Willkie Farr & Gallagher (UK) LLP
One client of Willkie Farr & Gallagher (UK) LLP remarks that ‘the technical brilliance of this practice is second to none’. The firm has notable expertise in the insurance capital markets, though it also handles investment grade issuance for corporates and sponsors. London head of capital markets Jennifer Tait and head of corporate insurance capital markets Joseph Ferraro are the principal partners, and both are ‘technically very able and efficient’. They acted for Herbie Re Ltd in the issuance of $80m in variable rate notes. The transaction was sponsored by Fidelis Insurance Bermuda, which provides Fidelis with reinsurance protection against losses from earthquakes in peak regions in North America. The group also assisted SCOR SE with its $240m offering of notes. Associate David Griffiths is a key adviser on insurance-linked securities and ‘an absolute technician who knows his subject matter inside and out’.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The technical brilliance of this practice is second to none.’
‘David Griffiths - an absolute technician who knows his subject matter inside and out, and is able to explain complicated concepts with ease. Associate Kirsty McKinty - displays complete and utter dedication to her work. Kirsty is highly intelligent and always brings a level of calm efficiency on all matters on which she is engaged.’
- 'Strong communication and ability to understand clients' needs.'
- 'Joseph Ferraro and Jennifer Tait were both excellent. Very able technically and completed transaction efficiently.'
Key clients
- Herbie Re
- SCOR SE
- Canopius
- MS Amlin
- Platinum Equity
- GLAS
- GoldenTree Asset Management LP
- Lancashire Holdings Limited
- Fidelis
Work highlights
- Represented Herbie Re Ltd. in connection with its issuance of $80 million aggregate principal amount of principal-at-risk variable rate notes.
- Acted as deal counsel in connection with SCOR’s issuance of $240 million Series 2022-1 Class A Principal At-Risk Variable Rate Notes, via Irish-incorporated Atlas Capital Reinsurance 2022 DAC.
- Acted as deal counsel in connection with Canopius’ inaugural issuance of $75 million Series 2022-1 Class A Principal At-Risk Variable Rate Notes, via Bermuda-incorporated Finca Re Ltd.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Jennifer Tait, Joseph Ferraro