Professional negligence
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Hall of fameMayer Brown
Sally Davies is the Senior Partner in Mayer Brown's London office. She has extensive experience in the litigation, arbitration (domestic and international LCIA, ICC,UNCITRAL), mediation and adjudication of construction industry disputes. She advises owners, contractors, engineers and consultants, subcontractors and suppliers, as well as professionals and insurers, on all aspects of construction and engineering law. She has resolved such disputes involving airports, sports stadia, harbour facilities, nuclear facilities, waste water treatment plants, LNG plants, motorways, mines, roads, bridges, cranes and railways, dams, office facilities, distribution centres and water treatment facilities as well as traditional construction projects.
Hall of fameStephenson Harwood
Roland is the firm's senior partner and a full time commercial disputes expert. He has deep experience particularly in the professional services and fine art sectors where he has practised throughout his career. Roland leads our teams in these sectors and is highly ranked in them by the directories.
His work covers a broad range of commercial disputes taking place in the High Court and in arbitration. Most of Roland's work has an international dimension and he is also experienced in managing multi-jurisdictional disputes. Much of his work involves management of risk and the avoidance of claims, nipping problems in the bud and working with clients to resolve issues early and cost-effectively and keep them out of court.
Roland has a long and extensive experience of acting for and against professional firms, particularly those in accountancy and law sectors and has been closely involved in several leading cases. He has been described as a "very good, very tough litigator," by Chambers UK 2022 in this area.
In the fine art sector, Roland advises a broad range of clients from auction houses and dealers to museums and private collectors. His work in this area goes well beyond disputes, for example about title and attribution. He regularly advises on matters ranging from the sale and purchase of fine art to the standard terms of business of major market players to export, looted art and related issues. Roland is a member of the Art, Cultural and Institutions Committee of the IBA and recognised by Chambers & Partners for his experience handling high-value disputes within Art and Cultural Property Law. They describe him as "enormously impressive, a good tactician and knows the area back to front." In Legal 500, Roland is recognised for having "unparalleled experience in the field, with noted leadership and unassailable credibility."
Roland is ranked in the Hall of Fame by Chambers in both the Professional Negligence and Art and Cultural Property categories.
Hall of fameMayer Brown
Jim Oulton is a partner in the Litigation & Dispute Resolution practice of the London office. He is particularly well known for his work in the professional liability field. He regularly advises in claims in the English courts concerning accountants and auditors, insolvency practitioners, lawyers, trustees, tax professionals and many other professions. Jim's work includes managing and supervising overseas claims — particularly in offshore jurisdictions where he has very broad experience.
Hall of fameMayer Brown
Michael Regan is recognised as one of the world's leading construction and engineering lawyers and is head of the Construction & Engineering Group in London. Michael has advised clients in relation to claims arising out of the construction of power stations, nuclear facilities, bridges, dams, process plant, refineries, buildings, roads, mining projects and infrastructure projects in many different countries and in every continent, and has conducted international arbitrations subject to the rules of all the major arbitral institutions including the LCIA, the ICC and ICSID. He has many years experience of conducting complicated technical disputes arising out of construction and engineering projects, including claims involving defects in design and workmanship, programming, delays and quantum. Michael also advises clients on risk allocation, and procurement strategies, and has extensive experience of all the major forms of construction and engineering contracts, particularly FIDIC.
Hall of fameBeale & Co
Antony is well known and widely recognised in the construction and insurance scene. His clients include professionals, contractors and insurers. He specialises in disputes arising out of construction contracts and leads large-scale and large-value disputes, and also has a practice in health and safety, having defended clients in health and safety prosecutions and advised them on site health and safety responsibilities. Antony’s practice covers all forms of dispute resolution, including litigation, arbitrations, adjudications and mediations in the UK and abroad. His overseas experience includes advising on claims in Austria, Germany, Hong Kong, Australia, Thailand, the Republic of Guinea, Middle East regions and, in the successful defence of a US $80m claim for delay and disruption arising out of the construction of a power station in the Philippines. His notable UK engagements include high-profile litigation arising out of the Cambridge Guided Busway, Clissold Leisure Centre, the Millenium Bridge and the train tunnel collapse at Gerrards Cross. Antony is a regular speaker on dispute resolution and contributes regularly to journals on construction and professional negligence issues as well as health and safety law
Hall of fameClyde & Co
Richard advises on all aspects of contentious construction and construction-related professional indemnity and liability insurance, particularly for engineers, design and build contractors, architects and surveyors. He has over 25 years' experience advising on some of the most significant construction claims in the industry. Richard heads our burgeoning global construction professional liability group which acts for multi-national consultants and their insurers throughout the world.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Hogan Lovells US LLP
Matthew Bullen focuses on pensions and trusts litigation. He has considerable experience in handling large and complex disputes, both domestic and multi-jurisdictional, as well as conducting investigations on matters that raise regulatory issues or which may result in litigation. His cases frequently involve insolvency or public law elements. In recent years he has worked particularly intensively on moral hazard regulatory actions, both for targets of regulatory action and trustees.
Stephenson Harwood
Adam is an accountancy professional liability / regulatory specialist (in particular defending FRC cases and all forms of accounting litigation). Previously General Counsel at BDO and a criminal prosecutor, Adam brings a wealth of sector experience and a sharp focus to resolving complex accounting issues.
At Stephenson Harwood, Adam handles a range of commercial litigation and professional liability matters with a particular focus on insurance related issues, the accountancy regulators (ICAEW/FRC), and the defence of claims involving tax and audit.
Adam offers a client-focussed insight into the full range of accounting services and the pressures they face from regulators and claimants. This allows him to quickly grasp the key issues in accounting disputes and resolve them. His success at BDO helped it remain the only larger accounting firm at the time to avoid sanction by the FRC. Adam is referred to as joining the firm in 2020 within the Legal 500 UK Professional Negligence area, where the team is well regarded for providing "an excellent, all-round legal service with good client management, very able lawyers, with sound judgement." His references from BDO include: "Combines first-class legal knowledge and judgement with a calm and reassuring manner. A pleasure to work with" ( Mark Shaw, Head of Business Restructuring, BDO).
His and his team's notable successes in litigation include BDO's win in the recent £250 million One Blackfriars case [2021] EWHC 684, Supreme Court appeal win in regulatory proceedings (Barnes v Eastenders [2014] UKSC 26), the leading recent decisions on administrator's duties: Bernsten & Anor v Tait [2015] EWCA Civ 1001 and Davey v Money [2019] EWHC 997 (which included the recent COA judgment ending the "Arkin Cap" when enforcing costs against the litigation funder), and Green v BDO [2005] All ER on the use of the Insolvency Act against accountants.
Hogan Lovells US LLP
Nicholas leads the 'excellent, top-notch' competition litigation practice in London. His extensive experience litigating before the High Court and the Competition Appeals Tribunal enables him to represent clients in a wide range of industries, from financial and industrial to transport and technology. Nicholas is a commercial litigator and a recognized leader in the fields of Antitrust and Competition Litigation, Pensions litigation and Professional liability litigation. His depth of experience gives Nicholas a true understanding of client's issues.
Keystone Law
Jane has more than 25 years’ experience as a commercial litigator, with a particular focus on professional liability work for a wide range of leading professional firms where she looks after a full spectrum of legal needs including defending claims, advising on risk management and handling complex and highly sensitive regulatory (FRC) and disciplinary matters, both for individuals and firms.
Jane has acted for more than two thirds of the top 20 firms (including three of the Big 4) and for 13 of the top 25 global networks and associations. Her full understanding of the issues faced by global networks extends to advising on all areas of governance and to working with clients to establish or remodel existing structures and/or in relation to mergers. Many of the matters Jane works on have an international or multi-jurisdictional dimension.
Herbert Smith Freehills LLP
Partner and global practice area lead for Insurance Disputes
Beale & Co
Sheena qualified in 1992 having trained with Beale & Company. She has over 20 years’ experience advising clients within the construction and related industries on a wide range of disputes and on investigations and prosecutions under health and safety law. Sheena has advised and represented numerous clients and their insurers in relation to civil claims both advancing claims for construction industry clients through the most effective means and defending negligence claims brought against them; conducting early risk assessments for clients to understand the merits of their position and achieve results which takes into account those risks and the need for a proportionate approach to costs. Her work is across all sectors of the construction industry and she has a thorough understanding of the issues of importance. She undertakes an increasing amount of work with an international focus, providing legal support for high-profile projects across the world. Sheena’s work in the health and safety field includes numerous fatal site accidents and personal injury claims that can follow construction site and workplace accidents. She represents clients throughout HSE and Police investigations and in criminal prosecutions brought by the HSE and CPS. She has many years experience in representing clients in meetings and interviews with the Police and the HSE during the course of an investigation including interviews under caution. Sheena advises on CDM and other health and safety legislation and assists clients in the implementation of good practice. Sheena works with her clients to set and keep under review the overall strategy to resolution and manages delivery to achieve the client’s aims in the most efficient and cost-effective way.
RPC
Partner. Alan is an insurance lawyer specialising in construction disputes and professional indemnity claims acting on behalf of a variety of Lloyd’s syndicates, insurance companies and construction professionals, including architects, engineers, surveyors and contractors. Alan's practice has involved him handling many high-value complex disputes, both in the UK and worldwide and across a variety of different forum, through litigation arbitration and adjudication. He is a contributor to Hogarth’s Insurance Law for the Construction Industry.
Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP
Sushma MacGeoch is Head of Insurance Disputes at Womble Bond Dickinson, leading the national team based in London, Bristol and Southampton. Sushma has over 25 years’ experience as a professional indemnity and construction specialist. She is an expert in the defence of complex high value claims against solicitors, valuers, accountants, brokers and construction professionals, to include architects engineers and contractors. Sushma also regularly acts as coverage counsel. Sushma’s clients include major Insurers and construction companies. Sushma is ranked as a Leading Individual in Legal 500. Legal 500 2020 refers to Sushma as "a stand-out partner.. [she] has enormous courage and steely determination which is matched with poise and finesse" and that she "is an exceptional professional; her knowledge, style, resilience and personality are what set her aside and ensure she is the leader of this impressive and growing team." Recent experience includes: defending solicitors in £130m claim arising from credit hire litigation handled on behalf of Insurers; defending accountants in £15m film finance litigation; defending groundworks contractor in multiparty £12m claim arising from failure of floor slab in warehouse distribution centre resulting in landmark decision in Co-Op Group Limited v Birse Developments Limited and others on limitation in claims against construction professionals; defending architects on £40m claim arising from failure of commercial complex; acting as coverage counsel on block notification by brokers with potential claim value exceeding £80m. Sushma MacGeoch was shortlisted for Women in Finance Insurance Leader of the Year Award 2019. Under Sushma's leadership, the Womble Bond Dickinson Insurance Disputes team has won a number of accolades to include Insurance Team of the Year 2017 Legal Business Awards; Shortlisted for Insurance Firm of the Year 2017 Post Claims Awards; Highly Commended in FT Innovative Lawyers Awards Europe 2017 for Private Edge Product developed with AIG: Winner of Commercial Insurance Law Firm of the Year UK – 2018 Lawyer Monthly Legal Awards; Legal 500 award for Insurance Firm (Specialism) of the Year for our expertise in professional negligence in 2016, 2017 and 2018.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
RPC
Partner. Tom typically defends construction professionals, with a particular emphasis on architects, engineers and design and build contractors. This has included advising on claims in Qatar and Europe, as well as in the UK. Tom also acts for the wider construction industry in a range of disputes from defects claims, payment notices and final account disputes. Tom is experienced in all forms of dispute resolution, including litigation, arbitration, adjudication and ADR. Contributing author to Insurance Law for the Construction Industry.
Mayer Brown
James Morris is a partner in the Construction & Engineering and International Arbitration practices of the London office. His practice includes a wide range of dispute resolution, advising employers, contractors, consultants and insurers in relation to all forms of construction related disputes and EU public procurement. He regularly advises on complicated technical disputes, including claims concerning defective design and workmanship, programming, delay, disruption and quantum, which arise out of the major forms of construction and engineering contracts. He is an experienced litigator who has represented clients in complex multi-party litigation in the High Court (Technology and Construction Court), mediations, adjudications and arbitrations (both domestic and international). James has advised on disputes regarding a wide variety of projects, including jetties, defence facilities, waste management facilities, mines, railways, utilities, office facilities and hospitals. He has represented clients in a number of different jurisdictions in the Middle East, Africa and Asia. James also has experience of dealing with complex insurance issues and regularly advises insurers on professional indemnity cases.
RPC
Partner specialising in defending claims against leading law firms and other professionals in relation to complex and high-value claims. She has particular expertise in defending solicitors claims concerning a wide range of underlying areas of law, including corporate transactions, trusts, commercial property transactions, litigation and employment. Laura also acts for insurers in relation to coverage issues arising out of professional indemnity policies.
Mayer Brown
Jonathan Stone is a partner in the Construction & Engineering practice of the London office. He advises clients (including architects, engineers, consultants, contractors and suppliers) on all aspects of construction and engineering law. A significant part of his work involves advising insurers and professionals in the defence of professional indemnity claims. Jonathan also advises insurers on policy coverage issues arising out of various types of construction policy, including professional indemnity, public liability and CAR policies. Jonathan has a broad experience of contentious litigation matters, and acts on high value and multi-party disputes arising out of civil works, sport stadia, public transport systems, waste treatment facilities, hospital PFI projects, office buildings, public car parks, road networks and wind farms. Disputes include those relating to defective works, negligent design, delays, loss and expense, contract terminations and payment issues.
RPC
Felicity Strong is a Partner in the Construction team.
Felicity specialises in defending high value, complex construction claims and in advising on policy coverage. She defends claims against all classes of construction professional, with a particular focus on architects, engineers and surveyors.
Felicity is experienced in all forms of dispute resolution, including litigation, arbitration, adjudication and mediation.
RPC
Partner in RPC's insurance group; specialising in financial risks. Advises London market non-marine insurers/reinsurers on complex coverage disputes, in particular involving financial and professional lines policies, including PI, D&O, W&I and crime insurance. Also acts in the defence of claims against financial professionals, including directors, insurance brokers, IFAs, trustees, tax advisers, wealth managers and investment/asset/fund managers.Recognised in The Lawyer Magazine's Hot 100 2016.
Clyde & Co
Helen specialises in the defence of professional negligence and malpractice claims against law firms and has extensive experience of litigation in the High Court and Court of Appeal and of alternative dispute resolution, including arbitration and mediation. Her practice focuses on complex and high value claims against magic circle and other international law firms, and she has defended a wide range of claims, including those involving structured finance, pensions, tax, property, litigation, contract, and trust issues. She also acts for insurers as monitoring counsel in relation to malpractice claims and advises on policy coverage. Helen also has experience of advising on risk management, regulatory investigations and disciplinary issues involving law firms. Helen has published articles in Commercial Litigation Journal, New Law Journal and Solicitors Journal, and speaks regularly on professional liability and risk management issues.
Leading associates
Rising stars with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Hamlins LLP
Laura is a Principal Associate in the Commercial Disputes Team.
Laura is experienced in acting for private and public companies as well as individuals in a range of disputes which have included commercial contracts, professional negligence and indemnity, fraud, privacy, product liability, property and commercial agency. Laura is currently also assisting the Media team with the large scale NGN phone hacking litigation where Hamlins are Lead Solicitor, and the MGN phone hacking litigation.
Laura is commercially minded and understands the need to resolve disputes cost-effectively. She has first-hand experience of the effectiveness of alternative dispute resolution, having led many without prejudice meetings and mediations.
Withers LLP
Caroline's practice is varied and covers both commercial disputes and media law issues, acting for international and domestic clients. On the commercial side, Caroline has a particular focus on professional negligence claims and acts for claimants and defendants. This is fairly unusual in the professional negligence field, and ensures that she is well-placed to anticipate and understand how an opponent's legal team intend to approach a dispute. On the defendant side, she specialises in defending barristers facing negligence actions, acting on a number of high value cases for Bar Mutual’s insureds. Caroline has experience of litigating in both the High Court of Justice and the Court of Appeal. As part of the media and reputation team, Caroline regularly advises individuals and companies in relation to media and information law issues including: defamation; misuse of private information; breach of confidence and data protection. She acted for a number of high profile claimants in the ‘phone-hacking’ litigation against both News Group Newspapers and Mirror Group Newspapers and continues to have a particular focus on privacy law issues and the legal issues accessing from unauthorised accessing of private and confidential information. In 2017, Caroline was listed as a Next Generation lawyer in the Legal 500 professional directory in the field of professional negligence and has subsequently been listed as a Rising Star in that category. Previous feedback for Caroline in the Legal 500 includes the following: 'the experienced and practical Caroline is one to watch', ‘one to watch, providing really skilful and measured input’ and she has been recognised for her ‘quick grasp of the detail’.Caroline frequently works with clients to seek to resolve disputes before any formal legal proceedings are commenced. Where legal action is ongoing, she retains focus on settlement and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) options, including mediation, where appropriate and in line with the client’s objectives.Caroline speaks Italian and Spanish, and regularly acts for Italian clients.