Professional Negligence: London

This team has a first-class reputation for dealing with professional negligence claims arising in the construction sphere. In this area clients are impressed by the team that is “almost unsurpassably skilled at all levels." Clients particularly value the team's “sense of togetherness and integrity."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Antony Smith provides “first-class advice" on complex matters, a skill that he combines effectively with his “super mediation style.” John Ward is a recognised construction lawyer with a wealth of professional negligence experience, whilst Ed Anderson has substantial experience of defending solicitors.

The professional negligence team at Berrymans Lace Mawer is praised for its work across the range of different professions. Clients value the way that the team remains “adept, agile and amenable to change.” One client was particularly impressed by the team's "elegantly simple solutions to complex problems.” 

Client Service “We have a good relationship. The account is client-focused; they provide ongoing regular contact.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "tremendous" Charlotte Capstick heads the team and receives praise for her "understated style" and "incisive and pragmatic advice." Caterina Yandell is a "user-friendly and approachable" partner with a particular specialism in the defence of valuers' and surveyors' claims. Keith Lonsdale specialises in construction disputes and earns praise for his practical advice. 

This four-partner team is particularly noted for its work defending claims made against legal professionals. Its high regard in this area is reflected by its place on both the Travelers and Bar Mutual insurance panels.  It is also developing a growing presence in the insurance sphere.

KEY INDIVIDUALS The “articulate and engaging” Karen Morrish assisted in founding Bond Pearce's London office. She is often instructed to defend high-value solicitor defence claims.

This well-regarded four-partner team has experience of defending a wide range of professionals although it is probably best known for dealing with claims arising in the financial sector. In the last year it successfully attracted an increase in work from its existing insurer clients whilst also winning new instructions. Clients are impressed by the "sound, practical" advice that they receive from the team. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Derek Bambury oversees the work of the department, splitting his time between the London and Nottingham offices.

This team has a fantastic reputation for dealing with complex, high-value professional negligence claims arising in the financial sphere. The team can draw on an abundance of resources to handle the most demanding disputes, whether domestic or cross-border in nature. It has been particularly active in dealing with disputes arising out of the financial crisis.   

KEY INDIVIDUALS Philip Hill leads the team.

On November 1st, 2011 Barlow Lyde & Gilbert merged with Clyde & Co. The merged entity will trade under the Clyde & Co banner. The combined entity remains one of the foremost professional negligence firms, with sources describing it as the "crème de la crème." It acts across a range of professions and deals with market-leading, high-value claims. The strength of individuals in the team remains high, consisting as it does of numerous industry leaders. Collectively, the group acts for an almost unrivalled range of professional clients whilst also picking up instructions from most of the major insurers. Clients are impressed by a team that is deemed "pragmatic and always looking for the right solution."

Commercial Awareness "The team understands our business and how we like to work. They give commercially tuned advice.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS The “thoroughly charming” Sarah Clover leads the team, providing “sound and reliable advice” whilst always “remaining calm when difficulties arise." Richard Harrison, meanwhile, “always goes the extra mile.” He effectively combines “masses of experience in taking cases to trial” with a “terrific nose" for judging when to settle. Stuart Hall uses his wealth of expertise to effectively defend accountants and financial institutions. Neil Jamieson is renowned for “always seeing all the legal points” and recommended for his work defending law firms. Clients have “total confidence" in the firm's senior partner Simon Konsta, who remains highly regarded for the work he does for his insurer clients. Andrew Blair is also well respected for his extensive experience of defending major law firms. With his “finger on the pulse,” Fergal Cathie is the man to go to for “meticulous analysis on complex matters." Roderic McLauchlan is best known for his work defending financial institutions. He has been involved in numerous complex disputes in the last year. The “intellectually astute” James Roberts defends accountants and financial professionals. Sources claim that he“gets into the nitty-gritty, understanding and thriving on complex claims." Julian Connerty has an impressive reputation for his work on claims involving fraud, whilst Simon Schindler is deemed a natural choice for complex insurance broking cases. The "phenomenally clever, efficient and thorough" Conrad Walker has been involved with numerous high-value financial professional negligence cases.

This first-class professional negligence team draws on the firm's regional and London bases to handle high-end, complicated disputes. The firm also attracts a number of cross-border instructions as a result of its network of offices around the world. It has the capability to advise on a range of professional negligence disputes and leaves clients impressed with its "hands-on approach" and "swift turnaround times." However, it is the "Rolls-Royce service" that the team provides in insurance disputes that really sets it apart from the crowd, according to sources. 

Client Service “They tailor their advice to us, listen to our needs and anticipate our requirements.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Martin Fox is highly regarded by peers for his work on construction-related claims. He continued to be heavily involved in the recent Wembley Stadium litigation. Belinda Schofield is regarded highly for her work in financial claims, especially those with an international edge to them. The "market-savvy" Liam O'Connell heads the firm's commercial regulatory and disputes group. He is "approachable and user-friendly," with particular skill in policy coverage disputes, sources report. Stephen Tester is highly rated for his work in complex construction cases, whilst the "experienced and pragmatic" Peter Maguire specialises in claims against solicitors. He is praised for his skill in mediation and strategic case management. Kirsty Hick impresses clients with a "hands-on, diplomatic" approach to running her cases.  

On November 1st 2011, Davies Arnold Cooper and Beachcroft merged to form DAC Beachcroft LLP. The merger brings together a 23-partner professional negligence team at Davies Arnold Cooper, and a team of nine dedicated professional negligence partners in Beachcroft's London office. At Davies Arnold Cooper, the professional negligence group acted for a wide range of professionals and benefited from sitting on numerous insurance panels, including Bar Mutual and the Libra. It was also attracting new work thanks to the expansion of the insurance practice into South America. Meanwhile, Beachcroft's offering spanned the legal, insurance, construction and financial sectors. The team was considered to be "going from strength to strength" and sat on an enviable range of key insurance panels including Aviva, Zurich and QBE.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Ross Risby uses his "razor-sharp legal mind" to defend claims made against legal professionals. The "decisive and efficient" Philip Murrin is highly regarded for his work representing solicitors, as a "lateral thinker who doesn't get bogged down in the detail." Harriet Strevens is considered an “astute litigator and tough negotiator,” who leaves people “reassured when she is on your side.” Her colleague Richard Beaty is a “shrewd operator with fantastic judgement.” He has a wide-ranging professional negligence practice.

This firm is unusual in acting largely on behalf of claimants. The team skilfully pursues high-value claims against insurance companies and professional indemnity insurers, and has successfully won numerous multimillion-pound settlements for its clients in the last twelve months. The firm is respected for the loyalty it inspires in its clients. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients find Michael Whitton "astute and easy to engage with," praising his "ability to get to the crux of the issue quickly." Market sources go on to highlight his "refreshing, no-nonsense approach to litigation." Roger Franklin focuses on high-value negligence claims against insurance brokers. He also advises brokers on general risk management and regulatory issues.

This team of "thorough, intellectually strong" litigators continues to defend multimillion-pound professional negligence claims. It has an enviable client list that includes leading insurance brokers such as Jardine Lloyd Thompson, Aon, Miller and Lockton. The practice has also taken strides in winning new clients, which this year include such names as Quinn and Markel.

Client Service “Communication with the firm is very sharp. They maintain a steady stream of contact and provide a personal service.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Lead partner Simon Brooks is highly rated by clients, who value his "hands-on approach."

This firm has a burgeoning professional negligence practice that has been steadily expanding in recent years. Although it boasts well-regarded professional negligence teams in the financial and legal spheres, it remains best known for its construction work. The team sits on numerous key panels for such insurers as The Travelers Companies, Hannover and Markel.

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "totally unflappable" John Bennett "will fight tooth and nail to get the best possible result." He is often instructed to defend barristers and solicitors. Peter Campion is a highly skilled professional negligence practitioner with a track record of being involved in complex construction litigation. He was recently involved in the ongoing Wembley Stadium litigation. The "excellent, really bright" Andrew Davis is well known for his professional negligence work in the financial services field.

The team at Herbert Smith is a natural choice for heavyweight litigation and has specialists in all the major areas of professional negligence. The team acts for an enviable breadth of clients, receiving high-quality instructions both directly from financial institutions as well as from the insurance market generally. Within the legal professional negligence sphere it is well regarded for providing quality guidance on high value claims made against solicitors.  

KEY INDIVIDUALS Paul Lewis is sought after for his advice on insurance-related professional negligence disputes. He is described by one client as an "exceptional litigator who understands our business." David Reston heads the insurance and reinsurance disputes group. He has been involved in a number of high-value disputes in the last year.

Following rapid expansion over the last few years, the professional negligence team at Hill Dickinson is now consolidating its position. It has impressed peers in the legal market, who praise the group's efficiency and organisation. Clients, meanwhile, applaud the "approachability, professionalism and diplomacy" of those working within the team. The firm sits on a number of prestigious insurance panels and was reappointed to the Aviva panel last year

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "highly approachable" Jamie Monck-Mason is widely praised by his clients. One states that "when there is a difficult issue he is the kind of lawyer who can solve it diplomatically." Angela Horne acts for a wide range of professionals and is known for being "on the ball, punctilious and tough on opponents." She is also lauded for her client service skills, helping to "effectively manage their expectations."

This team is involved in numerous high-end and complicated professional negligence claims. It has a particularly strong reputation for dealing with claims arising in the legal professional negligence sphere. The team has also continued to be instructed in leading professional negligence claims arising out of pensions disputes. The firm continues to reap the benefits of its recent merger, which has left it in the covetable position of housing solid professional negligence teams on both sides of the Atlantic.

KEY INDIVIDUALS John Trotter used to head the department but now acts as a consultant. He has a superb reputation and has been active defending accountancy firms in the last year.

This team is well regarded for its work in the insurance and legal markets. It is also able to draw on its considerable expertise in maritime law to attract high-value professional negligence instructions which arise in this context. The team is increasingly gaining work from across the professional negligence sphere and is often instructed on cases which have a fraud dimension.

Commercial Awareness "David Rutherford is good at understanding the politics and commercial side of any claim.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients trust David Rutherford for his "thoroughly rigorous legal analysis" and praise the "fully researched and practical advice" he provides. He also impresses in mediation.

A successful policy of expansion over recent years has left Kennedys with one of the largest professional negligence teams in London. The strength in depth of the firm has been commented on by clients, who appreciate that it has the capability to handle claims from the smallest to the highest value. The high calibre of individual lawyers throughout the team and the "straightforward, approachable" style of its partners were also singled out for praise. The regard in which interviewees hold this team is reflected in its presence on major insurance panels and involvement in market-leading disputes.

 KEY INDIVIDUALS Simon Gibson has a first-class reputation for defending all manner of professionals against negligence claims. He is singled out for his role in helping to develop the firm's regional presence over the last few years. Practice head Matt Andrews focuses on the defence of accountants and construction professionals. He is highly regarded by peers and is described by his clients as "extremely helpful and pleasant to work with." Although John Eastlake concentrates on the defence of lawyers, he is also developing a practice around representing professionals from such emerging sectors as IT. Sue Plumb has a particularly fine reputation for her work defending solicitors, whilst David Wilkinson, a "thoroughly good lawyer," specialises in insurance and reinsurance disputes. The "highly capable" Catherine Shuttleworth is rapidly gaining a following thanks to her work defending solicitors and accountants. 

Clients line up to praise a practice that boasts market-leading lawyers in every major area of the professional negligence market. The team attracts impressive work from the numerous insurance panels on which it sits, yet is also directly instructed by top-tier professional clients. Clients find the firm to be "strong on technical cases" and feel that it can "provide that extra dimension if you have a particularly difficult problem." The team is widely regarded as being at top of its game, with commentators reporting that "when the going gets tough, I turn to Mayer Brown." 

Client Service “Their bedside manner is second to none. They really work to build relationships with clients.”

Commercial Awareness “They are quick and don't get sucked into blind alleys. They have a good understanding of our business.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS A key partner in this area is Sean Connolly, a "real class act who always goes the extra mile for his clients," sources say. The "first-class" William Glassey is deemed someone whose "star is in the ascendant." He gains praise for his "direct approach" and a "razor-sharp mind that cuts through the issues." Sources confirm that James Oulton is admired for his ability to "distil complex academic and legal arguments in a succinct way." Michael Regan is praised for his work on construction claims. One client commented that he was "almost QC-like," adding that "if he gives advice, it's always accurate." Sally Davies also defends construction professionals and is praised for "quickly getting to the heart of the matter." The "solutions-oriented" Angus Duncan is a new partner who is making a name for himself in the market. Clients are impressed by the way he "can unravel complex problems and explain them very simply."

This team has developed a good reputation for defending claims on behalf of professional indemnity insurers. It has been increasingly active in the legal sphere and in the last year has handled numerous multimillion-pound cases brought against solicitors. The team has the advantage of being backed by a full service firm which it can rely on for specialist advice. Clients remain pleased with the firm, with one stating that "they consistently get us good results, find realistic resolutions and are bullish in our defence."

Commercial Awareness “They provide practical, commercial advice that is easy to digest.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Neil Davis heads the team and provides "straightforward, commercial advice" to a wide range of insurer clients including Chartis, Inter Hannover and WR Berkley.

This small team focuses on representing financial professionals and institutions, where it has carved itself a niche role in fighting high-value claims. The team is often involved in cases that bear an international dimension.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Susan Dingwall heads the team.

This "helpful and easy to work with" team has expertise across the spectrum of professional negligence disputes. The firm's experience of construction law is of great value in claims dealing with construction professionals, according to research. It is also continuing to build a good practice representing IT professionals. Unlike many firms, it also combines regular instructions from defence insurers with claimant work. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Fiona Heyes is a highly experienced professional indemnity lawyer. She is "efficient, doesn't delay and deals with all the salient points," sources confirm.

Clients are "absolutely delighted" with an 11-partner team that has been expanding over the last few years. It is valued by insurer clients for a strength in depth that allows it to handle a large volume of claims. The team has had a busy year handling the defence of a variety of professional negligence claims, impressing clients with its reliability, flexibility and forthright advice. It also won instructions from numerous new clients such as Chartis and Liberty. 

Client Service "They are flexible and very approachable. They don't have any hang-ups about me approaching them."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "tough but fair" Daniel Meltzer is an associate who is developing a strong reputation for professional indemnity litigation.

The team at Reed Smith "gives a good service and gets good results" defending top-tier institutions across a range of professions. Although it has a particularly long-standing relationship with QBE, the team also has other top insurer clients. In the last year it dealt with a number of important instructions in the legal sphere defending both solicitors and barristers.  

KEY INDIVIDUALS Specialising in professional indemnity and energy disputes, Nick Speed is considered a "terrific strategist who will take a complicated problem, think about it and identify a successful plan of action." Clients welcome the manner in which Patrick Beale "identifies the issues and works through them systematically to deliver results."  

Although the team at Robin Simon represents a wide range of professions, it has a particularly good reputation for defending solicitors, as reflected in the numerous instructions it receives from top 100 law firms. The firm adopts a fully integrated approach across its London and regional offices which allows it to deal with a wide range of professional negligence claims.

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "easy to work with" Michael Robin is a senior partner in the firm and continues to be involved in running complex professional negligence claims. Clients praise his ability to "understand the business context of a claim." David Simon is the firm's managing partner and has experience of handling an array of professional negligence disputes. Megan Howe specialises in solicitor claims and earns praise for her organisation and communication skills. Neil Trayhurn joins Robin Simon from Bond Pearce. His experience of the insurance sector underpins his professional negligence practice.

There is a great deal of talent in the "capable and dependable" professional negligence team at RPC. The team has an enviable client list across the entire range of the professional negligence spectrum and has defended numerous high-value claims in the last year. In particular it has market-leading practices in the insurance and legal spheres. Clients report that they are well looked after by the firm, which runs a well-received series of "interesting, relevant and attractive seminar programmes." Sources are delighted with the work of the group, stating that "they know what we want and they always deliver."

Client Service "I am absolutely delighted by their performance. They bend over backwards to give answers."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Simon Greenley is a market-leading insurance lawyer who attracts a substantial professional negligence caseload and has extensive experience of handling high-value property insurance disputes. Nick Bird specialises in legal liability cases and is identified as an "intelligent guy with a super manner" who is also "a tough negotiator." Rupert Boswall focuses on handling work for financial institutions, and possesses a wealth of technical expertise relating to hedge funds and asset management. Sources view Tim Brown as a "user-friendly and down-to-earth" partner who "doesn't get bogged down in the technical parts of the law." Katherine Rees focuses on claims against solicitors and barristers, where she earns praise for her "sparky, creative and responsive" guidance. Richard Moody is felt to have a persuasive style which he uses to good effect when dealing with complex professional negligence cases in the construction sphere. Simon Chandler is a "switched-on, go-getting type" who works at the cutting edge of developments on fraud-related cases.

This five-partner team has continued to develop a successful claimant practice from where it acts for an impressive roster of top banks and building societies. The team had a successful year winning numerous multimillion-pound settlements against top-tier institutions. Clients suggest that it is the group's knowledge of the mortgage market and other issues facing lenders that sets it apart from its competitors. On 1st December 2011, Sprecher Grier Halberstam merged with Martineau to form SGH Martineau LLP.

Commercial Awareness “They are good at making pragmatic decisions about whether things are worth pursuing. They understand when the costs of action outweigh the benefits.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS David Bailey has "extensive knowledge of legal issues and is happy to explain them in layman's terms." 

Simmons & Simmons is a natural choice for complicated, multiparty professional negligence disputes. The team acts on a range of claims and has continued to win new clients and panel appointments in the last year. Clients appreciate the firm's focus on client care, claiming that it helps to foster a mutual relationship of trust. A willingness to provide updates, "an incredible speed of delivery" and partner availability are all picked out for praise by satisfied clients.

Client Service “Simmons & Simmons treats the relationship with us as one that works both ways. We act together to achieve our objectives.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS According to sources, James Pollock "gets to the red meat of the issue and focuses on problem solving." He represents a wide range of professionals. Clients have "complete confidence" in Colin Passmore, who was recently made a senior partner at the firm. Caroline Hunter-Yeats wins praise for her "no-nonsense, pragmatic" approach and for "thinking outside the box."

This team focuses on complicated financial cases for heavyweight clients such as Mercer. It benefits from the considerable experience that the firm possesses in all areas of litigation. It recently pulled off a major coup when it was instructed by Linklaters to advise on its professional negligence dispute with Credit Suisse. The team impresses with its diligence, responsiveness and strategic advice, according to voices in the market.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Richard Clark heads the team.

The "professionally thorough" team at Stephenson Harwood continues to build a reputation for its work in professional negligence. The team's relationship with Christie's is going from strength to strength, with the team recently advising the auction house in a multimillion-pound trial. Clients particularly value the team's "pragmatic and practical" advice.

Commercial Awareness “They are the closest thing to having an extended in-house legal team. Their commercial advice fits seamlessly into our business.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Roland Foord is an "incredibly capable litigator" who has considerable expertise of accountancy negligence cases. He also has an impressive knowledge of claims in the art market. The "superbly sharp mind" of Stephen Roberts means that he is "without a doubt a man for difficult cases." He focuses on claims involving accountants and solicitors.

This team has a particular focus on professional negligence cases involving financial institutions. It has been involved in numerous high-value disputes over the last year, bolstering its successful track record of acting for clients against their financial advisers. One client was impressed by the way members of the team are "able to see the wood from the trees and come up with a range of clearly explained solutions." The team has been strengthened through several key lateral hires recently.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Julian Randall recently moved to the firm from Barlow Lyde & Gilbert. He brings with him a wealth of experience of accountant liability claims.

Although this five-partner team acts for professionals from a range of sectors, it is developing an especially fine reputation for its work in the construction field. The team has been involved in numerous important claims in the last year, taking a role in the case of Harrison and Others v Shepherd Homes Limited before the TCC.

Commercial Awareness "On the construction side they have a particular technical edge that allows them to understand the client's business."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Edward Lewis heads the construction group. He is an "enthusiastic and bright solicitor" with a reputation for "getting to the heart of the matter."

This team has a strong reputation for its work on professional negligence disputes in the legal sector.  It is especially known for its excellence when representing barristers, yet has also proven itself capable of delivering results when acting for solicitors. The team has had a successful year, having been involved in both settling high-value cases and scoring victories at trial. Unsurprisingly, the practice continues to attract work from both the Travelers and Bar Mutual insurance panels. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Christopher Coffin is an "outstanding lawyer and tactician" who gets consistent praise for his client care. He is "always aware of the sensitivity of difficult situations." Sarah Quilliam is also deemed to be "extremely dedicated" to her clients and wins praise for her work defending barristers.