Chris Zavos

Practice Areas

Chris is a partner in our London office and specialises in complex coverage (across aviation, marine, yachts, energy, war, political risks and political violence) and, where necessary, acting for Underwriters in coverage litigation/arbitration as well as in jurisdictional disputes. He qualified in England and Wales in 1991.

Acting predominantly for Lloyd's and global (re)insurers, he has extensive experience in advising on complex coverage as well as liability defence, subrogation and sanctions issues. Chris has managed many market leading cases through arbitration and litigation both here (up to the Supreme Court) and in international jurisdictions.

He has been ad hoc legal adviser to the London Market’s Joint Hull Committee since 2002 where he advises on market issues and drafts new wordings on discrete issues such as piracy, sanctions and cyber/CL380.

He is a member of the Forum of Insurance Lawyers (FOIL).

Work Highlights

Acting for war risks insurers in AerCap v AIG (2023, Commercial Court and continuing) in defence of claims by aircraft lessors relating to the failure by Russian airlines to return aircraft following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Acting for the war market in relation to vessels remaining in Ukraine and Russia following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Acting for the Club in UK P&I Club v Republica Bolivariana de Venezuela in defence of claims following sinking of Naiguata (2022,Commercial Court, Court of Appeal and continuing) on jurisdiction, anti-suit injunction.