Class Actions
England & Wales
19 August 2025
Equipped with an ‘excellent commercial awareness of the challenges insurers face’, Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP is highly regarded for its work on aviation and marine claims, as well as professional indemnity claims in the construction sector. The practice is jointly headed by Louise High, who excels in aviation and marine insurance matters; Patrick Slomski, who shines in coverage disputes, and Peter Stockill, who specialises in insurance disputes concerning construction projects.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘An excellent firm offering services for both insurers and insureds.’
‘Rhys Clift is an excellent solicitor well versed in factual investigations and knowledgeable about the commercial sector.’
‘The team has a great deal of experience handling complex, multi-jurisdictional matters involving a range of governing laws, particularly arising from casualties at sea. They are able to coordinate this seamlessly, managing the input from local lawyers abroad.’
‘Rhys Clift has been involved in many of the most interesting marine insurance cases in recent years, and in these he draws from a wealth of experience in handling total loss claims in a variety of contexts, including vessel detentions and alleged scuttling. He has a detailed knowledge of the principles of marine insurance law and is also an excellent strategist, particularly with regard to deployment of Part 36 offers.'
- 'Lisa Hillary is a very experienced litigator in the insurance and reinsurance fields, who is widely recognised by clients for her skills and her friendly and approachable manner. She always goes above and beyond to get the best outcome possible.’
‘The individual I work primarily with is Rhys Clift. He is a very experienced and shrewd litigator who is very good at seeing angles on case which others do not and with great market knowledge built up over years.’
Key clients
- Swiss Re International
- Navigators and General (Zurich Insurance)
- Chubb European Group
- Civil Aviation Authority
- AXA XL
- HDI Global Specialty SE
- Starr Group Companies
- La Reunion Aerienne et Spatiale
- Elseco
- Atrium
Work highlights
Acting for Swiss Re in relation to 70+ claims issued in the High Court for cover under Operator Policies with Russian or Ukrainian jurisdiction clauses.
Advising insurers in respect of alleged losses of aircraft following the Russia/Ukraine invasion.
Acting for Navigators and General 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.
Practice head
Louise High; Patrick Slomski; Peter Stockill
Other key lawyers
Lisa Hillary; Sarah Allan; Chris Bates; Rhys Clift