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. Tenants are representing AIG in AerCap Ireland v AIG Europe SA and Lloyds Insurance Company for aircraft losses brought about due to the conflict in Ukraine, and the potential for application of war risks losses. Solicitors comment that "key members of the set are leaders in their fields" with regular mention that "in insurance, it is a struggle to think of another chambers with the depth of specialism" and that "7KBW is the go-to set on anything insurance-related".

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 Novitas v AmTrust v Sompo International, acting for the ATE insurer against a £50 million liability claim. Sources note that "there is a wide range of experience across the set" and that it is "undoubtedly a very strong set".

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 by AerCap in AerCap Ireland v AIG and others, a USD3.5 billion insurance claim relating to aircraft not returned by Russian lessees following the invasion of Ukraine. Sources highlight that they are "one of the main chambers for this work" and that it is a "full-service magic circle set".

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 Al Mana Lifestyle v United Fidelity Insurance Company and others, a USD40 million case concerned with jurisdiction issues. Sources say: "Essex Court Chambers offers great knowledge and experience." Another commentator highlights that it is a "formidable set of senior and junior silks in the insurance and reinsurance disputes sector".

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 Dubai Aerospace Enterprises (DAE) v Various Insurers, a claim concerned with the loss of aircraft in Russia. Sources highlight that "Fountain Court has a number of the leading go-to silks and juniors for significant coverage disputes" and that it is "a very good commercial and insurance set".

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 advised insurers in complex business interruption claims such as LALS v EIC, where losses were suffered as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. A source says that the set has "broad expertise across the full spectrum of policy type and coverage issues". Another commentator notes that the "counsel are very astute and capable". An additional interviewee highlights: "The barristers I have instructed have a vast amount of experience and are trusted to provide a balanced and realistic view."

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 London International Exhibition Centre v RSA and others, a test case relating to business interruption occurring during the COVID pandemic. One sources notes: "3VB is often at the coalface for the highest-profile and topical disputes." Another adds: "We have a lot of great experiences with the barristers at 3VB. Their work ethic is outstanding."

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 Pure Gym in Pinnacle TopCo Limited, Pure Gym Limited v QIC Europe Limited, a business interruption and water damages claim. One interviewee notes: "The barristers provide a very nuanced and sophisticated view of legal issues, with a pragmatic strategy for resolution." Another source highlights that "4 Pump Court offer an expansive range of expertise across various insurance policies and sectors".

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 that "Crown Office is among the top choices for insurance matters because of its deep connection and involvement in the insurance sector". 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 Finsbury Food Group v Axis Corporate Capital and Hiscox on the behalf of the defendants.

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 "more than capable of dealing with highly technical issues" and that the set has "well-known leaders in their field and a great depth in talent". Members are acting for reinsurers in the Russian aviation litigation.