Herbert Smith Freehills LLP‘s insurance and professional risks team ’works incredibly hard, is extremely knowledgeable and has the bravery to make the tough calls‘. An associate partner for the UK Association of Insurance and Risk Managers, the team works on a wide range of complex issues impacting policyholders, including energy claims, cyber insurance and warranty and indemnity insurance. The last of these is a particular area of expertise for the ’fantastic‘ Sarah McNally. The team continues to be involved in advising high-profile clients on business interruption issues arising from the COVID-19 crisis, following its success in the 2020 FCA test case concerning such claims. Paul Lewis heads the team, head of the firm’s global contentious insurance and reinsurance practice. Praised for its ’ability to give sound legal advice at each stage’ of a dispute, the team has expertise in alternative dispute resolution, with Alexander Oddy leading the firm’s practice in this area, as well as advising on policyholder claims in the energy and natural resources sector both in the UK and internationally. Greig Anderson is particularly experienced working for financial institutions; Fiona Treanor combines energy claim experience with technical reinsurance work.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘I find it important that the people I deal with are approachable and straight forward to work with. The HSF team certainly have these qualities.’
‘Their approach to tackling a problem and willingness to engage and get on with things.’
‘I have for several years worked closely with HSF and I continue to be impressed with their capabilities - pragmatic advice, international network - insurance litigation market leaders.’
‘They have a highly competent insurance disputes team with commercial nous and ability to give sound legal advice at each stage of the dispute (pre-mediation, mediation, pre-arbitration, arbitration). They are very quick to grasp complex technical matters and apply the law to the dispute at hand. They also offer an innovative tool for assessing litigation risk.’
‘Alexander Oddy and Fiona Treanor are highly competent and likeable individuals and are always readily available. Great and proactive communicators’
‘They work incredibly hard, are extremely knowledgeable and they have the bravery to make the tough calls and push for the best outcome. They leave no stone unturned in looking to get the best possible result for the client.’
‘Sarah McNally is fantastic. Not only is she incredibly knowledgeable and hardworking, she really cares about providing the best service to the client. She gives you absolute faith that she will push for the best result possible.
'Very strong team and excellent back-up as required from powerhouse litigation practice.'

Key clients

Aercap
Sky
JD Williams

Work highlights

Advising Aercap on claims under aviation insurance policies in excess of US$3.5 billion relating to the loss of aircraft and engines in Ukraine and Russia following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the imposition of international sanctions
Advising Sky on a significant insurance claim under a construction all risks project policy relating to the design and build of its new office headquarters in West London.
Advising J.D. Williams & Company Limited in their defence of a £64 million claim brought by the insurer Allianz concerning financial responsibility for PPI redress

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