Professional negligence: defendant in Yorkshire And The Humber
DAC Beachcroft LLP
With senior practitioners in Leeds, DAC Beachcroft LLP utilises its breadth of expertise to act for major insurers in professional negligence claims; the practice also counts financial institutions, property consultants and solicitors as clients. The team has recently grown its public authority indemnity work, which includes acting for insurers and public bodies in a range of issues including procurement challenges and claims of misfeasance in public office. Practice head Suzanne Wharton acts for the London market in high-value complex claims against solicitors and financial services professionals, while Duncan Greenwood leads the firm's national property professionals service line.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Duncan Greenwood; Naomi Park; Mark Cawthorne; Andrew Marsh; Laura Clayburn; Gareth Robinson; James Hazlett
Testimonials
‘Suzanne Wharton is a standout partner in the professional liability market, a real star.’
‘Duncan Greenwood is one of if not the best professional negligence solicitors that we know and we take great reassurance when he is appointed by our professional indemnity insurers. Very bright and quick to get to the key points of a case, he will work hard on your behalf. Very commercial and plain speaking, Duncan gives straight advice even if sometimes it is uncomfortable to hear.’
‘Naomi Park is an intelligent, perceptive lawyer with a brilliant manner with clients.’
Key clients
Zurich Professional & Financial Lines
Markel (UK) Limited
Travelers Insurance Company
WRB Underwriting
QBE European Operations FSM
Countrywide Plc
AXA XL
Aviva
Manchester Underwriting Management
IGI
Amtrust
London Borough of Ealing
Gerald Eve
Global Risk Partners
Isle of Wight Council
Great Lakes
Liberty
RSA
Work highlights
- Acting for a firm of tax advisers and its insurers in the defence of a £35m claim arising out of a failed property investment club.
- Acting for an offshore law firm which was retained by a City firm and its client to act in a trusts dispute. The underlying claim failed on limitation grounds, and the former client is now pursuing the City firm.
- Instructed by two separate professional indemnity insurers to defend three different firms of surveyors against allegations of negligence and overvaluation concerning a series of investment properties in the North West.
Mills & Reeve LLP
Mills & Reeve LLP has a strong reputation for handling large, complex claims including claims against lawyers, construction professionals, insurance brokers and pensions practitioners. The team has recently seen considerable growth in its work defending construction professionals and is currently handling several multi-million-pound claims brought against a firm of cladding consultants following the Grenfell tragedy. Key practitioner Neil Howes leads the firm’s national construction and engineering risks team, which fields Laura Johnson.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘They obviously have great experience in professional negligence work and the tenacity to follow a strategy to a successful conclusion. Their people skills are such that even difficult opponents remain on friendly terms so that settlements are easier to achieve.’
‘Neil Howes always has an excellent grasp of the facts and the law and is able to marshal arguments convincingly. He is very persuasive.’
Key clients
Pen Underwriting
Travelers Insurance Company
Bar Mutual Indemnity Fund
XL Catlin Insurance
CNA Hardy Insurance
Navigators Pro
AmTrust Europe
International Insurance Company of Hannover
Chancery Pii
Work highlights
- Acted for a North East firm of solicitors and its insurers facing a claim from a former client in respect of a complex offshore tax avoidance structure.
- Acted for a firm of consulting engineers in relation to an Archimedean screw hydropower system, which was installed on an estate near Bath and failed to achieve expected power outputs..
Clyde & Co LLP
Clyde & Co LLP's 'committed and bright lawyers' provide specialist insurance and professional indemnity advice to insurers, insured professionals and insurance brokers. Operating as part of the firm's national network of offices, the Leeds practice handles claims made against solicitors, barristers, accountants, financial advisers and valuers. Anthony Brown is the key Leeds-based practitioner; he 'never misses a point' and is an 'extremely thorough' litigator.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘I don’t think I can say there is anything unique about the practice – it is just a very strong offering of committed and bright lawyers whom I have very much enjoyed working with and been impressed by. I think Clyde & Co has exceptionally high quality lawyers and resources its cases very well.’
‘Anthony Brown – exceptionally persuasive in writing and extremely thorough – he never misses a point.’
DWF
The 'close-knit team' at DWF defends complex, high-value claims brought against a variety of professionals. The practice has a notable specialism in the TMT sector, representing IT professionals, web designers and a wide range of media professionals. Practice head Matthew Reynolds regularly handles High Court claims and is an experienced mediator. Grant Walker defends claims brought against solicitors, structural engineers, architects and accountants. Senior associate Malcolm Rogers is recommended for construction sector clients.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Matthew Reynolds and Malcolm Rogers will always go above and beyond to understand what we and our policyholders need and to meet our expectations.’
‘Matt Reynolds – Partner. Provides commercial advice and has significant experience to guide businesses through the complex litigation process. Very good with clients.’
‘Malcolm Rogers seems to know the civil procedure rules and law generally off by heart. Can’t give a bigger compliment to his technical knowledge. Great with clients too.’
Key clients
Hiscox Underwriting Limited
QBE
Canopius
Travelers
AXA XL
Chubb
Zurich Insurance Plc
The Law Society
MS Amlin
Markel (UK) Limited
Starr Underwriting Agents Limited
Liberty speciality Markets
CNA
Armour Risk Management
Argo
Neon Underwriting Limited
AIG Europe Ltd
Work highlights
- Instructed in professional negligence claims against Wilsons Solicitors relating to 190 property investments pursued by three separate firms of solicitors involving allegations related to three developments in the UK in which individuals invested off-plan in hotel rooms and flats.