Simon Garrett and Cheryl Gibson are at the helm at CMS. The insurance and reinsurance team handles professional negligence claims across a broad range of sectors including, insurance, law, accountancy and construction. Skilled litigators Ed Foss and Alex Denslow handle liability issues involving insurance brokers. Martin Fox is well-regarded for his work on construction claims, with rail tunnelling and infrastructure projects making up a core area of his practice. Fox routinely acts for consulting engineers, architects, surveyors, project managers and contractors. Monica Lesny and Scarlett West are also construction claim specialists, West also has a substantial solicitors practice. Hannah Cane joined the team in 2024 from Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘What makes CMS stand out from their competitors is the quality of their advice.'
- 'The performance of CMS is consistently high, with clear and pragmatic recommendations being given.'
- 'Their knowledge is excellent, the personable approach of the partners is an essential part of their service and fosters a trusting relationship between CMS and their clients.’
'CMS have an ability to grasp the crux of a dispute at an early stage, and their advice and guidance to clients and insurers alike is crucial to achieving early and satisfactory outcomes.’
- 'The ability of CMS to get to know a client's business and how they function is a crucial first step to understanding the background to the matter in which they are instructed.'
- 'CMS leads the pack in this sector. They have excellent strength in depth and talent from associate through to partner.'
- 'Simon Garrett - partner - incredibly hard-working and attentive. Skilled presenter and negotiator. You want him on your side in a mediation.'
- 'Knowledgeable and very helpful.'
Work highlights
Advising Fieldfisher LLP in the defence of a professional negligence claim for alleged failures of a Consultant when (allegedly) advising the Claimant on its multi-million-pound purchase of plots of land in the UK.
Continuing to act for Aon in respect of allegations of negligence/breach of contract arising from the tragic air accident when LaMia flight number 2933 crashed, carrying the Chapecoense Football Club.
Defending Balfour Beatty in a £34 million claim concerning design and construction of student accommodation in Bethnal Green, London.
Lawyers
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Next Generation Partners
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Practice head
Simon Garrett; Cheryl Gibson
Other key lawyers
Ed Foss; Alex Denslow; Martin Fox; Monica Lesny; Scarlett West; Hannah Cane