Dechert LLP makes full use of its ‘depth of knowledge and experience in international matters’ to handle insurance and reinsurance disputes. The team has been active of late in claims involving business interruption and grounded aircrafts in Russia. Dorothy Cory Wright leads the team and is an expert in commercial litigation. John Bedford has a wealth of experience in the financial services, e-commerce and payment services sectors. Stephen Surgeoner has significant knowledge of the banking, funds, insurance, energy and telecoms sectors. Stephen Surgeoner is also a name to note.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The Dechert team is extremely impressive. I have worked for a number of a years with them, predominantly supporting their work for international, particularly Lebanese, banks. The cases have raised complex jurisdictional, legal and tactical issues, which the team have dealt with extraordinary skill. Of particular note is the depth of knowledge and experience in international matters, including partners and associates with multi-lingual abilities (including Arabic).’

  • ‘Ricci Potts - a more recent partner, but no less able. Ricci has wide experience in commercial and banking matters and solid commercial sense.’

  • ‘The team has a deep bench, and all the lawyers are top quality.’

  • ‘John Bedford very quickly comes to focus on the detailed points and is very responsive. He is a first-rate lawyer with fantastic analytical skill. He is erudite, calm and measured. He is a real difference maker and the hardest-working person on any team.’

  • ‘The team at Dechert is adept at dealing with very high-value and complex litigation efficiently and effectively.’

  • ‘Lisa Borthwick is a rising star. She is phenomenally hard-working, has great judgement and is able to absorb and present complex information in a very effective way. A great addition to any team. Ricci Potts is an extremely hard-working and effective lawyer who can be trusted to achieve the best possible result in complex and high-value litigation.’

Key clients

  • Chubb European Group SE
  • UBS Asset Management (Switzerland)
  • Pizza Express Group Limited

Work highlights

Representing Chubb in 21 claims brought in the English High Court over the non-return of leased aircraft by Russian operators following sanctions imposed due to the Ukraine conflict.
Supporting UBS Asset Management (Switzerland) in insurance claims linked to the financial aftermath of the collapse of Greensill Capital.
Represented Pizza Express in a claim over a business interruption insurance policy triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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

Dorothy Cory-Wright

Other key lawyers

Stephen Surgeoner; John Bedford; Ricci Potts; Annabelle Nelsson; Julie Witham; Lisa Borthwick