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Gillie Belsham

Gillie Belsham

More information
Wikborg Rein

Wikborg Rein

England - London • Transport

1

Aviation

Wikborg Rein acts for insurers and reinsurers in high-value aviation claims before the English, Irish, and US Commercial Courts, demonstrating a particular niche in cases concerning aircraft leased to Russian airlines. Practice head Gillie Belsham represents numerous All Risks insurers in high-value claims. Shawn Kirby and Ben Ogden are heavily involved in insurance coverage disputes, while Christopher Crane‘s practice spans liability, subrogation, and reinsurance matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Phone
+44 20 7367 0386
Email
[email protected]
Profile
wr.no

Profile

Work Department
Dispute Resolution, English Law, Insurance Law
Position

Gillie is a highly experienced senior commercial disputes resolution lawyer specialising in heavyweight, complex problems often at Board level and with safety and/or reputation/ “bet the company” and cross border aspects, arising mainly in the Aviation and Offshore Energy sectors. Gillie is comfortable with all forms of arbitration, litigation and mediation and is known for (1) her strategic direction of matters, never losing sight of where the money is for the client whether defending or claiming, and (2) her ability to handle complex, high value cases, usually in multi-jurisdictions, over the long haul to deliver successful results. Gillie is very experienced at leading big teams, whether cross border or otherwise, who are client focussed and committed to success. Gillie assists in particular the London and international Aviation insurance market with a wide range of their most difficult problems and currently is Lead Counsel defending a number of very high value claims made by Lessors arising out of the detention of aircraft in Russia following the invasion of Ukraine.

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Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'From the outset, their team demonstrated exceptional expertise, professionalism, and strategic insight. What stood out most was their deep understanding of the international market, aviation regulations and policy wording, which proved crucial in navigating cross-border legal challenges.'
  • 'They were meticulous in their approach and thanks to their guidance, responsiveness and clarity throughout the process, a stressful situation was made much more manageable.'
  • 'The team are excellent in terms of their legal and industry knowledge. They are a small team but of high quality.'
  • 'We have found the firm to be very professional and all the team have a vast amount of knowledge and expertise in aviation.'
  • 'They are all very good to work with and their individual knowledge is exceptional. Overall, the team led by Gillie Belsham is a pleasure to work with.'
  • 'Tim Wright is responsive, good and thorough in his advice. Cannot fault Chris Crane's advice and legal knowledge. Ben Ogden brings thorough advice and an excellent grasp of legal issues.'

Key clients

  • Global Aerospace Underwriting Managers Limited
  • Faraday
  • HDI Global Specialty SE
  • Great Lakes Insurance SE
  • Starr Europe Insurance Limited
  • Axis Specialty Europe SE
  • AIG Europe SA
  • Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company
  • QBE Insurance Corporation
  • XL Specialty Insurance Company
  • Convex Insurance UK Limited
  • Starr Indemnity & Liability Company
  • Apollo Underwriting

Work highlights

Represents various groups of all risks insurers, led by Global Aerospace, as defendants in high-profile billion-dollar lessor policy claims across English, Irish, and US courts, involving aircraft leased to Russian airlines.