Supported by its US counterparts, Willkie Farr & Gallagher (UK) LLP is a popular choice for life and property-casualty insurers, reinsurers, brokers, private equity investors, insurance sector funds and banks. Its far-reaching expertise spans ILS and Lloyd’s market matters, insurance financing structures, and the pension and longevity risk transfer market. Practice head Joseph Ferraro enjoys a stellar reputation in M&A transactions and corporate finance matters. Supporting the practice is Melanie James, who is skilled across the board of non-contentious insurance matters; Nicholas Bugler, who has considerable knowledge of the Lloyd’s market, as well as the reinsurance and capital markets industries; Jennifer Tait, who focuses her practice on capital markets and ILS offerings; Kirsty Maclean, whose expertise lies in complex life risk transfer transactions; Tim Baumgartner, who shines in corporate insurance transactions; Eilidh Brown, who specialises in risk transfer transactions in the life sector; and Andrew Tromans.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team at Willkie is very broad and there are many people they can call on to help on a topic. The team is headed by Joe Ferraro, who has a lot of experience in dealing with refinance, share transactions and M&A.’
‘Joe Ferraro stands out for his years of experience and detailed knowledge of the subject matter.’
‘Depth of knowledge, responsive, personable, and willing to adapt and interested in the client. They are keen to see us succeed and offer suggestions to help make that happen.’
‘All the team are motivated, easy to deal with, knowledgeable and responsive, with quick turnarounds when needed. There is strong industry and technical knowledge which is readily shared. They are keen to help and partner with us. They have strong and deep technical knowledge and experience to draw on.’
'Andrew Tromans is both an exceptional lawyer and also superb to work with on difficult problems. Intellectually brilliant but, as importantly, he has the right personality to ensure he can work with the most difficult of clients. His knowledge of our market is second to none.'
'Andy Tromans is a trusted advisor. His advice is clear and pragmatic. It is clear that he knows the law well and can explore the various theoretical possibilities, but at the end of the day he will help to steer the ship to the most commercially desirable outcome. He is also a strong advocate, which permeates his advice and how he manages matters.'
Key clients
- Fidelis Insurance Holdings
- Baloise Belgium
- Aon plc and Aon Securities
- Blackstone
- Qatar Insurance Group
- Prudential Financial
- Just Group plc
- Gallagher Securities
- SCOR
- Hiscox
Work highlights
- Advised Fidelis Insurance Holdings Limited on its IPO.
- Advised Aon on its acquisition of broker NFP.
- Advised Baloise on its asset-intensive funded reinsurance transaction.
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.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Joseph Ferraro
Other key lawyers
Melanie James; Nicholas Bugler; Jennifer Tait; Kirsty Maclean; Andrew Tromans; Tim Baumgartner; Eilidh Brown