An ‘excellent set’, 7 King’s Bench Walk’ is recognised for its strength in complex aviation insurance disputes. Head of chambers Gavin Kealey KC is a leading figure in commercial litigation, appellate advocacy, and international arbitration. In one of the set's many teams in the blockbuster Russian aircraft trial, he continues to represent AIG in a landmark series of cases brought by aircraft owners and lessors against insurers, involving nearly 150 aircraft leased to Russian operators. Andrew Wales KC, drawing on his extensive expertise in aviation disputes, serves as co-lead counsel for AIG and also advises on broader insurance and sanctions matters. Harry Wright plays a key role in the Swiss Re strand of the litigation and is also engaged in two ongoing satellite disputes. Emma Hilliard regularly supports silks in reinsurance matters in both court and arbitration, while also handling aircraft leasing, maintenance, and carriage issues.
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Profile
Position
Andrew Wales is well known for insurance and reinsurance, as well as professional negligence, energy and shipping and professional negligence. He is regularly instructed in the most high-profile insurance disputes. He represented two insurers in FCA v. Arch, the Covid business interruption test case.
He is currently acting for contingent all risks insurers in the lead claim by an aircraft leasing company for the alleged total loss of $3.5bn of aircraft in Russia. He is also currently involved in property insurance issues relating to Ukrainian properties damaged by Russian missiles and liability insurance issues relating to, amongst others, Carillion, NMC Health and Grenfell Tower.
Described as “a strong communicator and excellent strategist” as well as “a brilliant, methodical advocate on his feet”, he is regularly instructed to advise on and argue coverage issues relating to professional indemnity, political risk, trade credit, warranty and indemnity, D&O and POSI policies, especially for banks and financial institutions. He is also involved in several Bermuda form arbitrations, where his work has required familiarity with CDO transactions, private equity investments, offering circulars, IPOs, structured finance and various forms of securitisation.
Career
Called 1992; Silk 2012; Recorder (civil, 2010; criminal, 2012).
Education
Cambridge University (MA); University of Virginia (LLM).
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- '7KBW is an excellent pre-eminent chambers in aviation insurance.'
- 'The barristers are excellent, quick, and responsive.'
- '7KBW is probably the best commercial law set at the Bar with a brilliant quota of senior silks and clerks.'
- 'The clerks are very responsive and helpful.'
- 'The barristers within 7KBW are very approachable.'
- 'The set is known for its aviation insurance and shipping expertise.'
- 'The quality of the legal advice is excellent.'
- 'Top class.'