The professional negligence practice at CMS has established a reputation in the market by representing a wide range of clients, from insurance brokers and financial advisers to law firms and construction companies. Some of the claims handled by the team include design and build defects, coverage disputes regarding flight insurance policies, and liability arising out of negligent professional advice. At the forefront of the practice, Simon Garrett leverages extensive experience in professional liability and failure-to-advise litigation. Other main contacts include Hannah Cane, who specialises in construction matters, Monica Lesny, also an expert in construction suits, Alex Denslow, a proficient advisor to insurers and reinsurers, and Scarlett West, who focuses on defending contractors and subcontractors. Martin Fox and Ed Foss are also key contributors.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

Simon Garrett - a very safe pair of hands, with very high levels of client care, fiercely defensive of clients in mediations, great instincts, and very keen to put associates forward for client-facing work (which is very welcome). Hayley Stevenson - has a very bright future, takes time to get to know and understand her clients, and has good instincts.
They know the sector incredibly well. Their attention to detail is very high and they know exactly what we, the client, want from them and ultimately to achieve.
Alex Denslow is a quirky lawyer who thinks on his feet. Hayley Stevenson is an ambitious and driven mover and shaker who fights for her clients like a raptor. Alaina Wadsworth is as sweet as they come but super fierce in a fight.
Strong brokers' practice. The team is one of the few in the market that specializes in defending brokers' negligence claims. The team manages complex high-value disputes well, combining specialist knowledge and expertise with a commercial approach.
We value John Enoch’s ability to cut through complexity and volume and focus on the key issues. His advice is consistently measured and calm, which gives us real confidence when dealing with difficult matters.
The team is consistently professional and extremely knowledgeable. They are patient and measured in their approach, even on complex matters, and take the time to explain issues clearly. They are also very personable and approachable, which makes them easy to work with while still delivering high-quality, technically robust advice.

Key clients

Balfour Beatty Regional Construction Ltd
AtkinsRéalis UK Limited
FB Ellmer Ltd
Azets
Hays MacIntyre
Novia Financial plc
Rathbones
Grant Thornton
Davies Group
Mazars
Embark Group
Fieldfisher LLP

Work highlights

Advising Fieldfisher LLP on the defense of a professional negligence claim for alleged failures of a consultant when advising the claimant on its multi-million-pound purchase of plots of land in the UK.

Acting 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 £42.25m claim concerning design and construction of student accommodation in Bethnal Green, London.

Lawyers

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