Gavin Kealey KC
‘First-class in aviation, insurance and reinsurance.’
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.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
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.'
Lawyers
Leading Silks
KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.
Andrew Wales KC
Leading Juniors
Leading juniors are those with significant experience of key cases, strong market recognition from both peers and clients, and are seen as future candidates for silk.
Emma Hilliard
Elizabeth Lindesay
Elizabeth is a first-class counsel in aviation as well as insurance and reinsurance.'
Harry Wright
'Harry is excellent. He is bright, articulate, and charming. He delivers concise and practical advice which is commercially sensible and in a client-friendly format.'
Frederick Alliott
James Goudkamp
'James has an extraordinary attention to detail. He is very articulate and able to explain complicated matters in layman's terms.'