James Wickes
RPCThe contentious insurance practice at RPC, led by Simon Laird, continues to act for notable insurers in high-profile financial lines, property and international risk cases, covering a wide range of issues including D&O, BBB, EPL and W&I insurance. The property market group is led by Victoria Sherratt, who advises on coverage disputes, particularly business interruption and fraud claims. The international risks team is led by Toby Savage and handles energy, aviation, marine, political risk and trade credit disputes. James Wickes is an expert in W&I claims and other financial lines matters, while Naomi Vary specialises in political risk and trade credit insurance claims. For casualty matters, Lucy Dyson is the go-to, and Ollie Knox is active in shareholder claim. The firm also bolstered its professional and financial risks practice with the additions of Tim Shepherd and Alys Jones from Mayer Brown International LLP in April 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Highly dedicated and focused on commercial outcomes for the client. They are capable of dealing with the most complex of insurance disputes.’
‘Victoria Sherratt is a force to be reckoned with; she knows what she is doing and goes the extra mile to get results.’
‘Victoria Sherratt and Daniel Walker are a formidable team. They are available and provide clear and rational arguments to support their position, and are sensitive to nuances of coinsurers.’
‘Mike Newham is very responsive and knowledgeable.’
‘Thorough, comprehensive but ultimately commercial advice from a selection of very able lawyers.’
‘James Wickes is a standout partner. He's extremely rational, and has a clear and detailed grasp of the legal issues at play whist keeping a clear commercial overview. He is surrounded by a very strong team, including Marcus Knight, who is similarly thorough and measured. They are very contactable and approachable and easy to work with. I trust them.’
Key clients
- Probitas 1492
- QBE
- Arch
- AIG UK
- Liberty
- Hiscox
- Axis
- AXA XL
- Hamilton
- Chaucer
Work highlights
- Representing Fidelis in respect of claims brought by an aircraft leasing company, whose aircrafts have not been returned by Russian airlines after it sought to terminate leases following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
- Representing various insurers in pursuing a high-profile multi-party subrogated recovery action following a catastrophic fire in an elderly care residence.
- Acting for reinsurers GIC Re Syndicate 1947 in a coverage dispute following a fire where rectification costs were between $300 and $400m as against a declared valuation of circa $72m.
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.
Lucy Dyson
RPC
Naomi Vary
RPCPractice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Simon Laird