Underpinned by its national footprint, Weightmans LLP is well placed to advise large insurers on a range of claims, notably those involving UK property damage, D&O and fire-safety following the Grenfell Tower disaster. Richard Palmer is responsible for leading the team and is highly regarded for his professional indemnity expertise. Ling Ong is the go-to for insurance and reinsurance coverage disputes. Alice Wilson departed the team in June 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘A standout insurance practice with real depth and technical strength. They combine specialist knowledge with a pragmatic, client-focused approach that rivals many City firms. Reliable, responsive, and trusted on complex matters — a go-to team outside London.’

  • ‘Alex Marler is deeply expert in insurance but never complacent – he interrogates the advice with genuine intellectual curiosity. His instinct is always to test the analysis, not just accept it, which adds real value. Clients benefit from a second layer of assurance that nothing has been missed.’

  • ‘Weightmans has practitioners in all classes of insurance business in addition to London and international market expertise. They offer market knowledge and good value.’

  • ‘Ling Ong organises quickly and controls the process to benefit her clients. With excellent knowledge of the law and collaborative negotiation skills Ling focusses on the best outcome. Ling and her team recently extracted us efficiently from a multi-jurisdictional multi-party dispute giving the claimants a bloody nose on costs.’

Key clients

  • RiverStone
  • HDI Global Specialty
  • Sirius
  • Catalina
  • AIG
  • Tokio Marine HCC
  • Markel International
  • Markel UK
  • Hiscox
  • Specialty MGA
  • R+V Re

Work highlights

Defended HDI in numerous claims brought against it directly under the Third Parties (Rights Against Insurers) Act 2010.
Advising Spink & Son Limited Hiscox and an auctioneer/valuer on the policy coverage position on a claim relating to the sale, storage and apparent disappearance of rare and valuable gold coins.

Practice head

Richard Palmer

Other key lawyers

Ling Ong; Alex Marler