Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP has a notable strong suit in marine and aviation insurance and reinsurance disputes. The team has recently advised on Russian aviation claims and continues to advise on the full spectrum of marine cases for marine insurers, including marine hull and war claims, and claims related to yachts and superyachts. It also has expertise in advising travel insurers on travel insurance policies. Mark Lee co-leads the practice and advises both policyholders and insurers on travel insurance, while fellow co-head Louise High is key to aviation disputes. Lisa Hillary is the go-to for marine and aviation matters, while Sarah Allan handles claims related to yacht incidents.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team at Penningtons is brilliant: they are very easy to get on with, and all have a fantastic in-depth knowledge of their area.’
‘Sarah Allan knows everything there is to know about yachts and insurance/reinsurance. She is thorough, hard-working, and never misses an argument.'
‘Sarah Allan is a standout individual. She understands her client base really well and usually gets a great result.’
‘A small but focused team with a large aviation insurance and reinsurance focus. Both the aviation and marine markets increasingly look to PMC quietly to achieve outstanding results. The team is particularly strong at the senior associate level and, in aviation matters, as a result of the introduction of Louise High who is at the top of her game.’
‘I have worked with Rhys Clift and Lisa Hillary on some challenging marine insurance total loss claims. Rhys is a highly experienced practitioner who has been involved in key marine insurance cases. He is very knowledgeable about the law of marine insurance, and has excellent judgement, borne of experience, when it comes to witnesses. Lisa Hillary's legal analysis is top notch, and she is excellent on strategy and managing difficult opponents. Her friendly and easy-going manner also makes her a joy to work with.’
‘Penningtons is able to provide a big firm service but with the agility of a smaller firm. This means that their procedures and conflicts process are quicker and all administrative aspects are straightforward.’
‘Chris Bates at Penningtons is extremely clever and has excellent attention to detail. We work with him as he understands the insurance market and commercial realities involved, whether advising on coverage or monitoring an underlying dispute. He comes to the table with clear and consistent advice and commercially sensitive strategies. I would highly recommend Chris in any coverage matter.’
‘Chris Bates stands out within the team. He is bright, approachable and communicates well. He finds the balance between providing a comprehensive legal analysis whilst remaining alive to the commercial and practical realities of his clients.’
Key clients
- Swiss Re International, SE
- Carnival Plc
- Zurich Insurance plc
- Beazley Furlonge Limited
Work highlights
- Advising Swiss Re International on a multi-billion-dollar alleged losses of aircraft following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
- Representing the owner and hull underwriter in respect of a total loss by fire of a 20m motor yacht, which was destroyed in a fire when moored at a marina in Corfu, Greece.
- Representing Swiss Re International in relation to more than 70 claims issued in the High Court for cover under operator policies with Russian or Ukrainian jurisdiction clauses.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Mark Lee, Louise High