HFW, Insurance | Chambers Global Profile

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Insurance - United Arab Emirates

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

HFW maintains a skilled contentious insurance practice in the UAE, with lawyers based in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The team is best known for its work on behalf of policyholders and its strong experience relating to aviation insurance. It also acts for a wide range of Middle East-based insurers. The firm has considerable abilities in marine and construction insurance, in addition to growing strengths in computer crime and cyber liability claims. Team members also advise on non-contentious issues.

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Work Highlights

HFW advised Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance on its retrocession arrangements arising from a ship repairer's liability risk policy.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

They have proactive thinking for any potential issues and provide a hands-on approach from the partners.

Insurance respondent
Global

HFW has outside-the-box thinking, the capacity to find non-standard, creative solutions and commercial awareness. It focuses on adding value to the business needs, rather than just legal.

Insurance respondent
Global

They have proactive thinking for any potential issues and provide a hands-on approach from the partners.

Insurance respondent
Global

HFW has outside-the-box thinking, the capacity to find non-standard, creative solutions and commercial awareness. It focuses on adding value to the business needs, rather than just legal.

Insurance respondent
Global

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Sam Wakerley

Band 1

Sam Wakerley heads the firm’s regional insurance and reinsurance department from his base in Dubai. He is a leading lawyer for contentious issues within the field, including under marine insurance and business interruption policies.

He has great commercial awareness and is excellent at strategy.

Sam Wakerley has strong technical expertise and local knowledge, with a pragmatic approach and ability to flag all possible scenarios and solutions.

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John Barlow

Band 2

John Barlow heads the regional financial institutions and regulatory practice, dividing his time between Dubai and Riyadh. He frequently acts for banks and export credit agencies on insurance matters relating to their lending activities.

Dealing with John Barlow is like having another member of your internal team, not a third-party external consultant.

His professionalism, client-centric approach and effective communication have been instrumental in the success of our projects.

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Thomas Neighbour

Associates to watch

Senior associate Thomas Neighbour has a growing profile within the insurance industry, having advised on a number of high-profile business interruption, construction and liability claims.

Thomas Neighbour is a solid insurance lawyer who provides sound advice on a consistent basis.

Thomas Neighbour has great attention to details and is always responsive, with excellent turnaround times.

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Justin Whelan

Expertise Based Abroad

Justin Whelan has extensive experience assisting clients with business interruption cases. He is also noted for his handling of insurance and reinsurance litigation, with a particular focus on cybersecurity and data protection claims. He recently relocated to the Riyadh office of HFW from Abu Dhabi.

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