Shoosmiths LLP has been engaged by clients to advise on key insurance and reinsurance litigation, such as Russian aircraft litigation, Covid-19 claims and insurance issues relating to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry. Practice head Susie Wakefield specialises in insurance and reinsurance and is triple-qualified in England and Wales, New York and Bermuda, enabling her to advise on cross-border and international claims. Paul Eccles is based in Thames Valley and advises on policy coverage disputes.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘First-class team that punches well above its weight. Vastly knowledgeable, enormously experienced and the excellent team work ensures the consistent delivery of a premium product for their clients.’

  • ‘Paul Eccles is highly personable but very experienced, with a clear eye for the issues that are really going to count in any claim. Susie Wakefield is sharp as a pin and able to get across the key issues in a complex claim very quickly.’

  • ‘A very efficient team with strong technical skills, an eye for the key issue and a practical, commercially minded approach.’

  • ‘Richard Marshall, Matthew Brown and Sarah Rigby are all excellent: sound legal knowledge and a good grasp of technical/scientific issues.’

Key clients

  • Liberty Specialty Markets
  • AmTrust Europe Ltd
  • Bothnia International Insurance Company Limited/CompRe
  • Chubb European Group Limited/PSB UK Limited
  • Sompo
  • HDI
  • AIG
  • MD Insurance Services Limited t/as Premier Guarantee/LABC
  • Enstar (ANV)
  • Hoover Limited

Work highlights

  • Assisted London Market insurers with claims for indemnity under the war risk section of reinsurance for loss of aircraft following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
  • Representing AmTrust in relation to Technology and Construction Court claims including London & Quadrant v AmTrust Europe Limited & others, which concerns defective cladding and fire safety defects.
  • Representing PSB UK Limited, instructed by its insurer, Chubb, in the Grenfell Tower public inquiry and civil actions concerning the design, commissioning and installation of the smoke control system.

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Susie Wakefield

Other key lawyers

Paul Eccles, Richard Marshall, Matthew Brown, Sarah Rigby, John Shirley-Rakhra