Dechert LLP leverages its expertise in commercial litigation to assist clients with insurance and reinsurance disputes. The team has advised on aviation claims related to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, as well as claims arising from business interruptions and coverage issues. Team lead Dorothy Cory-Wright is an expert in commercial litigation, John Bedford advises on finance-related claims and Ricci Potts focuses on matters involving fraud or insolvency. Stephen Surgeoner is well versed in complex insurance claims covering a range of sectors.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Although relatively small, the team at Dechert is led by partners with considerable experience and expertise, backed by a team of motivated and engaged associates with broad experience of commercial litigation, who are well able to manage any case in the Commercial Court or arbitration very effectively - and therefore hold their own with much larger insurance practice groups.’
‘Stephen Surgeoner is excellent - experienced, knowledgeable, very good at thinking around problems and with good strategic and tactical judgement. Also an effective manager of a litigation team.'
'Suzi Goodchild is an incredibly hard-working and effective lawyer. Just the kind of person you want managing the case day-to-day. Great judgement across all the detail, bright and with strong communication skills.’
‘Dechert have a growing and deserved reputation for the quality of their policyholder work. They are very hard-working, and have an impressive ability to manage and co-ordinate the most complex and large-scale claims.’
‘Stephen Surgeoner and John Bedford are excellent; they are always across the detail and very clear-sighted in understanding the tactical landscape of even the most complex and challenging international claims.’
‘Dorothy Cory-Wright ticks every box: highly intelligent, engaged, clear, quicker to the heart of what matters than most. Stephen Surgeoner has an extremely strong commercial acumen and an ability to look beyond the horizon. John Bedford is a strong, intelligent, details-focused litigator - one to have on your team.’
Key clients
- Chubb European Group SE
- Credit Suisse Asset Management
- Pizza Express Group Limited
Work highlights
- Represented Chubb in 22 claims brought in the English High Court over the non-return of leased aircraft by Russian operators following sanctions imposed due to the Ukraine conflict.
- Advising Credit Suisse on £2bn insurance claims linked to the financial aftermath of the collapse of Greensill Capital.
- Represented Pizza Express in a £140m claim over a business interruption insurance policy triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lawyers
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Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Dorothy Cory-Wright