DLA Piper’s insurance team acts for a number of leading players in the insurance market, related to coverage advice, dispute resolution, and transactional work. Clients including traditional insurers, re-insurance companies, and intermediaries rely on the expertise of the practice, which often represents them in high-profile litigation. Pierre Berger leads the practice which has continued to grow with the arrivals of Virginie Frémat and Julie De Pauw from CMS, Joris Latui from KPMG Law in Belgium, and Delphine Goens from an in-house role, all in September 2024. Another key contact is Alexander Hamels, who ‘combines in-depth knowledge of insurance law and regulation with an excellent understanding of the market’.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Pierre and Alexander are very knowledgeable, and have great experience and connections in the insurance sector which allows them to always assist quickly and in an efficient manner.’
‘Alexander Hamels is always quick to respond and assist. He is well aware of the latest insights and practice developments. It is great to have him on the team.’
‘Go to firm for to the point but detailed and well-researched advice on topics related to market and (supervisory) practice, in particular topics that have not been the subject of doctrine or case law.’
‘Alexander Hamel combines in-depth knowledge of insurance law and regulation with an excellent understanding of the market and (supervisory) practices in Belgium and surrounding jurisdictions.’
‘Alexander Hamels is a remarkable specialist in insurance legislation, and he has in-depth knowledge of the insurance and financial regulations practice areas generally. He has also proven to have a good perspective on developments and trends in the regulation of open banking and open finance on the EU market.’
‘It’s my pleasure to emphasize the work of Alexander Hamels, which possess a rare professionalism shaped by his talent and dedication. Alexander always delivers the best results and he is the first person I would reach out to when needing assistance on an insurance matter.’
‘Alexander Hamels serves as our liaison with other law firms either in the network of DLA Piper or outside of the network. He really pays attention to the quality of work, particularly when working with a law firm in a jurisdiction where DLA Piper does not have a branch. We are very pleased to be working with him.’
‘They understand our needs in terms of quality and deadlines, they have a large number of experts in different matters and are part of an international network. We can call on them for national and international matters. They are very efficient, the advice is high quality and reliable.’

Key clients

Airbus
Accenture
Alan SA
Allianz Global Corporate & Speciality SE
Allianz Global Life DAC
Amonis
Aviva
Argenta Assuranties NV
Arena NV
Assuralia
Athora Belgium NV
Axa Belgium NV
Axa Partners
AXA XL Insurance Company
Baloise Belgium NV
Berkley Select
Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance
Berkshire Hathaway European Insurance
Belfius
BDB Europe
Bpost NV
Cigna Life Insurance Company of Europe
Cigna Europe Insurance Company (Europe) SA
Companjon
Credendo
DKV Belgium
Dual International Limited
Edmond de Rothschild
ERGO Insurance
Europaeiske Rejseforsikring A/S
Euroclear NV
FM Global
Fortegra Europe Insurance Company SE
Gothaer Allgemeine Versicherung
Howden Insurance Brokers Ltd
ING Belgium
KBC Insurance
Liberty Mutual Insurance Europe SE
Lombard International Assurance SA
Lloyd's Market Association
Marsh Belgium NV
Mercer (Belgium) SA
Michelin
Mithras Underwriting Europe
MS Amlin Insurance SE
Mutuelle d’Assurances des Instituteurs de France
Patronale Life
PetExpert
REEL Europe
RSA
Ryan Specialty
Qover NV
Securex
Society of Lloyd’s
Standard de Liège SA
Starstone Insurance Services Ltd
Swiss Life Luxembourg SA
VALE Insurance Partners Europe B.V.
Volvo Personvagnar AB
Wealins SA
Zurich Global Ventures NV
Zurich Insurance Company ltd
Zurich Insurance Europe AG
Zurich Insurance plc

Work highlights

Provides regulatory and corporate assistance to Ryan Specialty Group with the acquisition of Castel Underwriting Agencies, an MGA platform having thirteen regulated entities in Belgium, the UK, Netherlands and Singapore.
Assisting Fortegra with the incorporation of a Belgian insurer, including providing assistance with the licensing process before the National Bank of Belgium.
Providing assistance with the incorporation and FSMA registration of an MGA and the development of an embedded insurance offering in multiple jurisdictions.