A ‘stalwart of professional negligence group litigation’ David Niven leads the ’extremely experienced’ group action practice at Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP. Niven leads the practice alongside Kamran Rehman and David O’Brien , who is regarded by one client as ‘one of the best litigators in the City, with a wealth of knowledge and commercial awareness’. The team is particularly known for its experience acting on claims related to insurance, financial mis-selling, and professional negligence. Michael Brown and Charlotte Hill are also recommended.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘One of the leading group litigation practices in the City: efficient, tireless, and getting great results. David O'Brien scored a momentous win for 90+ clients in a £20 million arbitration against insurers in 2024-2025.’
‘David Niven: a huge figure in the group litigation market; astute at the legal analysis, the practical complexities, and on top of his game in every way. David O'Brien: one of the best litigators in the City with a wealth of knowledge and commercial awareness; a thoroughly good bloke to boot. Regularly wipes the floor with opposition of the highest calibre. Richard Raban-Williams: forensic, superb instincts; works hard and achieves great results.’
‘Extremely experienced team, with depth of knowledge and know-how. The solicitors have a keen eye for detail and preparation, but also know when to give difficult advice. A real pleasure to work with, with correspondence and papers meticulously prepared. ’
‘David Niven: decades of experience. Knows how the system works and knows how to find pressure points. All of that, with a commercial head for deals, makes him perfect for professional negligence and group litigation claims.'
‘Their experience of handling groups of claimants is unmatched by any other firm I am aware of.’
‘David Niven brings experience and wisdom to the table. David O’Brien has a fine brain and a keen attention to detail.’
Key clients
- Various claimants (134) with claims against Williams & Co
- Various NFUM Policyholders
- Podhurst Orseck PA (on behalf of 43 individuals)
- Various Business Interruption Insurance Policyholders
- Various Investors in the Sky Building
- Claims re: Credit Immobilier de France and Center Parcs France
Work highlights
Successfully defended an application in the High Court by Williams & Co to strike out the group claims as an abuse of process on the basis that they were brought using one claim form.
Commenced group action commercial court proceedings against NFU Mutual on behalf of a group of some 90 policyholders in relation to unpaid Covid-19 business interruption claims.
Acting for a group of 30+ individuals in a complex, multijurisdictional dispute with a foreign lender.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Kamran Rehman; David Niven; David O’Brien
Other key lawyers
Michael Brown; Charlotte Hill