HFW’s insurance team is active across both the local UAE courts and the DIFC Courts, handling a significant volume of complex insurance and reinsurance disputes. Alongside its contentious work, the firm advises policyholders on medical and group health programmes and supports insurers, MGAs and brokers in establishing operations on the DIFC and, increasingly, the KSA platforms. Steering the practice is Sam Wakerley, who earns praise as an ‘expert in the field of insurance claims disputes’. Justin Whelan focuses on property, energy, casualty, and professional indemnity claims, including policy coverage issues and subrogated recoveries, while John Barlow brings regulatory insight to his work with insurers and reinsurers on claims, disputes, and product development. Charles Cockrell and Richard Gimblett are key contacts for aviation-related insurance matters across the region, and Thomas Neighbour remains active across the firm’s broader insurance litigation portfolio.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The team is very knowledgeable in the insurance market and has guided us through obtaining new insurance policies and navigating us through the intricacies of the insurance market, the common issues that are raised and have provided us with clearly worded opinions to support our business.'
- ‘We are working with John Barlow, who is knowledgeable, approachable and very responsive in addressing our comments, questions and providing transparency on costs. They have very helpfully provided us with some creative solutions to minimise costs and expedite efficiency.'
- ‘HFW Dubai is recognised as one of the premier firms in the region in terms of providing legal advice to clients on complex insurance claims matters, both pre and post dispute. It has a strong track record of helping policyholders by giving pragmatic advice with a view to solving issues, often without the need for a full legal recourse.'
- 'The people we deal with at HFW have many years of service with the firm, so there is a good stability and reliability factor. Their service is always prompt and the advice is issued in a clear way.'
- ‘The individuals at HFW are subject matter experts in insurance and have experience of advising both insurers and policyholders, and this gives them a balanced and pragmatic approach.'
- 'Sam Wakerley is a lawyer worthy of particular recognition - a really well-regarded expert in the field of insurance claims disputes, whose opinions carry weight in the market.’
Key clients
- Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance
- Bank GBP International SA
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; Thomas Neighbour