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7 King’s Bench Walk enjoys an undisputed reputation as the leading insurance and reinsurance set, with a breadth and depth of bench that is unmatched by its peers. Its members are consistently sought after to handle the most complex and high-stakes domestic and international disputes, particularly those arising from the marine, energy and life sciences sectors. The set acts for both defendants and claimants, and represents insurers and underwriters as well as corporate and individual claimants. Tenants are representing AIG in AerCap Ireland v AIG Europe SA and Lloyds Insurance Company for aircraft losses brought about due to the conflict in Ukraine, and the potential for application of war risks losses. Solicitors comment that "key members of the set are leaders in their fields" with regular mention that "in insurance, it is a struggle to think of another chambers with the depth of specialism" and that "7KBW is the go-to set on anything insurance-related".
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The clerks at 7BKW are wonderful. Friendly, extremely responsive and very adept at liaising with the court."
"The clerks are always on top of their game. They are very responsive and helpful."
"The clerking team are excellent. We have found senior clerk Greg Leyden and arbitrators' clerk Sean Hulbert to be particularly helpful."
"The clerks at 7BKW are wonderful. Friendly, extremely responsive and very adept at liaising with the court."
"The clerks are always on top of their game. They are very responsive and helpful."
"The clerking team are excellent. We have found senior clerk Greg Leyden and arbitrators' clerk Sean Hulbert to be particularly helpful."
Notable Practitioners
Gavin Kealey KC is a highly regarded advocate and arbitrator who is head of chambers. He exhibits skill in handling international insurance disputes, including high-value arbitrations. Kealey represents insurers and insured parties in a wide range of disputes, including those relating to pharmaceutical, construction and aviation liabilities.
"Gavin is a star individual. He has immense gravitas and is impressively sharp."
"Gavin is an absolute pleasure to work with. He has wonderful advocacy skills which are a joy to watch."
"Gavin is easy to deal with. He is an absolutely superb practitioner who is right at the top of the profession."
Alexander MacDonald has notable expertise in marine insurance and claims arising out of professional liability and reinsurance disputes. As well as acting as an advocate in court and arbitration, he is also regularly instructed in an advisory capacity. He represents insurers and insured parties in domestic and international insurance disputes.
"Alexander is a standout barrister. He is exceptional in his technical ability, proactive and helpful."
"Alexander is great on the technical aspects and as an advocate. He has skills beyond his years."
Alistair Schaff KC is a standout silk for both insurance and reinsurance disputes, who is also adept in the field of international arbitration. Schaff has an extremely active practice and has argued cases in courts of the highest level in the UK and abroad. He is particularly skilled in maritime and energy-related insurance concerns.
"Alistair is an exceptionally strong and sharp advocate who is able to think quickly on his feet."
"Alistair is an excellent advocate."
Andrew Wales KC takes on insurance work covering a range of different areas, including disputes in the pharmaceutical industry, major D&O claims and international cases involving political unrest. He also offers expertise in cases involving allegations of fraudulent behaviour.
"Andrew has a brilliant mind, piercing logic and creativity which is balanced by common sense and an appreciation of the practicality and commercial realities."
"Andrew is incredible at understanding both the detail and the bigger picture."
"Andrew is very good to deal with. He explains his position and advises with clarity, getting to the heart of the issues."
David Edwards KC is an outstanding silk known for his forensic attention to detail and meticulous preparation. He has an impressive international practice and notable expertise in New York law and Bermuda Form work. He is noted for his extensive expertise in high-value insurance arbitrations.
"David is incredibly thorough and extremely intelligent. He is an expert in both insurance and Bermuda Form matters."
"David is always impressive, with a great written work product."
"David is a go-to KC on complex insurance and reinsurance cases. He is an excellent and meticulous advocate."
Jonathan Gaisman KC is consistently instructed in complex and high-profile insurance and reinsurance claims. He has extensive arbitration expertise, both as an advocate and as arbitrator. He is particularly well versed in Bermuda Form arbitrations and insurance disputes involving political risk. He is particularly experienced in marine insurance and energy-related claims.
"Jonathan is a fiercely intelligent and persuasive advocate."
Peter MacDonald Eggers KC is a go-to silk for high-value insurance and reinsurance matters. He is involved in a wide array of international cases arising from complex issues such as piracy, trade sanctions and natural disasters. He has further expertise in insurance disputes relating to the financial, construction and energy sectors.
"Peter is really good. He used to be in private practice and so he really understands the pressures that solicitors are under. This feeds through into his advice."
"Peter combines first-rate legal expertise with an exceptional level of client service."
"Peter is as user-friendly as they come. You would never know he was as busy as he is when dealing with him."
Rebecca Sabben-Clare KC possesses an impressive breadth and depth of insurance expertise. She acts for both insurers and insured parties in complex and high-value disputes across a variety of sectors. Political and war risks, professional indemnity and reinsurance disputes form key components of her practice.
"Rebecca is an excellent advocate who provides clear, pragmatic and commercial advice."
"Rebecca has a great insurance background, has very good client care skills and is a safe pair of hands."
"Rebecca is an incredibly sharp advocate. She thinks on her feet to adapt arguments and is a go-to KC for complex insurance disputes."
Siobán Healy KC is widely renowned for her work in the insurance industry, particularly when it comes to professional indemnity matters. She has impressive expertise in arbitrations and international disputes, and also acts in an advisory capacity for insurance companies. Additionally, she has considerable experience handling reinsurance and political risk disputes.
"Siobán is extremely dedicated, responsive and thorough."
"Siobán has a real eye for detail, with a client-friendly approach."
Sushma Ananda is a well-regarded junior active in the insurance space. She acts in cases regarding business interruption and public liability insurance, as well as Bermuda Form arbitrations.
"Sushma is very bright and gives clear advice."
"Sushma can get to the issues quickly and is a great creative thinker."
"Sushma is great on her feet and does not shy away from a challenge. She is a true pleasure to work with."
Adam Fenton KC receives instructions in a wide range of insurance and reinsurance disputes. He acts as both advocate and arbitrator, often in cases relating to the financial sector. He is also well versed in insurance coverage claims involving shipbuilding. His cases concern a wide array of allegations including fraud and professional negligence.
"Adam is thoughtful and thorough while remining open-minded and creative when he needs to be."
Benjamin Parker has significant involvement with insurance litigation and arbitration in domestic and international markets. He has particular expertise in claims arising out of the maritime and energy spheres. His experience includes appearances before the Supreme Court and the House of Lords.
"Ben is easy to work with and responsive."
"Ben is fantastic. He doesn't get fazed and he provides magnificent support."
"We are delighted with Ben's user-friendliness, analysis and drafting."
Dominic Kendrick KC is well known for handling high-value commercial disputes, including insurance and reinsurance litigation, arbitrations and appeals. He receives praise for his academic prowess and is also a highly sought-after arbitrator. He is particularly adept at insurance disputes arising out of shipping.
"Dominic is an experienced practitioner who is easy to work with and commands the attention of the court."
"Dominic is very commercial and has vast experience of acting both for and against insurers, so he knows the way insurance companies operate."
Harry Wright is a well-regarded junior who has developed an impressive reputation for his knowledge of the 2015 Insurance Act. He is also skilled in Bermuda Form arbitrations and marine-related insurance disputes. Alongside direct insurance matters, he handles high-profile and complex reinsurance cases.
"Harry is very charming and likeable. He produces a good product without any fuss."
"Harry is very user-friendly and confident in his advice."
Richard Waller KC specialises in political risk cases but also handles a wider range of international insurance and reinsurance work, particularly disputes with a large element of fraud. He has significant knowledge of business interruption and property damage claims. Waller is particularly well versed in insurance disputes relating to the financial sector and shipping.
"Richard is easy to work with, he is good on strategic issues and he gets into the weeds of the details when needed."
"Richard is an outstanding advocate. He is commercially aware and is client-focused."
"Richard pays enormous attention to the details and to his preparation. His advocacy is also of exceptional quality."
Simon Kerr acts for both insurers and insureds in high-value cases, including Bermuda Form arbitrations. He handles claims arising out of disputes in the energy, construction, shipping and commodities sectors, among others. He is regularly instructed in connection with cross-border insurance disputes.
"Simon Kerr is very good at understanding and getting to the heart of complex matters and breaking them down methodically."
David Bailey KC handles a broad spectrum of insurance work across numerous sectors, including shipping and construction, and is both an experienced litigator and arbitrator. He has extensive expertise in cases involving property damage claims. He is regularly involved in cross-border disputes and is especially knowledgeable about jurisdiction conflicts.
"David's written work and attention to detail is exceptional. He is very thorough and has plenty of experience."
"You couldn't wish for better legal assistance than David when addressing highly complex insurance issues."
James Brocklebank KC handles insurance claims arising out of a wide range of commercial matters, and has a particularly strong reputation in professional negligence cases and in the energy sector. He is skilled in cross-border disputes, including matters involving conflict of laws. He is also experienced in dealing with contractual and tortious matters. He demonstrates additional strength handling reinsurance disputes.
"James is excellent at understanding complex technical legal arguments and explains them in a clear and concise manner."
"James provides well thought out and excellent advice. He is a pleasure to work with and is an outstanding advocate."
"James is very pleasant to work with. He is fully on top of the detail and brings thoughtful, commercial ideas to the table."
Jawdat Khurshid KC is sought out for his insurance expertise, which forms a substantial part of a broader commercial practice. He is capable of handling both marine and non-marine cases and complex disputes relating to D&O insurance, professional indemnity and construction all-risks policies.
"Jawdat is very commercial, bringing a new angle to things, and is delightful to work with."
"Jawdat is a wonderfully accomplished advocate who inspires huge confidence."
Jessica Sutherland maintains a broad insurance practice acting in brokers' negligence claims and reinsurance matters, in addition to coverage disputes. She offers expertise in both marine and non-marine claims. She is also proficient in cross-border matters involving shipping. She has notable experience in Bermuda Form arbitrations.
"Jessica is an incredibly hard-working and calm advocate."
Jocelin Gale has a commercial practice that straddles insurance, shipping, civil fraud and banking. He is experienced in handling insurance matters relating to reinsurance, trade credit, and directors' and officers' claims.
"Jocelin has an extraordinary intellect, great drafting skills and is scarily clever."
"Jocelin is very good on the technical side of the law and is hugely influential in these matters."
"Jocelin Gale is engaged and knowledgeable."
Josephine Higgs KC is active across a wide spectrum of insurance and reinsurance disputes. She is experienced in domestic and international matters, and particularly skilled in Bermuda Form arbitrations. She is also well regarded for her astute handling of professional liability and property damage claims.
"Josephine is highly technical, personable and commercial, a real star in the making."
"Josephine is absolutely brilliant to work with. Despite being incredibly busy she is always able to respond on issues arising throughout a matter."
"Josephine knows her cases inside out and is exceptionally involved in the detail."
Keir Howie has a growing insurance practice encompassing a broad array of marine and non-marine matters. He has experience assisting with a diverse range of disputes, including those in connection with war risks, product liability and professional indemnity policies.
"Keir does a good job for his clients and runs good points."
"Keir is fantastic; he works incredibly hard to get his clients prepared and is always professional and personable."
Michael Holmes KC has a solid reputation in the market, particularly for reinsurance disputes, where he is a noted specialist. He is regularly involved in international arbitrations, particularly in the construction and energy sectors, and is highly adept at Bermuda Form arbitrations. He is also well acquainted with the insurance implications of the financial crisis, especially with regard to derivative transactions.
"Michael was an excellent communicator and was always able to provide quality assistance on short notice."
"Michael is very approachable and a pleasure to work with. He is creative, on top of the detail and a team player."
"Michael is a user-friendly KC who works collaboratively with those instructing him, providing clear advice."
Sarah Martin has significant expertise in handling total loss claims within the marine insurance space. She is also instructed in war risks and Bermuda Form claims.
"Sarah is extremely hard-working and is incredibly involved in the detail of her cases. She never misses anything!"
Stephen Hofmeyr KC is recognised for his wide-ranging insurance expertise and strong track record in handling international insurance disputes arising from significant global crises. He is also noted for his prominence in marine insurance, and is further instructed in complex insurance disputes involving warranty and indemnity policies.
"Stephen is highly analytical."
Timothy Kenefick is a well-respected and experienced junior capable of handling an array of complex insurance and reinsurance disputes, typically on behalf of insurers. He is also experienced in domestic and international arbitration and mediation. He has experience of marine insurance claims.
"Timothy is very client-friendly, astute and responsive."
"Timothy is an utter joy to work with. He is generous with his time to any level of lawyer."
"Timothy is incredibly knowledgeable and is a joy to work with."
Marcus Mander is experienced in handling insurance and reinsurance matters involving fire damage, political risk, professional indemnity and marine insurance claims.
"Marcus is great to work with. He is responsive, clever and good fun."
"Marcus is one of the very best senior juniors for written advice."
"Marcus always has useful insight, no matter how unusual or difficult the request."
Sandra Healy acts for both insurers and reinsurers in complex disputes arising from claims made on business interruption, all-risks and war risks policies. She is noted for her adroit handling of matters arising in the shipping sector and is often instructed to tackle high-value litigation concerning marine policies.
"Sandra is confident and is an excellent, hard-working senior junior."
"Sandra goes above and beyond to deliver for her client."
Stephen Du is a well-regarded junior who regularly acts for insurers and insureds across various commercial and financial lines. He has particular and noteworthy experience in tackling complex matters arising out of credit-risk policy disputes.
"Stephen is very quick to help, and his clients like him."
"Stephen turns work around extremely quickly without compromising on its quality."
"Stephen is approachable and easy to work with. He never seems too busy to take a call or talk."