UK Bar London (Bar) Insurance

7 King’s Bench Walk enjoys an undisputed reputation as the leading insurance and reinsurance set, with a breadth and depth of bench that is unmatched by its peers. Its members are consistently sought after to handle the most complex and high-stakes domestic and international disputes, particularly those arising from the marine, energy and life sciences sectors. The set acts for both defendants and claimants, and represents insurers and underwriters as well as corporate and individual claimants. Tenants were involved in the Stonegate Pub Company Limited v MS Amlin Corporate Member Limited business interruption case. Solicitors interviewed comment that the set has "the greatest strength and depth for complex insurance work, both coverage and defence."

4 New Square Chambers has an impressive bench of silks and junior barristers with expertise spanning a broad spectrum of insurance and reinsurance matters, supplemented by its renowned professional negligence pedigree. Members of the set represent a strong choice for technically challenging coverage issues and are particularly renowned for their expertise in disputes involving property damage, professional indemnity and product liability matters. They act for defendants and claimants, including a range of corporates across the real estate and energy sectors. Tenants were instructed in the Vistra (Jersey) Ltd and Others v Various Insurers case concerning a coverage dispute over a £75 million claim made on a professional indemnity policy. Sources note the "wealth of knowledge and experience across all levels" and that their "expertise, especially at silk level, is second to none."

Brick Court Chambers is a commercial litigation powerhouse with a strong breadth of expertise in insurance disputes. Members of the set are frequently sought after to represent leading insurers and reinsurers as well as claimants, including financial institutions. They are capable of assisting with disputes over liability, negligence and appropriate jurisdiction, and field impressive prowess in multi-jurisdictional matters. Members have recently been instructed in White Oak Europe Acquisition v Axis and Others, a £20 million warranty and indemnity claim. Sources highlight that it is "an elite commercial set with an impressive array of talent at the senior and junior ends," and that their ability to handle complex matters is "first-rate."

Essex Court Chambers offers impressive advocacy in the courtroom alongside considerable strengths handling international arbitrations. The set possesses enviable prowess in the Bermuda Form, counting published authors on the subject among its tenants. Capable of handling a breadth of insurance and reinsurance disputes involving the marine, construction, pharmaceutical and energy sectors, among others. Members of Essex Court Chambers have been involved in key insurance cases, such as the AIG Europe Ltd & Others v Wood Group Canada Inc case, which concerns an excess coverage dispute. Sources say that the set is "a go-to for complex insurance litigation." Another commentator highlights that the barristers provide "commercial advice on novel points."

Fountain Court Chambers fields considerable commercial dispute expertise. Its members are frequently sought out to handle a raft of insurance mandates for clients across the banking and financial services and construction industries. Renowned for their strength handling multi-jurisdictional matters, members of the set are instructed in complex litigation and arbitrations, including Bermuda Form. The set offers further capabilities advising on technical coverage and jurisdictional issues concerning a wide range of policies. Members of Fountain Court Chambers have been involved in key insurance cases, such as Various Eateries Trading v Allianz, a £2.5 million business interruption claim for indemnity. Sources highlight that the barristers are able to "put together an extremely strong case on relatively short notice due to time pressures" and can "address certain technical arguments that the parties in the other claims had not even considered." Another source states that Fountain Court is a "strong set" with "experienced counsel."

2 Temple Gardens is home to a notable group of silks and junior barristers with substantial expertise in the insurance and reinsurance markets. The barristers' enviable prowess in property damage matters is supplemented by adept handling of suspected fraudulent claims. Members of the set are capable of advising on complex issues of coverage, alleged negligence and liability. The set's tenants have been instructed in cases, such as Various Eateries v Allianz, a significant COVID-19 business interruption claim. A source says that the set has "a variety of very technically competent and experienced counsel." Another commentator notes it is a "very strong chambers for complex and sensitive cases." An additional interviewee highlights: "The set has the resources at their disposal to service cases of utmost complexity. There are plenty of senior juniors to silks available who can assist on all varieties of complex insurance disputes."

3 Verulam Buildings leans on its expertise in banking and finance to handle a broad array of insurance and reinsurance matters arising from the sector. Members of the set adeptly handle professional indemnity, credit risk, D&O and construction-related disputes, both domestic and international in nature. They are regularly instructed by insured parties, insurers and reinsurers and act on both sides of insurance broker cases. Members of 3 Verulam Buildings have been involved in key insurance cases, such as Stonegate Pub Company v MS Amlin, an £850 million business interruption claim. Sources note: "3VB has a number of impressive and talented barristers more than capable of handling technically tricky disputes."

Barristers at 4 Pump Court are regularly instructed in domestic and multi-jurisdictional insurance matters, with a particular focus on construction and property damage disputes. Members of the set are praised for their courtroom advocacy and adept handling of arbitrations. They offer further expertise in complex coverage issues and allegations of negligence. Tenants were instructed in The Red Lion Sturmer Limited t/a The Red Lion v AXIS Speciality Europe SE, a significant business interruption claim. One interviewee notes that "the barristers think proactively and deliver complex advice in a comprehensive easily understood manner." Another source highlights their: "good breadth of expertise."

Crown Office Chambers handles complex and high-value claims arising from major construction, property damage and product liability matters. Members offer further expertise in broker disputes, professional indemnity matters and D&O claims. Sources highlight its "great breadth and depth of expertise for insurance coverage disputes which span across several sectors." The strength of the set in both domestic and international matters sees them instructed in cases across a broad array of jurisdictions. Tenants of Crown Office Chambers were instructed in the Sky, Mace and Prater v Insurerscase, which concerns a £200 million claim arising out damages and defects to the roof of Sky's global headquarters.

Twenty Essex has considerable strength across a broad array of international mandates, including high-value insurance litigation and Bermuda Form arbitrations. Members are regularly instructed by insureds, insurers and reinsurers. Twenty Essex offers an impressive depth of expertise in matters arising from the marine, energy and finance sectors. Sources say they are "consistently impressed with their ability to adeptly navigate complex problems or situations and identify the key issues which would be determinative in a given case, providing effective and targeted advice."