Insurance Disputes
France
19 August 2025
Paris office head and experienced litigator Nicolas Demigneux oversees the insurance practice at Stephenson Harwood, which is routinely instructed by insurers, reinsurers and P&I clubs to handle complex marine insurance claims, in line with the firm's signature strength in this sector. The team's litigation expertise further extends to industrial risks and product liability cases. Déborah Attias and Guérin Loisel are also key contacts.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘We appreciate Déborah Attias' work. She acquired a very deep knowledge of the case.’
‘Very responsive and professional team.’
‘We have had a professional relationship with Nicolas Demigneux for many years. He stands out for his efficiency, very good responsiveness, and knowledge of the field.’
‘The team we have worked with has proven a trustworthy partner in the everyday handling of the case. They are responsive, proactive, and reliable.’
‘Guérin Loisel is a hands-on and independent associate who has proven fully capable of handling a complex case on his own, including reporting of relevant events and coordinating work-flows and communication.’
‘The key word is excellence in all sectors (notably their knowledge of insurance law and market practices, strategy and availability, etc.).’
Key clients
- Lion Air Airline, Ciel Voyage and Transportation Partners
- The Hartford (formerly Navigators), RSA, Talbot Underwriting
- Hiscox MGA LTD.
- JDA – Joseph Dirand Architecture
- Louis Dreyfus Armateurs SAS and LD Ports & Logistics PTE LTD.
- Maersk Line A/S
- Qatar Museums Authority
- RSA Insurance Group PLC, RSA France and RSA Luxembourg
- SK Geo Centric CO. LTD.
- Suez Group / SAS Degrémont France
Work highlights
Assisting a world leader in waste management and water treatment in a court survey and protracted litigation proceedings against contractors and insurers, relating to major construction defects of the core control systems of one of its strategic waste storage and management plants in France.
Representing insurers of a European shipyard in a dispute that opposes them and the lead underwriter, the broker and the insured regarding the coverage of a fire that destroyed part of a multi-billion euro vessel.
Advising an insured party and its insurer, which have been sued in France and abroad in relation to a large-scale product recall involving several member states, in relation to surveys and judicial proceedings after multi-million euro-worth products have been recalled by French authorities.
Practice head
Nicolas Demigneux
Other key lawyers
Déborah Attias; Guérin Loisel