Cheryl Gibson > CMS > Bristol, England > Lawyer Profile

CMS is best known for representing some of the insurance market’s biggest brokers and insurers on professional negligence matters. The Bristol-based team fields a deep senior bench, with a trio of partners comprising Cheryl Gibson, who specialises in handling cases against construction professionals; Zoe Burge, who typically defends claims against solicitors and insurance intermediaries; and Robert Jones, who is known for acting on behalf of surveyors and insurance brokers, leading on the key mandates. Practitioners on the ground work closely with the London office.

CMS has experience acting on claims across a range of professions with a particular strength in handling professional liability matters relating to insurance brokers. Alex Denslow and Ed Foss are especially recommended for their skill in defending brokers in complex disputes. Martin Fox has expertise in the construction and engineering sectors; he has experience advising on cases involving architects, valuation surveyors, and design and build contractors. Monica Lesny is another recommended member of the team with extensive experience navigating disputes involving construction professionals. Scarlett West also regularly defends construction professionals with her experience encompassing cladding claims and professional negligence claims connected to large transport infrastructure projects. The team is co-headed by Cheryl Gibson and Simon Garrett.

CMS has a strong insurance and reinsurance group which is known for high-stakes litigation and is particularly noted for its expertise in advising non-marine insurers, reinsurers and insurance brokers. The team has advised on insurance and reinsurance claims in a number of areas, including aviation, ESG, finance and cyber risk. The team is jointly led by Cheryl Gibson and Simon Garrett, who is highly regarded for his expertise in defending professionals and insurers in professional negligence claims and is well versed in defending directors against claims made by shareholders, creditors and insolvency practitioners. Ed Foss excels in insurance brokers’ and employee benefit consultants’ liability, while Simon Kilgour focuses on reinsurance. Alaina Wadsworth is the go-to for aviation and pharmaceutical claims.