What can I do for you?
My role as a specialist in professional indemnity matters is in ensuring that claims made against my clients (insurers and insureds) are correctly analysed and resolved. Acting for insurers often means interpreting and advising on (and occasionally drafting) policy wording, and coverage issues. Acting for insurers and insureds means looking at liability issues and identifying what can often be elusive resolution options. I have a regional team and support from our national practice as well as the availability of other specialists in the firm with relevant expertise.
Supporting my clients’ ambitions
I act for a wide range of professionals and their insurers including engineering and building professions, the legal and medical professions and yes, the insurance professions. I make it my business to know my client’s business. It is our culture and regularly identified by clients as a strength. Identifying an elusive solution gives me a buzz. Keeping the objectives of clients in mind can be challenging but all want timely pragmatic outcomes. While many cases I work on have significant values worth millions of pounds, it is not always the larger ticket cases that are the most complex and difficult to resolve. Costs can quickly eclipse the value of disputes. I take, and rely on my team to take, a commercial approach, balancing the client’s interests.
What do others say?
A very common thing I hear is how approachable and friendly our lawyers are. We are also admired for our ambition and speed of growth. Clients also like that we’re part of a large firm so they can draw on a wide range of services such as real estate, tax and construction. Another plus our clients mention is that although we’re based around a London hub, we are a truly national practice and can act for insureds across the UK.
“Clients return to this firm time and again for its regional reach and the ‘experience, dedication and tenacity’ of the lawyers.” – Chambers UK
What else should you know?
I am also a partner in the firm’s healthcare team. The overlap is in medical malpractice and mental health. In a malpractice context, I act for hospitals and clinics, professionals in clinical practice and their insurers. In a mental health context, I act for detaining authorities, advising on all aspects of the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act and regulations made pursuant to those Acts.