Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers
Insurance - London (Bar)
2
Band 2
What the Team is Known For

Essex Court Chambers offers impressive advocacy in the courtroom alongside considerable strengths handling international arbitrations. The set possesses enviable prowess in the Bermuda Form, counting published authors on the subject among its tenants. Capable of handling a breadth of insurance and reinsurance disputes involving the marine, construction, pharmaceutical and energy sectors, among others. Members of Essex Court Chambers have been involved in key insurance cases, such as Al Mana Lifestyle v United Fidelity Insurance Company and others, a USD40 million case concerned with jurisdiction issues. Sources say: "Essex Court Chambers offers great knowledge and experience." Another commentator highlights that it is a "formidable set of senior and junior silks in the insurance and reinsurance disputes sector".

Joe Ferrigno is the senior clerk.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers
David Scorey KC
1
David Scorey KC
1
Band 1

David Scorey KC is an impressive silk who maintains a strong reputation in Bermuda Form work. He also handles a wide range of other commercial insurance disputes, a number of which involve jurisdictional issues. He is experienced in insurance and reinsurance litigation involving the energy and financial services sectors.

"David has a devastating intellect and is very good to have on your side."

"David's advocacy is brilliant and he is very hard-working."

"David's expertise in Bermuda Form arbitration is unsurpassed. He deploys his knowledge effectively and commercially."

John Lockey KC
1
John Lockey KC
1
Band 1

John Lockey KC is known for the breadth of his international practice. He is particularly visible in Hong Kong, where he frequently handles insurance arbitrations. He is also noted for his strength in Bermuda Form matters. He receives instructions in high-value disputes arising in the financial and pharmaceutical sectors.

"John is formidable in any role he fulfils, from insurance to commercial court work, and arbitration matters."

"John is an excellent silk who is very helpful in giving advice."

David Walsh
2
David Walsh
2
Band 2

David Walsh is a well-regarded junior who receives praise for his insurance and reinsurance expertise. He offers particular strength in marine matters. He has also been sought out to act in disputes relating to property damage and political risk claims.

"David is a very assured advocate and can hold his own."

"David is a pleasure to work with. Nothing is too much trouble and you can call him anytime."

"David is very good to deal with. He is capable, bright and responsive."

Paul Stanley KC
2
Paul Stanley KC
2
Band 2

Paul Stanley KC is an experienced advocate who has an impressive track record of handling cases involving the Bermuda Form, a subject on which he is a published expert. He is renowned for his skills as both advocate and arbitrator.

"Paul brings thoughtful, strategic ideas to the table and is incredibly smart with good instincts."

"Paul is intellectually brilliant. He is really good at identifying the issue to focus on and at knowing how a tribunal will look at a case."

"Paul is very straight-talking and gets to the point quickly."

Claire Blanchard KC
4
Claire Blanchard KC
4
Band 4

Claire Blanchard KC is a very experienced commercial barrister who is known for taking on disputes in the marine insurance sector. She is also well versed in non-marine cases, including construction and energy arbitrations.

"Claire has an excellent advocacy style."

Jeffrey Gruder KC
4
Jeffrey Gruder KC
4
Band 4

Jeffrey Gruder KC is noted for his abilities to represent policyholders in complex disputes. He is held in high regard for his skills in tackling large business interruption claims.

"Jeffrey is an established policy champion, taking a lot of the leading test cases on behalf of the policy holders."

"Jeffrey is at the top of his game. He's never flustered, takes it all into his stride and is always responsive."

"Jeffrey is highly sharp, on the ball and commercial in his approach."

Philippa Hopkins KC
4
Philippa Hopkins KC
4
Band 4

Philippa Hopkins KC is a well-regarded advocate experienced in a wide array of commercial disputes. She demonstrates considerable expertise in marine insurance, reinsurance and international arbitration.

"Philippa is forensic in her analysis, clear with advice and unerring in her dedication to those instructing her."

"Philippa is a deep insurance expert. She's very measured and level-headed."

Ranked Barristers at
Essex Court Chambers

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

Silks (KC)

London (Bar)

Insurance

David Scorey KC
1
David Scorey KC
1
Band 1
John Lockey KC
1
John Lockey KC
1
Band 1
Paul Stanley KC
2
Paul Stanley KC
2
Band 2
Claire Blanchard KC
4
Claire Blanchard KC
4
Band 4
Jeffrey Gruder KC
4
Jeffrey Gruder KC
4
Band 4
Philippa Hopkins KC
4
Philippa Hopkins KC
4
Band 4

Juniors

London (Bar)

Insurance

David Walsh
2
David Walsh
2
Band 2