CMS has a strong insurance and reinsurance group which is known for high-stakes litigation and is particularly noted for its expertise in advising non-marine insurers, reinsurers and insurance brokers. The team has advised on insurance and reinsurance claims in a number of areas, including aviation, ESG, finance and cyber risk. The team is jointly led by Cheryl Gibson and Simon Garrett, who is highly regarded for his expertise in defending professionals and insurers in professional negligence claims and is well versed in defending directors against claims made by shareholders, creditors and insolvency practitioners. Ed Foss excels in insurance brokers’ and employee benefit consultants’ liability, while Simon Kilgour focuses on reinsurance. Alaina Wadsworth is the go-to for aviation and pharmaceutical claims.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘CMS have a very professional, knowledgeable and efficient team who are always available to offer their support. They are competent and reliable.’
‘CMS have a strong and very skilled and friendly team. Simon Garrett, Geoff Tan and Alex Denslow are highly experienced, reliable and approachable.’
‘CMS has experience of health and care in real depth. Critically they are able to view situations through a commercial value lens, and understand client aspirations - transactional and commercial - and deliver against these. They also help client understanding of commercial legal and regulatory points, without over-simplifying.’
‘A wealth of experience and they seem to really care about out company and our sector - very knowledgeable.’
‘Very keen to build a relationship with the client to understand their strategy as well as their issues.’
Key clients
- QBE
- AXIS
- Brit
- AXA XL
- WR Berkley
- Beazley
- Markel
- Liberty
- Tokio Marine Kiln
- CNA Hardy
Work highlights
- Representing AXIS in the high-profile insurance coverage defence of £16m arising from the largest theft of client money by a UK solicitor.
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.
Cheryl Gibson, Simon Garrett