The team at HFW is composed of ‘insurance and reinsurance industry experts’ who are active in local UAE and the DIFC courts. In addition to its active contentious practice, the group advises policyholders in the medical health space and insurers and brokers on establishing themselves on the DIFC and KSA platforms. Sam Wakerley is adept at handling complex reinsurance disputes and is praised for his ’excellent technical knowledge’ across a broad spectrum of insurance matters. Focusing on the property, energy, casualty and professional indemnity sectors, Justin Whelan specialises in insurance and reinsurance claims, policy coverage and subrogated recoveries. Leveraging his experience as head of the firm’s regulatory practice, John Barlow is a go-to for financial institutions, advising insurers and reinsurers on claims, disputes and the development of insurance products. Charles Cockrell and Richard Gimblett are key names in the firm's extensive aviation team, which has a considerable track record handling high-profile cases across the Middle East. Luke Garrett, Salma Achour Khouaja and Thomas Neighbour have active insurance litigation practices.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘First, the ability to look outside law to the commercial issues which underlie the transaction. Second, outside of the box legal thinking and ability to take an extra-effort. Third, deep knowledge of market.’
‘We are working with John Barlow and Shane Gibbons and what makes HFW stand-out is equally attributable to each of them. They demonstrate deep knowledge of the commercial reality in when providing legal advice and client-oriented approach; an ability to think outside the box and find creating solutions to non-standard problems. Both are always approachable and fully immersed in the matters.’
‘Great pragmatism, collaboration and commerciality.’
‘Sam Wakerley and Justin Whelan - great pragmatism, collaboration and commerciality.'
‘HFW are known to be insurance and reinsurance industry experts hence why we use them on all complex cases. Team is extremely knowledgeable and known within the insurance industry. Enjoy working with HFW who we have now worked with for well over a decade due to the service they provide and always being our go-to panel of lawyers for complex issues.’
‘Sam Wakerley is an excellent partner in HFW and the legal profession in the UAE. He is dedicated to his clients always available to us which is one of the reasons we continue to use HFW.’
Key clients
- Antares Reinsurance Company Limited
- Horizon Energy LLC
- Emirates Insurance Company
- Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance (QGIR)
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
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
Sam Wakerley
Other key lawyers
Justin Whelan; John Barlow; Charles Cockrell; Richard Gimblett; Luke Garrett; Salma Achour Khouaja; Thomas Neighbour; Shane Gibbons