Department profile
HFW

Insurance: Mainly Policyholders

Global Guide 2026 : UK


HFW

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Insurance: Mainly Policyholders - UK

Band 2

Band 2


What the Team is Known For
HFW has a renowned team that represents both leading insurance entities and policyholders in complex coverage and reinsurance disputes arising in sectors such as aviation, energy and mining. The firm is often involved in significant international work, including particular strength in mandates issuing from Latin America. Its experience includes big-ticket claims relating to property damage, business interruption and other losses associated with major political upheaval and natural disasters.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • HFW acted for Technip Energies in a dispute under its offshore construction all-risks cover following an allision between its chartered tug boat and an oil platform.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • HFW have grasped a complex situation quickly and helped chart a way forward. All discussions are tempered with a desire to strike a resolution, as opposed to just driving the case to litigation.

    Insurance: Mainly Policyholders respondentGlobal
  • HFW provides top-quality advice and litigation support to policyholders on complex claims. The team are knowledgeable about the market, as well as commercial and effective.

    Insurance: Mainly Policyholders respondentGlobal
  • HFW are able to assimilate highly complex and intertwined cases with a singular strategy in mind, clearly putting the client's needs above their own - Their service and responsiveness are flawless.

    Insurance: Mainly Policyholders respondentGlobal
  • HFW's expertise and availability are key strengths. They provide excellent service and communication, along with an excellent grasp of the facts and written opinions.

    Insurance: Mainly Policyholders respondentGlobal
  • HFW have detailed specialist legal knowledge coupled with in-depth understanding and a practical, problem-solving approach. The team's response times are prompt, and work is to a very high standard.

    Insurance: Mainly Policyholders respondentGlobal

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Christopher Foster
    Band 1Christopher Foster

    Christopher Foster

    Christopher Foster is head of insurance and reinsurance at HFW. He handles an impressive array of complex coverage and reinsurance disputes. He has experience handling matters related to claims for property damage, construction defects and professional liability, among others.

    • Chris Foster provides very commercial and pragmatic advice.

      Insurance: Mainly Policyholders respondentGlobal
    • He knows the subject matter inside out and has very good client skills.

      Insurance: Mainly Policyholders respondentGlobal
    • Christopher Foster is one of the titans of insurance litigation; he is massively experienced and has done huge cases.

      Insurance: Mainly Policyholders respondentGlobal
  • Band 1Nigel Wick
    Band 1Nigel Wick

    Nigel Wick

    Nigel Wick is adept at handling a range of insurance and reinsurance matters on behalf of policyholders. He has particular experience in disputes involving both onshore and offshore energy facilities.
    • Nigel is great to deal with, knowledgeable and calm.

      Insurance: Mainly Policyholders respondentGlobal
    • Nigel is excellent - approachable, transparent and client-focused.

      Insurance: Mainly Policyholders respondentGlobal
    • Nigel is sensible, measured and does a great job for his clients. He is always looking for solutions.

      Insurance: Mainly Policyholders respondentGlobal
    • Nigel is always a pleasure to deal with.

      Insurance: Mainly Policyholders respondentGlobal
  • Band 2Jonathan Bruce
    Band 2Jonathan Bruce

    Jonathan Bruce

    Jonathan Bruce specialises in representing policyholders in insurance claims and coverage disputes, with notable expertise in energy, property and marine matters. He regularly handles cases with international aspects and has particular knowledge of Latin America.
    • Jonathan is excellent. He is approachable, transparent and client-focused.

      Insurance: Mainly Policyholders respondentGlobal
    • Jonathan is a very astute and well-respected lawyer. He is very incisive and can be relied upon to give a prompt and clear assessment of the merits of a case and to formulate a winning strategy.

      Insurance: Mainly Policyholders respondentGlobal
    • Jonathan is a very astute operator who understands the relationship and dynamic between the insured and the insurer. He is very present within the industry and has many strengths.

      Insurance: Mainly Policyholders respondentGlobal
    • Jonathan has always given sound practical advice that takes into account the best legal stance to support the client's position, with a view to trying to find an acceptable outcome for all concerned.

      Insurance: Mainly Policyholders respondentGlobal
    • I would highlight Jonathan for praise due to his very strong knowledge and experience. He is a strong and calm negotiator.

      Insurance: Mainly Policyholders respondentGlobal
  • Up and ComingRupert Warren
    Up and ComingRupert Warren

    Rupert Warren

    Rupert Warren advises major international insurers and reinsurers on complex mandates. His expertise on reinsurance and insurance brokers' professional indemnity is especially notable.

    • Rupert Warren is excellent; he is knowledgeable, thoughtful and has a keen sense of the client’s interests.

      Insurance: Mainly Policyholders respondentGlobal
    • Rupert is extremely helpful; he is always quick to respond and takes time to explain things in detail.

      Insurance: Mainly Policyholders respondentGlobal
    • Rupert Warren is an excellent insurance lawyer who knows insurance law backwards. He also knows the market very well and runs a very good team.

      Insurance: Mainly Policyholders respondentGlobal

Ranked Individuals at HFW (4)

UK

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