raising factual issues, concerning the effective seizure of aircraft leased to Russian airlines after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Tony Singla KC acted for Zurich Insurance in a $1bn claim arising out of the abandonment of a mobile offshore production unit in the Norwegian North Sea subject to a construction all risks policy, whereas Simon Salzedo KC is noted for his involvement in business interruption insurance cases concerning Covid-19 lockdowns.
Testimonials
‘Paul Dennison leads a strong clerking team.’
‘The clerks provide a first rate service, Tony Burgess in particular.’
‘Efficient and responsive.’
‘An excellent set with many first rate practitioners.’
‘Excellent strength-in-depth.’
‘Talented individuals.’
Work highlights
Crown Office Chambers
Crown Office Chambers handles most aspects of contentious claims and coverage issues in the London Market and its members are well-known for insurance work in areas including construction, property damage and professional liability. Members of the set have varied strengths and handle a broad practice with silks including Isabel Hitching KC, which one client describes as ‘extremely astute, very careful and conscientious,‘ was involved in University of Exeter v Allianz Insurance Plc, representing the insurer which was seeking a declaration that it was right to reject a claim arising out of the controlled detonation of a World War 2-era bomb discovered on land adjacent to student residencies. Andrew Rigney KC has a well established practice in insurance which encompasses domestic and international work, and has been involved in a wide range of important insurance cases including those arising out of Grenfell and Covid-19 lockdowns. Ben Quiney KC advises and litigates on all insurance related disputes, including policy disputes and recovery claims, while Frederick Simpson and Andrew Brown are notable juniors in the set.
Testimonials
‘Steve Purse and his team are great to work with and always try their best to help whenever possible.’
‘Steve Purse is the best clerk in the business. Very responsive and anticipates my needs without my having to ask.’
‘Greg Frewin has always been one of the most helpful I have found in any Chambers and my interactions now with Steve Purse to be extremely quick at coming back to me and to provide great service and to offer helpful suggestions wherever he can.’
‘Go to Chambers for insurance and construction matters.’
‘Crown Office are my go to the simpler case where I need a costs effective solution for the client.’
‘There is a growing strength in depth in this area at more junior levels. The more senior end of the set has always been strong. Daniel Shapiro KC is first class.’
‘Crown Office is generally good at gauging counsel availability and the clerks are quick to suggest alternatives if a particular barrister is unavailable. The clerks are generally very quick to respond and helpful.’
‘Crown Office Chambers is a very strong set in this area. It has good strength in depth and has very strong clerking.’
Work highlights
Fountain Court Chambers
Insurance remains a core part of Fountain Court Chambers’s practice, with members representing both insurers and policyholders in cases including high-profile and precedent-setting disputes, including involvement in disputes arising out of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. David Railton KC has been active acting for aviation war risks insurers in litigation arising out of the Ukraine crisis, in the case of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) Ltd v Various Insurers. Anneliese Day KC is routinely instructed in substantial and complex insurance matters, whereas Leigh-Ann Mulcahy KC has continued to engage in claims for business interruption losses suffered as a result of lockdowns during the Covid-19 pandemic. Bankim Thanki KC has strong insurance experience linked to his aviation, commercial and banking practices, and Max Evans is a notable junior in the set.
Testimonials
‘Sian Huckett is very informed and responsive.’
‘Excellent clerks room. Alex Taylor and Sian Huckett are brilliant.’
‘Strength and depth across all complex insurance and reinsurance issues. Incredibly valuable to be able to use Senior and Junior Counsel in the same set, with this specialist knowledge.’
‘Good, efficient and pragmatic.’
‘Fountain Court is an outstanding insurance set.’
‘The set has an increasing number of insurance practitioners, at all levels of seniority, and is involved in all the major insurance cases.’
Work highlights
3 Verulam Buildings
3 Verulam Buildings is noted as being ‘a good solid set for commercial matters,‘ with members such as Adam Kramer KC and William Day having been involved in Covid-19 lockdown-related cases such as Stonegate Pub Company v MS Amlin. Tom Weitzman KC and Peter Ratcliffe acted for the restaurant chain in PizzaExpress v Liberty Mutual Insurance, another case concerning if the policy (which used the "Aon Trio" wording) applied to central government action and if the limits in that case were national or per restaurant. Kate Holderness has acted and advised in related to a wide range of insurance disputes, including between brokers and insurers, while Sophia Dzwig is another key junior on the set.
Testimonials
‘Richard Ansell is knowledgeable and helpful.’
‘Stephen Penson is a fantastic senior clerk. He knows how to balance conflicting demands on time and keeps instructing solicitors aware of availability and matters as they arise. There are never any surprises with Stephen.’
‘All the clerks are pleasant to deal with, commercial and efficient. Stuart Pullum has been particularly helpful in the past few months.’
‘Fantastic set – commercial, competitive, pleasant.’
‘3VB is our go-to set for policyholder-side insurance coverage counsel.”
‘3VB is a good solid set for commercial matters. It is stocked with people who are all very easy to deal with.’
‘3VB is a first choice set for insurance work at the moment. They have some exceptional people there and are great to deal with across the board.’
‘The go to set for complex insurance coverage work, with leading silks and juniors.’
Work highlights
4 Pump Court
4 Pump Court includes members involved in cases which reflect critical issues affecting the insurance market, including members such as Martyn Naylor and Rani Noakes involved in matters arising out of the Covid-19 lockdowns, and professional liability insurance, D&O cover, insurance of financial institutions and cyber risks. Beyond the pandemic, barristers such as Mek Mesfin have been involved in cases revolving around the construction field, with claims arising across the world including major construction projects in the Middle East and Africa. Andrew Neish KC has a strong cross-border practice, having been involved in disputes acting for major UK, US and Bermudian insurers, while Aidan Christie KC has had a busy year in insurance, with cases involving Covid-related claims, both direct and reinsurance, and heavyweight arbitrations in the industry.
Testimonials
‘The clerks always provide a first class service, particularly Carl Wall.’
‘The clerks are flexible and keen to assist; Richard Sumarno is a great new addition.’
‘The clerks are excellent, ever reliant, client friendly, keen to help and commercial. Carl Wall and Stewart Gibbs are outstanding.’
‘4 Pump Court offers solid bench strength for insurance work, with plenty of options for high-performing senior and junior counsel.’
‘4 Pump Court are a long established leading set for insurance, professional negligence, construction and international arbitration work. They are led by some excellent silks.’
‘4 Pump Court offers strength in depth in insurance and reinsurance.’
Work highlights
Essex Court Chambers
Essex Court Chambers have acted in a number of well-known market disputes both in the domestic and international market involving international insurers, policyholders and brokers. David Scorey KC has acted in excess liability insurance cases, alongside domestic and international arbitrations, including the case of Pizza Express Group Limited & Subsidiary companies v Liberty Mutual Insurance Europe SE and XL Insurance Company SE which involved a non-damage business interruption claim arising out of Covid-19 lockdowns. Mark Templeman KC has been involved in a number of major market disputes, including international claims for constructive total loss. Angeline Welsh KC, Siddharth Dhar KC and Ruth Den Besten KC were all appointed silk in 2023.
Testimonials
‘A pleasure to work with. Efficient and friendly.’
‘An excellent set, especially for coverage.’
Work highlights
Quadrant Chambers
Quadrant Chambers ‘offers a wealth of marine insurance specialists across all levels of the set‘ alongside non-marine insurance cases. Members of the set has been involved in insurance cases across a broad spectrum of issues affecting the globe, such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Covid-19 and trade insurance, with members such as Simon Rainey KC representing the IT company in Soteria Insurance Limited v IBM, appealing to the Supreme Court the Court of Appeal’s decision that an exclusion clause limited liability for loss of profit, revenue and savings did not exclude claims for wasted expenditure. Guy Blackwood KC has been active in insurance and reinsurance disputes, both in the English courts and in arbitration, while Benjamin Coffer is noted for his specialism in reinsurance, having acted on a full range of marine and non-marine coverage disputes.
Testimonials
‘Daniel Westerman is knowledgeable, efficient and a good communicator.’
‘Daniel Westerman always goes above and beyond to assist with any queries or concerns.’
‘Chambers offers a wealth of marine insurance specialists across all levels of the set, and decent opportunities to attend training sessions on topics of interest.’
‘Quadrant Chambers provide a wide array of barristers on all areas of shipping (marine insurance, wet and dry shipping).’
‘Good strength in depth across all lines of marine and reinsurance business.’
Work highlights
Devereux
Members of Devereux have been instructed on a number of complex and high value domestic and international cases surrounding the insurance and reinsurance market in the past year. Richard Harrison was involved in Geo-Minerals GT Ltd v Rouse & Co International Limited & Others which involved a claim against insurers of an alleged negligent patent attorney for failures which assisted the success of a fraud conspiracy, where the alleged conspirators registered the trademarks, IP and contracts of the claimant in the name of their company called a similar name.
Testimonials
‘Top class set. Good strength in depth.’
‘Very attentive and responsive clerking.’
Work highlights
Gatehouse Chambers
Gatehouse Chambers‘ insurance practice links with its other practice areas in construction, property damage and professional liability, where barristers have had significant experience in policy coverage work on behalf of insures, insurers and reinsurers. Nigel Jones KC is an expert in insurance litigation, having been involved in large insurance disputes in the market, including Enterprise Insurance Co, a cross-border case in Gibraltar where Jones, alongside Sarah McCann were instructed to advise on the conduct of Enterprise’s UK motor claims book requiring detailed advice on insurance law, alongside being instructed by the Gibraltar liquidator both directly and through a Gibraltarian firm to advise on multiple company matters concerning the insolvency and ongoing litigation in multiple international jurisdictions. Paul Reed KC regularly advises on coverage and avoidance issues for insurance companies, whereas George Eyre is a name to watch for his practice, combining his expertise in construction and energy into his insurance practice. David Pliener KC was appointed silk in 2023.
Twenty Essex
Twenty Essex covers a full spectrum of commercial insurance and reinsurance disputes, both in arbitration and in court. Members, including Charles Kimmins KC, have acted in large market disputes and have been instructed for policyholders, insurers and reinsurers, both domestically and internationally. Philip Edey KC acted for a major Middle Eastern retailer seeking to recover under its business interruption insurance policies for lockdown-related losses to its operations in the Middle East in Al Mana v Fidelity and Libano, whereas Susannah Jones has developed an impressive practice, with significant work in high-value reinsurance arbitrations. Luke Pearce KC was appointed silk in 2023.
4 New Square Chambers
Testimonials
‘Prompt and professional service from the clerks’ room. Alex Dolby and Chris Ebdon are a pleasure to deal with.’
‘4 New Square have for many years and continue to be the go to set for professional indemnity advice and advocacy.’
‘4 New Square are great to work with and deservedly the pre-eminent set of Chambers for professional and insurance disputes.’
‘An excellent set with a real depth of experience, our “go to” set for insurance litigation and professional negligence claims.’
‘Excellent strength in depth, good range of senior juniors as well as silks.’
‘A very strong set. A go to set for insurance matters.’
Work highlights
7 King's Bench Walk
The ‘go to set on insurance and reinsurance matters‘, 7 King’s Bench Walk is a premier set both in litigation and arbitration, with members having experience in disputes concerning areas including avoidance of cover, points of instruction and a range of coverage issues. Members, including Peter MacDonald Eggers KC were instructed on Axis Capital v ABSA, in which he acted for insurers in relation to a claim for indemnity in connection with claims relating to improper investments in South Africa, which raised issues relating to policy exclusions and the policy attachment provisions. David Edwards KC handles a range of insurance disputes, with a focus on international arbitration, having been involved in arbitrations in London, Bermuda and the United States. Crossing over with the set’s notable expertise in shipping, Julia Gibbon is noted for her work in insurance matters related to marine cargo, innocent owners and business interruption insurance.
Testimonials
‘The clerking team is really responsive. I have been particularly impressed by Gary Rose and Eddie Johns.’
‘Greg Leyden, Eddie Johns and Gary Rose ensure the clerks’ room works exceptionally well. They are honest, reasonable and efficient.’
‘Declan Gray is great. Very personable and helpful. He comes back super quick. Gary Rose (his senior) is also helpful.’
‘7KBW is the go to set on insurance and reinsurance matters. They have great strength in depth.’
‘Indisputably the leader in the field of insurance and reinsurance.’
‘7KBW are a premier set in the insurance/reinsurance field and this is evident by the fact that the set is the go-to set in all big insurance/reinsurance matters. The aviation insurance losses arising from the Russian invasion of Ukraine are the biggest losses the aviation insurance industry has faced (circa $US 10bn) and it is not surprising that the majority of 7KBW are somehow involved in this matter.’
‘7KBW is the stand out leader in high-end commercial insurance work. The sheer number of barristers from 7KBW instructed in the covid test case and in Russian aircraft claims is testimony to 7KBW’s pre-eminence in the area.’
‘The stand-out set when it comes to high-end commercial insurance work of all types.’
Work highlights
2 Temple Gardens
The insurance team at 2 Temple Gardens handle all aspects of non-marine insurance and reinsurance disputes, including jurisdiction and choice of law issues, policy construction, scope of indemnity and effectiveness and scope of notifications and claims. Charles Dougherty KC, who one client noted as ‘engaging and charming,‘ is sought after for his wide experience in insurance and reinsurance claims alongside being involved in business interruption insurance litigation – he represented Allianz in Various Eateries v Allianz where he led Timothy Killen and acted for insurers in a test case brought by the owner of Coppa Club and Nocci in relation to issues of aggregation and policy periods in respect of Covid-19 business interruption loss and what business interruption losses are covered as a result of business closures during the Covid-19 pandemic. Marie Louise Kinsler KC handles cross-border insurance matters, having acted for insurers in a wide variety of claims and has expertise in contribution and recovery claims with an international element, while Neil Moody KC handles a full range of coverage disputes and is retained to advise on business interruption policy coverage issues arising out of Covid-19 lockdowns. Niazi Fetto KC and Sonia Nolten KC are 2023 silk appointments.
Testimonials
‘Billy Hammond and Lee Tyler are friendly, efficient and accommodating.’
‘Lee Tyler in particular is very good.
‘Leanne Taylor in particular is an excellent clerk, reliable, friendly and always goes the extra mile.’
‘2 Temple Gardens are our ‘go to’ chambers for insurance and reinsurance disputes. They have particular depth of experience dealing with disputes in the UAE, with a number of barristers regularly appearing in the DIFC and ADGM Courts.’
‘2 Temple Gardens is one of my main go-to sets for insurance related defence work. Their counsel pull out all the stops and are accommodating. A commercially minded set.’
‘I always find the clerks to be helpful and professional.’
‘They do have strength in depth in these areas around insurance litigation and have a wide range of seminars that take place frequently.’
‘One of the top sets serving the insurance industry – quality advice and advocacy from top KC to junior counsel level.’
Work highlights
Brick Court Chambers
Brick Court Chambers continue to be instructed on significant insurance and reinsurance cases, including Aercap v AIG (& Others), in which Mark Howard KC was involved and raised significant legal issues both about the US, UK and EU Sanctions law, and English insurance law alongside raising factual issues, concerning the effective seizure of aircraft leased to Russian airlines after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Tony Singla KC acted for Zurich Insurance in a $1bn claim arising out of the abandonment of a mobile offshore production unit in the Norwegian North Sea subject to a construction all risks policy, whereas Simon Salzedo KC is noted for his involvement in business interruption insurance cases concerning Covid-19 lockdowns.
Testimonials
‘Paul Dennison leads a strong clerking team.’
‘The clerks provide a first rate service, Tony Burgess in particular.’
‘Efficient and responsive.’
‘An excellent set with many first rate practitioners.’
‘Excellent strength-in-depth.’
‘Talented individuals.’
Work highlights
Crown Office Chambers
Crown Office Chambers handles most aspects of contentious claims and coverage issues in the London Market and its members are well-known for insurance work in areas including construction, property damage and professional liability. Members of the set have varied strengths and handle a broad practice with silks including Isabel Hitching KC, which one client describes as ‘extremely astute, very careful and conscientious,‘ was involved in University of Exeter v Allianz Insurance Plc, representing the insurer which was seeking a declaration that it was right to reject a claim arising out of the controlled detonation of a World War 2-era bomb discovered on land adjacent to student residencies. Andrew Rigney KC has a well established practice in insurance which encompasses domestic and international work, and has been involved in a wide range of important insurance cases including those arising out of Grenfell and Covid-19 lockdowns. Ben Quiney KC advises and litigates on all insurance related disputes, including policy disputes and recovery claims, while Frederick Simpson and Andrew Brown are notable juniors in the set.
Testimonials
‘Steve Purse and his team are great to work with and always try their best to help whenever possible.’
‘Steve Purse is the best clerk in the business. Very responsive and anticipates my needs without my having to ask.’
‘Greg Frewin has always been one of the most helpful I have found in any Chambers and my interactions now with Steve Purse to be extremely quick at coming back to me and to provide great service and to offer helpful suggestions wherever he can.’
‘Go to Chambers for insurance and construction matters.’
‘Crown Office are my go to the simpler case where I need a costs effective solution for the client.’
‘There is a growing strength in depth in this area at more junior levels. The more senior end of the set has always been strong. Daniel Shapiro KC is first class.’
‘Crown Office is generally good at gauging counsel availability and the clerks are quick to suggest alternatives if a particular barrister is unavailable. The clerks are generally very quick to respond and helpful.’
‘Crown Office Chambers is a very strong set in this area. It has good strength in depth and has very strong clerking.’
Work highlights
Fountain Court Chambers
Insurance remains a core part of Fountain Court Chambers’s practice, with members representing both insurers and policyholders in cases including high-profile and precedent-setting disputes, including involvement in disputes arising out of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. David Railton KC has been active acting for aviation war risks insurers in litigation arising out of the Ukraine crisis, in the case of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) Ltd v Various Insurers. Anneliese Day KC is routinely instructed in substantial and complex insurance matters, whereas Leigh-Ann Mulcahy KC has continued to engage in claims for business interruption losses suffered as a result of lockdowns during the Covid-19 pandemic. Bankim Thanki KC has strong insurance experience linked to his aviation, commercial and banking practices, and Max Evans is a notable junior in the set.
Testimonials
‘Sian Huckett is very informed and responsive.’
‘Excellent clerks room. Alex Taylor and Sian Huckett are brilliant.’
‘Strength and depth across all complex insurance and reinsurance issues. Incredibly valuable to be able to use Senior and Junior Counsel in the same set, with this specialist knowledge.’
‘Good, efficient and pragmatic.’
‘Fountain Court is an outstanding insurance set.’
‘The set has an increasing number of insurance practitioners, at all levels of seniority, and is involved in all the major insurance cases.’
Work highlights
3 Verulam Buildings
3 Verulam Buildings is noted as being ‘a good solid set for commercial matters,‘ with members such as Adam Kramer KC and William Day having been involved in Covid-19 lockdown-related cases such as Stonegate Pub Company v MS Amlin. Tom Weitzman KC and Peter Ratcliffe acted for the restaurant chain in PizzaExpress v Liberty Mutual Insurance, another case concerning if the policy (which used the "Aon Trio" wording) applied to central government action and if the limits in that case were national or per restaurant. Kate Holderness has acted and advised in related to a wide range of insurance disputes, including between brokers and insurers, while Sophia Dzwig is another key junior on the set.
Testimonials
‘Richard Ansell is knowledgeable and helpful.’
‘Stephen Penson is a fantastic senior clerk. He knows how to balance conflicting demands on time and keeps instructing solicitors aware of availability and matters as they arise. There are never any surprises with Stephen.’
‘All the clerks are pleasant to deal with, commercial and efficient. Stuart Pullum has been particularly helpful in the past few months.’
‘Fantastic set – commercial, competitive, pleasant.’
‘3VB is our go-to set for policyholder-side insurance coverage counsel.”
‘3VB is a good solid set for commercial matters. It is stocked with people who are all very easy to deal with.’
‘3VB is a first choice set for insurance work at the moment. They have some exceptional people there and are great to deal with across the board.’
‘The go to set for complex insurance coverage work, with leading silks and juniors.’
Work highlights
4 Pump Court
4 Pump Court includes members involved in cases which reflect critical issues affecting the insurance market, including members such as Martyn Naylor and Rani Noakes involved in matters arising out of the Covid-19 lockdowns, and professional liability insurance, D&O cover, insurance of financial institutions and cyber risks. Beyond the pandemic, barristers such as Mek Mesfin have been involved in cases revolving around the construction field, with claims arising across the world including major construction projects in the Middle East and Africa. Andrew Neish KC has a strong cross-border practice, having been involved in disputes acting for major UK, US and Bermudian insurers, while Aidan Christie KC has had a busy year in insurance, with cases involving Covid-related claims, both direct and reinsurance, and heavyweight arbitrations in the industry.
Testimonials
‘The clerks always provide a first class service, particularly Carl Wall.’
‘The clerks are flexible and keen to assist; Richard Sumarno is a great new addition.’
‘The clerks are excellent, ever reliant, client friendly, keen to help and commercial. Carl Wall and Stewart Gibbs are outstanding.’
‘4 Pump Court offers solid bench strength for insurance work, with plenty of options for high-performing senior and junior counsel.’
‘4 Pump Court are a long established leading set for insurance, professional negligence, construction and international arbitration work. They are led by some excellent silks.’
‘4 Pump Court offers strength in depth in insurance and reinsurance.’
Work highlights
Essex Court Chambers
Essex Court Chambers have acted in a number of well-known market disputes both in the domestic and international market involving international insurers, policyholders and brokers. David Scorey KC has acted in excess liability insurance cases, alongside domestic and international arbitrations, including the case of Pizza Express Group Limited & Subsidiary companies v Liberty Mutual Insurance Europe SE and XL Insurance Company SE which involved a non-damage business interruption claim arising out of Covid-19 lockdowns. Mark Templeman KC has been involved in a number of major market disputes, including international claims for constructive total loss. Angeline Welsh KC, Siddharth Dhar KC and Ruth Den Besten KC were all appointed silk in 2023.
Testimonials
‘A pleasure to work with. Efficient and friendly.’
‘An excellent set, especially for coverage.’
Work highlights
Quadrant Chambers
Quadrant Chambers ‘offers a wealth of marine insurance specialists across all levels of the set‘ alongside non-marine insurance cases. Members of the set has been involved in insurance cases across a broad spectrum of issues affecting the globe, such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Covid-19 and trade insurance, with members such as Simon Rainey KC representing the IT company in Soteria Insurance Limited v IBM, appealing to the Supreme Court the Court of Appeal’s decision that an exclusion clause limited liability for loss of profit, revenue and savings did not exclude claims for wasted expenditure. Guy Blackwood KC has been active in insurance and reinsurance disputes, both in the English courts and in arbitration, while Benjamin Coffer is noted for his specialism in reinsurance, having acted on a full range of marine and non-marine coverage disputes.
Testimonials
‘Daniel Westerman is knowledgeable, efficient and a good communicator.’
‘Daniel Westerman always goes above and beyond to assist with any queries or concerns.’
‘Chambers offers a wealth of marine insurance specialists across all levels of the set, and decent opportunities to attend training sessions on topics of interest.’
‘Quadrant Chambers provide a wide array of barristers on all areas of shipping (marine insurance, wet and dry shipping).’
‘Good strength in depth across all lines of marine and reinsurance business.’
Work highlights
Devereux
Members of Devereux have been instructed on a number of complex and high value domestic and international cases surrounding the insurance and reinsurance market in the past year. Richard Harrison was involved in Geo-Minerals GT Ltd v Rouse & Co International Limited & Others which involved a claim against insurers of an alleged negligent patent attorney for failures which assisted the success of a fraud conspiracy, where the alleged conspirators registered the trademarks, IP and contracts of the claimant in the name of their company called a similar name.
Testimonials
‘Top class set. Good strength in depth.’
‘Very attentive and responsive clerking.’
Work highlights
Gatehouse Chambers
Gatehouse Chambers‘ insurance practice links with its other practice areas in construction, property damage and professional liability, where barristers have had significant experience in policy coverage work on behalf of insures, insurers and reinsurers. Nigel Jones KC is an expert in insurance litigation, having been involved in large insurance disputes in the market, including Enterprise Insurance Co, a cross-border case in Gibraltar where Jones, alongside Sarah McCann were instructed to advise on the conduct of Enterprise’s UK motor claims book requiring detailed advice on insurance law, alongside being instructed by the Gibraltar liquidator both directly and through a Gibraltarian firm to advise on multiple company matters concerning the insolvency and ongoing litigation in multiple international jurisdictions. Paul Reed KC regularly advises on coverage and avoidance issues for insurance companies, whereas George Eyre is a name to watch for his practice, combining his expertise in construction and energy into his insurance practice. David Pliener KC was appointed silk in 2023.
Twenty Essex
Twenty Essex covers a full spectrum of commercial insurance and reinsurance disputes, both in arbitration and in court. Members, including Charles Kimmins KC, have acted in large market disputes and have been instructed for policyholders, insurers and reinsurers, both domestically and internationally. Philip Edey KC acted for a major Middle Eastern retailer seeking to recover under its business interruption insurance policies for lockdown-related losses to its operations in the Middle East in Al Mana v Fidelity and Libano, whereas Susannah Jones has developed an impressive practice, with significant work in high-value reinsurance arbitrations. Luke Pearce KC was appointed silk in 2023.