Insurance
Global Guide 2024 : United Arab Emirates
Band 1
Contact number
+971 4 423 0555Chambers Review
HFW maintains a skilled contentious insurance practice in the UAE, with lawyers based in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The team is best known for its work on behalf of policyholders and its strong experience relating to aviation insurance. It also acts for a wide range of Middle East insurers. The firm has considerable abilities in marine and construction insurance, in addition to growing strengths in computer crime and cyber liability claims. Team members also advise on non-contentious issues, such as the transfer of portfolios.
Work Highlights
- HFW acted for Qatar Reinsurance in a dispute with Orient Insurance relating to the terms of a reinsurance contract.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"HFW have well-developed specialist reinsurance expertise and track record. They are very strong commercially as well as legally."
"The HFW team are extremely responsive. The service levels provided to us are incredible and they will always support us when we need them to be there."
"HFW were extremely good at advising on the commerciality of our claim."
"HFW are able to grasp a brief quickly and provide balanced advice with a practical, problem-solving approach."
"They are prompt and reliable. They are available for calls at short notice."
"HFW have well-developed specialist reinsurance expertise and track record. They are very strong commercially as well as legally."
"The HFW team are extremely responsive. The service levels provided to us are incredible and they will always support us when we need them to be there."
"HFW were extremely good at advising on the commerciality of our claim."
"HFW are able to grasp a brief quickly and provide balanced advice with a practical, problem-solving approach."
"They are prompt and reliable. They are available for calls at short notice."
Notable Practitioners
Sam Wakerley heads the firm’s regional insurance and reinsurance department from his base in Dubai. He is a leading lawyer for contentious issues within the field, including under marine insurance, construction all-risk and business interruption policies. He also acts on liability insurance and treaty reinsurance disputes.
"Sam provides balanced and practical advice on the most complex insurance disputes, and clients value his ability to clearly communicate the pros and cons and the way forward. Without doubt he is one of the top insurance lawyers in the region, and his reputation is such that it can make a difference when representing clients."
"Sam Wakerley is an excellent insurance law practitioner who is able to offer quality advice on the most complex matters."
"He is pragmatic, experienced and extremely knowledgeable about the insurance sector."
"Sam Wakerley is an excellent lawyer."
John Barlow advises a variety of insurers and insured parties on indemnity proceedings and trade credit policies. He also acts on non-contentious matters as head of HFW's regulatory team in Dubai.
"John Barlow has incredible industry knowledge. He is also experienced and sensible, which gives us confidence."
"John is an insurance expert. He is our to-go person for more complex matters."
"John Barlow is fantastic. His knowledge of the UAE is amazing and there is a lovely manner about him. He is very experienced and we really feel he is a safe pair of hands. He provides a great service and is focused on what we need."
Justin Whelan operates out of Abu Dhabi and has experience assisting clients with business interruption cases. He is also noted for his handling of insurance and reinsurance litigation, with a particular focus on cybersecurity and data protection claims.
"Justin Whelan is a top-class lawyer."
"Justin Whelan is a very competent and committed lawyer. We are very satisfied with the quality of his work."
"He has solid technical knowledge and is tenacious."
"Justin is an approachable guy who is practical and gives us the right advice."
Thomas Neighbour has advised on a number of high-profile business interruption, construction and liability claims. He also assists clients with the insurance aspects of cybercrime matters.
"Thomas Neighbour is a star with UK and Middle East experience in insurance and reinsurance disputes."
Ranked Lawyers at
HFW
United Arab Emirates