Department profile
Stephenson Harwood LLP

Insurance: Contentious Claims & Reinsurance

UK Guide 2026 : UK-wide


Stephenson Harwood LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by Stephenson Harwood LLP

The marine insurance group (MIG) acts for major insurers in both the London (Lloyd’s and Company) and International markets.  It offers expertise across all areas of marine insurance, including hull and machinery, cargo, war, liability, ports and terminals, and mortgagee interest. We advise on drafting, coverage and subrogated recoveries and specialise in marine casualty.

We have considerable experience in dealing with major international casualties for and on behalf of insurer clients (both property and liability), including ATLs, CTLs, collision, allision, fire, grounding, salvage and wreck removal. 

The MIG offers a dedicated casualty response team which includes master mariners, an experienced marine surveyor and specialised casualty investigators with experience in all shipping sectors.

We have market-leading expertise in marine cyber risk issues and security, both from a risk management and legal liability perspective. We also advise the market on pre-inception risk assessments in relation to general marine risk as well as in specialised sectors such as geo-seismic exploration.   

The marine insurance casualty response team is able to assist underwriting decisions by providing an in depth legal and technical assessment of the risks. The team can also advise on policy wordings and structure in the light of the technical risk assessment so the underwriters and their assureds have a clear understanding of how the policy will respond in case of need.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Insurance: Contentious Claims & Reinsurance - UK-wide

Band 4

Band 4


What the Team is Known For

Stephenson Harwood is recognised for its strong expertise in the full range of marine insurance matters, with specialist knowledge of marine casualty work. The firm also offers expert advice on cyber-risk issues and security and represents insurers in non-marine insurance cases related to significant international mining and energy projects. The team is especially adept at handling complex mandates including those with cross-border aspects and multiple layers of insurance.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Stephenson Harwood represented a large body of insurers on a claim under a hull and machinery policy relating to a EUR350 million yacht that had been seized by Italian authorities due to being owned by a sanctioned individual.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Stephen Harwood benefits from strong leadership and depth of talent.

    Insurance: Contentious Claims & Reinsurance respondentUK
  • The firm's response time is very reasonable.

    Insurance: Contentious Claims & Reinsurance respondentUK
  • They really know their stuff. They provide excellent strategy and they are great to work with.

    Insurance: Contentious Claims & Reinsurance respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 2Joseph O'Keeffe
    Band 2Joseph O'Keeffe

    Joseph O'Keeffe

    Joseph O'Keeffe has notable expertise in insurance disputes, with a particular focus on marine insurance. He regularly handles claims arising in relation to the loss and detention of vessels in jurisdictions around the world.
    • Joseph O'Keeffe is the best when it comes to marine insurance.

      Insurance: Contentious Claims & Reinsurance respondentUK
    • Joseph is superb.

      Insurance: Contentious Claims & Reinsurance respondentUK
  • Band 3Alex Davis
    Band 3Alex Davis

    Alex Davis

    Alex Davis is head of insurance at Stephenson Harwood. He is well versed in the marine and energy sectors, where he provides counsel to clients in relation to complex and high-value insurance claims. His expertise includes complex matters concerning the loss of cargo, vessels and offshore energy facilities.

    • Alex Davis is very good and is definitely someone I would recommend.

      Insurance: Contentious Claims & Reinsurance respondentUK
    • Alex Davis is a hugely experienced insurance litigator with excellent judgement and massive knowledge of this area.

      Insurance: Contentious Claims & Reinsurance respondentUK
  • Up and ComingRichard Hugg
    Up and ComingRichard Hugg

    Richard Hugg

    Richard Hugg is renowned for his work on marine insurance, where he provides expert advice on hull and machinery insurance and disputes relating to war and liability.

    • Richard Hugg really knows his stuff.

      Insurance: Contentious Claims & Reinsurance respondentUK

Ranked Individuals at Stephenson Harwood LLP (3)

UK-wide

Members

Provided by Stephenson Harwood LLP

Stephenson Harwood LLP has rankings in the following guides

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