Beale & Co is well-reputed for its ability to handle professional negligence claims in the construction industry, in particular fire safety and cladding issues. The team is also adept at advising on claims within the property, insurance, legal and financial sectors. Antony Smith is a skilled arbitrator and mediator. Both Smith and Sheena Sood routinely undertake high value construction disputes. Ross Baker and Nathan Penny-Larter are experts in claims against directors and officers and other insurance-based claims. Peter Sewell has extensive experience in construction claims with a cross-border element, while Martin Jensen’s diverse caseload includes a range of insurance and reinsurance claims as well as policy coverage issues. Zoe White is also a key contact for non-construction claims.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Beale & Co is the gold standard for professional negligence defence work.'
- 'Their lawyers are always exceptional: they are completely on top of their subject matter and deliver efficient and effective service to their clients. They carry out the solicitor's role so well that it is a joy to be counsel for them, and I look forward to every instruction from them.’
- 'Sophia Harlow is definitely one to watch. She approaches every task with a positive attitude and is exceptionally hardworking. She delivers results for her clients and, almost more impressively, makes the process feel like a breeze! She cannot be far from a well-deserved promotion to partner.’
‘Very diligent team. Always available to help and willing to go the extra mile. ’
‘Antony Smith is very strong in a mediation setting. ’
‘The team is exactly that, a team, all have their roles and interact with the client in the most beneficial way. When someone is away due to other matters, someone else is always there to pick up the reins, seamlessly.’
Key clients
- Aviva Insurance UK Ltd
- RSA Insurance Group
- Chubb Insurance
- Hardy Underwriting Asia Pte Ltd (CNA Hardy)
- Channel Syndicate and Hamilton Syndicate
- Arup Group Ltd
- AECOM
- Atkins Limited
- Kier Group
- Ridge & Partners LLP
- RSA Insurance Group
Work highlights
Acted for a construction client in relation to a cladding claim in the TCC regarding the allegedly defective external wall system at a mixed-use development, comprising a super store, car park, several retail units and 259 residential apartments.
Defending a claim with proceedings issued in the TCC against our mechanical and electrical engineer client.
Advising Insurers on coverage and then monitoring a claim in Bad Faith against a US Insurer in a claim relating to representations made on a proposal form
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.
Peter Sewell
Sheena Sood
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Zoe White
Practice head
Antony Smith; Sheena Sood; Ross Baker; Peter Sewell; Martin Jensen; Nathan Penny-Larter
Other key lawyers
Zoe White; Sophia Harlow