Herbert Smith Freehills LLP‘s insurance and reinsurance practice is notable for representing not just insurers and reinsurers, but also brokers and policyholders. On the insurers side, it has strengths in advising on professional indemnity and regulatory issues. Commercial disputes expert Alexander Oddy leads the practice, while Paul Lewis is a specialist in insurance disputes and acts for a number of insurers. Greig Anderson leads on cyber, D&O, professional indemnity and crime policy claims, and Fiona Treanor is noted for her work on aviation matters.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Competent, pragmatic and responsive. They really understand their client's objectives and deliver on those.’

  • ‘My main contact is Greig Anderson. I find him down-to-earth and accessible. His advice is well thought through, actionable and pragmatic. He offers sensible solutions to the issues we have to deal with.’

  • ‘Strength in depth, excellent technical capability and good commercial awareness.’

  • ‘Alexander Oddy and the team consistently provide a flexible approach to any situation that fits each set of circumstances to consider the right strategic direction.’

  • ‘A real big hitter in the contentious insurance market acting for policyholders.’

Key clients

  • Aercap
  • Axis
  • PA(GI) Limited
  • Marsh McLennan
  • Sky

Work highlights

  • Representing AerCap in $3.5bn Commercial Court proceedings concerning aviation insurance claims for aircraft lost in Russia following the invasion of Ukraine.
  • Advising insurers (led by AXIS Managing Agency and Argenta Syndicate Management) on their position under an innocent owners marine insurance policy in respect of vessels alleged by owners to have been lost pursuant to orders of a foreign government authority.
  • Acting for PA(GI) (a subsidiary of Phoenix Group) in High Court litigation concerning an indemnity claim.

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Alexander Oddy

Other key lawyers

Paul Lewis, Greig Anderson, Fiona Treanor