Wikborg Rein

Commercial Disputes, Insurance

Partner

Ben graduated with a modern history degree before turning to the law. He became a partner in 2002 and specialises in contentious insurance work, commercial disputes and regulation.

In addition to his practice Ben lectures regularly on insurance law and about alternative dispute resolution, of which he has considerable experience representing clients. He also co-ordinates some of the firm’s corporate social responsibility activities and is a governor of a local school.

Insurance & ReinsuranceBen acts for insurers, insureds and brokers in a variety of insurance disputes. He has significant expertise, gained over many years, of professional indemnity insurance, and political, trade and credit risk insurance.

His professional indemnity work has focussed on lawyers, where his experience encompasses all aspects of legal practice; as well as insurance brokers, dealing with complex placements and coverage issues. He has regularly considered issues of dishonesty in the context of PI claims. He has also acted for (and against) other professions.

His political and trade credit risk work has included significant policy drafting as well as handling a range of disputes (for insurers and insureds) involving different subject matter – whether it be non-payment, asset deprivation, or quantification.The claims have arisen in different jurisdictions and have been varying values.

Ben also has experience of other classes of insurance/reinsurance and has recently been engaged in a number of D&O matters.

RegulationBen is Ince & Co LLP’s compliance officer for legal practice as well as its global head of risk and compliance. In addition to providing internal advice Ben also advises others on issues concerning regulatory obligations and has advised on dealing with regulators and in respect to regulatory investigations, principally within the legal profession.

Commercial DisputesBen has acted in a variety of commercial disputes connected to the acquisition or operation of businesses. Notable sale and purchase disputes have arisen from the warranties given on the acquisition of a shipyard and the sale of a Lloyd’s agency.He has acted in many cases alleging secret profits, most notably two long trials (and the subsequent appeals) in relation to commissions.

The majority of Ben’s work has been in Court and he has significant trial experience, but he has regularly used ADR as a means of settling disputes.

English

Christ’s Hospital, St Andrew’s University