Slaughter and May utilises its contentious insurance and reinsurance expertise to advise on topical matters, notably claims relating to business interruption policies as a result of COVID-19 losses. Richard Swallow is responsible for heading up the practice and is ably supported by Efstathios Michael, who is highly regarded for his knowledge of (re)insurance disputes in the London and international markets. Damian Taylor excels in COVID-19-related business interruption claims.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'What makes the Slaughter and May insurance practice unique is the breadth and depth of its expertise (not just in insurance but more broadly across commercial sectors) and its perfect blend of determination to secure the optimum outcome for the client (whether through litigation, arbitration or compromise) and the quality of the work that it does to secure that outcome, with unfailing good humour. Those qualities make the team an absolute pleasure to work with.'
- 'Efstathios Michael brings his exceptional blend of solid commercial judgement, incisive intellect, and great humour to any insurance, reinsurance or broking dispute. He's absolutely top-drawer.'
- 'Nick Bonsall quickly gets to the heart of what really matters in any insurance dispute, and is laser-focused in achieving the optimum result for the client.'
- 'Nupur Upadhyay is a great all-rounder; a real team player, with a powerful intellect, strong sensitivity to client needs, and exceptional case management skills.'
- 'Alex Cranstoun is a true rising star in insurance and reinsurance, bringing great intellect and sound commercial judgement to bear on even the most complex dispute. A must-have on any insurance or reinsurance dispute team.'
- 'The team has a very good understanding of the relevant law. They are uniquely able to manage large and complex matters because they have good people from top to bottom and are extremely good at coordinating multiple work streams.'
Key clients
- Aviva
- Zurich
- Allianz
- MS Amlin
- Liberty
- CNA
- Covéa Insurance Plc
- Novitas Loans Limited, a subsidiary of Close Brothers Group plc
- Zurich Insurance plc
Work highlights
Representing Aviva, Zurich, Allianz, MS Amlin, Liberty and CNA in defending claims brought in the Commercial Court by eight professional football clubs in the UK over losses caused by business interruption due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Advising Zurich on FOS complaints linked to the FCA's high-profile business interruption insurance test case.
Advised major UK insurer Covéa in relation to disputes with its reinsurers regarding its ability to recover from them sums paid out to its policy holders in response to claims made under business interruption policies as a result of COVID-19 related losses.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Practice head
Richard Swallow
Other key lawyers
Efstathios Michael; Damian Taylor; Megan Sandler; Nupur Upadhyay