Insurance | UK Bar

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. Recently, tenants acted in Dubai Aerospace Enterprise & Others v Lloyd's Insurance Company & Others. Solicitors comment that "7KBW boasts some of the leading insurance talent" with regular mentions of "an exceptionally deep bench of insurance specialists" and that "its experience and expertise in complex insurance matters is unrivalled."

Greg Leyden is the senior clerk.

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 have been instructed in Amtrust Europe Limited v MD Insurance Services Limited, acting for MD Warranty Inspection Services against a £47 million claim. Sources note that "4 New Square Chambers house an immense number of insurance disputes advocates of the highest calibre," who are "quick to grasp complex issues and provide commercially sensible advice."

Lizzy Stewart is the senior clerk and CEO.

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 acted in Sky UK Limited v Riverstone Managing Agency, a dispute concerned with an insurance policy covering Sky's roof against water damage. Sources highlight that it is "a set focused on complex work" and combines "straightforward and clear advice with approachable barristers and well-known heavyweights."

Paul Dennison and Tony Burgess are the senior clerks.

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 Nord Stream AG v Lloyd's, a £400 million claim related to the widely reported pipeline explosions in the Baltic sea. Sources say: "Essex Court Chambers has exceptional bench strength for handling complex and sophisticated matters."

Joe Ferrigno is the senior clerk.

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 Greensill Bank AG v Zurich Insurance Co Ltd. Sources say that "counsel at Fountain Court are really the crème de la crème of talent" and highlight "in-depth sector knowledge, coupled with an impressive commercial approach."

Alex Taylor is the senior clerk.

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 has appeared in London & Quadrant Housing Trust v Amtrust Europe Limited. A source says that "2TG stands out for its depth of expertise in complex insurance and reinsurance disputes." Another commentator notes that the set has "a wide spread of barristers who are well versed in the law and commercially astute."

Lee Tyler is the senior clerk.

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 including Bath Racecourse and others v Liberty Mutual Insurance Europe and others, an £80 million claim relating to business interruption occurring during the COVID pandemic. One source notes: "The barristers at 3VB have been involved in some of the most significant insurance cases of the last few years." Another adds: "3VB has some of the best minds in the insurance business."

Stuart Pullum is the director of clerking.

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 by AXA Insurance in Mayfair Banqueting Ltd v. AXA Insurance, one of the 'At the Premises' test cases. One interviewee highlights "a strong mix of leading KCs, senior and junior counsel, who are not only technically expert, but also commercially savvy and very client-friendly." Another source says that the barristers are "heavy hitters in insurance."

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. One sources says that "Crown Office Chambers has barristers who are commercially-aware, detail-oriented and have been incredibly helpful in progressing matters with clients' end goals in mind." The strength of the set in both domestic and international matters sees them instructed in cases across a broad array of jurisdictions. Tenants were instructed by the defendants in Sky & Mace v Riverstone and other insurers, a £200 million coverage dispute arising from a Construction All Risk policy.

James Wilkinson is the senior clerk.

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. An interviewee says that: "Twenty Essex has an incredible breadth and depth of knowledge on insurance practices and case law, which places them well to deal with complex and high-value insurance litigation."

Arron Zitver is the practice director.