Methodology
The Global Elite Thought Leaders are those individuals who received the highest number of nominations from peers, corporate counsel and other market sources this year. Our research has identified them as truly outstanding practitioners and the very best in their field.
Who’s Who Legal does not list law firms, only individual lawyers. The leading firms are those in each region whose listed practitioners received the most total nominations in our research.
Global Elite Thought Leaders
- Nigel Brook – Clyde & Co, London
- Christoph K Graber – Prager Dreifuss Ltd, Zurich
- Peter Hsu – Bär & Karrer, Zurich
- David Kendall – Cooley (UK), London
- Joaquin Ruiz Echauri – Pérez-Llorca, Madrid
- Jonathan Sacher – Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, London
- Peggy Sharon – Levitan, Sharon & Co, Tel Aviv
- Carole Sportes – Squire Patton Boggs, Paris
Leading firms
Clyde & Co
Nigel Brook earns widespread endorsements for his first-rate insurance and reinsurance practice which spans disputes, policy wordings and cyber-related issues.
Michael Payton QC has long-standing experience of acting for underwriters and insurers from around the globe on a range of insurance disputes, particularly in the shipping sector.
Ricardo Garrido is highly esteemed in the market thanks to his experience working on contentious and non-contentious matters for major international insurance companies.
David Méheut is a distinguished practitioner with a wealth of experience in coverage, directors and officers liability, political risks and professional liability.
Ignacio Figuerol impresses market commentators with his adept handling of directors and officers liability, professional indemnity and reinsurance matters.
Lee Bacon is a renowned dispute resolution specialist, highly sought after for his top-tier work in the energy and natural resources sectors.
Gildas Rostain is a standout insurance litigator who regularly handles cases involving clients in the energy, shipping and rail industries.
DAC Beachcroft
Chris Wilkes is lauded by peers as “very smart and practical” and focuses his expertise on policy and reinsurance coverage issues.
Michael Dobias is a well-known name thanks to his experience of directors and officers liability, professional indemnity and a range of reinsurance matters.
Liam O’Connell impresses market commentators with his insurance litigation practice which encompasses contentious matters such as policy coverage and dispute resolution.
Julian Miller distinguishes himself as a top name for high-value litigation involving coverage, professional lines and cyber insurance. M
Anthony Menzies is “an excellent and precise solicitor” who excels in reinsurance and coverage disputes, particularly those with an international component.
CMS
Simon Kilgour is held in high esteem for his long-standing experience working on high-value claims and coverage disputes. He regularly works as both litigator and arbitrator on a range of contentious matters.
Ed Foss is an insurance specialist whose world-class practice encompasses all manner of liability issues. His clients often include insurance brokers and solicitors’ firms.
Daniela Karollus-Bruner impresses peers with her “excellent and practical judgement” when conducting a broad range of litigation and arbitration proceedings.
Clemens von Zedtwitz is commended by sources for his “in-depth knowledge in insurance law” in addition to his “profound understanding of commercial realities”.=
Hogan Lovells
Nick Atkins is a top insurance litigator who is singled out among peers as “calm under pressure, thoughtful and unfailingly diplomatic”.
Tim Goggin is held in high regard by peers for his top-notch corporate and regulatory advice which covers Part VII transfers, M&A and reorganisations.
Victor Fornasier is a seasoned insurance specialist who frequently helps insurers and reinsurers navigate complex UK regulations.
Joe Bannister is an accomplished practitioner with a wealth of experience guiding insurers through restructuring and insolvency proceedings.
Norton Rose Fulbright
Michelle George is a highly respected dispute resolution specialist with over three decades of experience handling product, industrial and professional liability claims.
Adrian Mecz is renowned for his excellent work representing insurers and reinsurers in high-value claims and coverage issues.
Maria Ross is a top name in the insurance sector, recommended for her work on M&A, restructurings and a range of regulatory matters.
James Bateson is a well-established fixture in the market with over 30 years’ experience advising insurers and reinsurers on the full gamut of corporate, transactional and regulatory matters.
Carter Perry Bailey
Stephen Carter has 40 years’ experience handling a variety of insurance and reinsurance disputes, including coverage issues, contracts and regulatory matters.
Bernadette Bailey is a seasoned insurance specialist, adept at handling a broad range of both contentious and non-contentious matters.
Bill Perry ranks highly among peers thanks to his superb work on insurance and reinsurance disputes, policy wordings and coverage issues.
7 King’s Bench Walk
Alistair Schaff QC is lauded as “a fantastic barrister” and “one of the brightest at the bar” thanks to his stellar insurance practice and experience in international arbitration.
Gavin Kealey QC is “a very diligent advocate” with a wealth of experience in high-profile insurance disputes, including political risk and business interruption.
Dominic Kendrick QC is “a barrister you want on your side in complex cases” and is recognised for his experience in large insurance disputes.
Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner
Jonathan Sacher is a “highly pragmatic” lawyer who draws effusive praise for his insurance practice which encompasses environmental damage and product liability.
Anthony Lennox has over 25 years’ experience handling all stages of insurance and reinsurance litigation and arbitration, often with an international element.
Geraldine Quirk is a standout practitioner thanks to her depth of experience advising on regulatory and restructuring matters for clients in the insurance market.
Essex Court Chambers
John Lockey QC is lauded by market sources as a “top-drawer” barrister who is “particularly excellent in reinsurance” and has an “excellent command of the law”.
Philippa Hopkins QC is singled out by peers for her impressive international insurance practice and “thorough knowledge of the law”.
David Joseph QC is widely recognised for his work on business interruption insurance claims and is described as “particularly impressive in arbitrations”.
Other leading individuals
Austria
Felix Hörlsberger from DORDA Rechtsanwälte is highly regarded in the market for his sweeping knowledge of insurance law and litigation experience.
England
David Kendall at Cooley (UK) is a key name in the market thanks to his wealth of experience handling coverage disputes, run-off claims and insolvency.
Clifford Chance’s Katherine Coates is highly esteemed in the market thanks to her long-standing experience in transactional, regulatory and corporate work.
Colin Edelman QC with Devereux Chambers is widely revered as “the premiere insurance arbitrator” who specialises in high-value commercial disputes involving insurance and reinsurance.
Ince’s Simon Cooper draw on over 35 years of experience in insurance and reinsurance when handling a broad range of commercial disputes.
Peter Rogan from JAMS International is highly regarded among peers and clients alike, who commend him for deep expertise in insurance-related disputes.
Richard Leedham of Mishcon de Reya is a top-notch insurance lawyer, highly sought after for his advice on insurance disputes, with a particular focus on fraud and cross-border matters.
Kiran Soar at DWF impresses market sources with his adept handling of contentious and non-contentious matters involving property and liability insurance.
David Abbott has built up a first-rate practice that specialises in trade credit and political risk. He frequently advises domestic and international clients.
Francis Mackie from Browne Jacobson is known for his expert handling of coverage disputes, professional indemnity and product liability issues.
Christopher Cardona at HFW focuses his top-notch practice on high-value cross-border disputes, notably across Latin America.
Christopher Foster is a well-known practitioner in contentious insurance and reinsurance disputes, renowned for his commercial litigation expertise.
Dorothy Cory-Wright from Dechert receives widespread praise for her extensive experience of complex litigation and arbitration proceedings involving insurers and reinsurers.
Reed Smith’s Mark Pring earns plaudits for his stellar practice in coverage issues and high-value insurance disputes.
France
At Squire Patton Boggs, Carole Sportes stands out for her top-tier insurance practice which encompasses a broad range of commercial and corporate disputes.
Thomas Rouhette of Signature Litigation has a sterling reputation in the market thanks to his experience in litigation proceedings, particularly those involving the life sciences sector.
Gérard Honig from HMN & Partners is a highly renowned specialist in insurance and reinsurance law with decades of experience advising clients from a variety of sectors.
Simon Ndiaye possesses substantial experience advising on aviation, industrial risk and financial lines in both litigation and arbitration proceedings.
Pascal Ormen with SELARL Ormen Passemard is a top name in the market who provides clients with an “effective defence, centred on the key points”.
Germany
Jan Schröder from Allen & Overy has built a standout insurance practice which spans M&A, corporate restructurings and regulatory matters.
Ireland
John Larkin at William Fry enjoys “a superb reputation” in the insurance market when it comes to transactional, contractual and regulatory issues.
Matheson’s Darren Maher receives a plethora of recommendations for his expert handling of a wide range of insurance and reinsurance disputes.
Israel
Peggy Sharon from Levitan, Sharon & Co is a market leader for coverage litigation in a variety of insurance disputes, from professional liability claims to class actions.
Italy
Alessandro Giorgetti of Studio Legale Giorgetti is highly respected for his considerable experience in professional indemnity, medical malpractice and product liability claims.
Spain
Joaquin Ruiz Echauri from Pérez-Llorca has a stellar reputation in the Spanish market thanks to his wealth of experience advising on the full gamut of regulatory and corporate matters.
Bird & Bird’s Luis Alfonso Fernández Manzano is a key name who excels in claims handling and coverage disputes, with particular expertise in reinsurance contracts.
Guillermo San Pedro Martínez with Uría Menéndez is recognised for his deep expertise in domestic and cross-border M&A and regulatory compliance.
Sweden
Advokatfirman Vinge’s Per Johan Eckerberg is a seasoned practitioner who impresses market sources with his notable experience and profound knowledge of insurance law.
Switzerland
Peter Hsu with Bär & Karrer enjoys a fantastic reputation in the market where he frequently advises insurers and insurance brokers on a range of transactional and regulatory matters.
Christoph Graber fom Prager Dreifuss is distinguished as “always excellent” when it comes to contentious and non-contentious insurance matters, including arbitration proceedings.
Erik Stenberg of Baudacci Nigg Stenberg is lauded by peers as “a very knowledgeable and experienced professional” who is “highly sought after by a number of insurers”.
Hans Nigg is “the go-to guy for insurance disputes”, renowned for his knowledge of insurance and liability law.
Lars Gerspacher at gbf Attorneys-at-law is an insurance and reinsurance specialist who frequently advises domestic and international clients, with a particular focus on the shipping and aviation industries.
Helmut Heiss of mbh Attorneys at Law is “a leading lawyer in the field”, recognised for his leading work on international liability cases.
Alexander von Ziegler with Schellenberg Wittmer is “excellent for insurance arbitration and transport-related disputes”, on which he regularly advises national and international clients.
Global Elite Thought Leaders
- Rod S Attride-Stirling – ASW Law Limited, Hamilton
- Robert J Bates Jr – BatesCarey LLP, Chicago
- Jill B Berkeley – Neal Gerber & Eisenberg LLP, Chicago
- Stuart S Carruthers – Stikeman Elliott LLP, Toronto
- Peter R Chaffetz – Chaffetz Lindsey LLP, New York
- Nick J DiGiovanni – Locke Lord LLP, Chicago
- Laura A Foggan – Crowell & Moring LLP, Washington D.C.
- Mary Beth Forshaw – Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, New York
- John H Mathias Jr – Jenner & Block LLP, Chicago
- James P Ruggeri – Shipman & Goodwin LLP, Washington D.C.
- Larry P Schiffer – Schiffer Law & Consulting PLLC, New York
- John Wasty – Appleby, Hamilton
Leading firms
Covington & Burling
Mitchell Dolin is highly regarded for his adept handling of coverage disputes involving a range of liabilities, including antitrust, professional liability and shareholder claims.
William Skinner is highly esteemed in the market for his “supremely impressive” handling of all aspects of complex insurance coverage disputes.
William Greaney draws praise from peers for his sweeping knowledge of insurance law and expertise in environmental disputes.
David Goodwin is lauded by market sources as “an intellectual force behind many large, complex cases” in the insurance industry.
Reed Smith
John Shugrue is commended by peers as “one of the best” and “extremely talented” when it comes to complex litigation and insurance coverage matters.
John Vishneski III has built up an impressive practice which covers a range of disputes, including toxic torts, environmental and intellectual property liability.
Thomas Marrinson is singled out by market sources for his expertise in coverage litigation involving business interruption, professional liability and mass tort claims.
R Hugh Lumpkin excels in representing policyholders in evaluating, litigating and settling a diverse range of insurance claims.
Crowell & Moring
Laura Foggan is a “nationally renowned” name in the insurance sector, singled out among peers as “excellent with covid-related cases”.
Michael Robles is a highly regarded practitioner with an impressive track record in negotiations, arbitrations and litigations involving insurance and reinsurance clients.
Harry Cohen draws praise from peers for his top-notch practice which encompasses coverage and bankruptcy matters.
Sidley Austin
Thomas Cunningham is held in high esteem by market sources for his long-standing insurance and reinsurance practice which spans litigation, arbitration and regulatory investigations.
Kirk Lipsey is a key figure in the insurance space who wins widespread plaudits for his transactional work for domestic and international clients.
Andrew Holland possesses a wealth of experience in corporate and regulatory matters and frequently represents insurance companies, intermediaries and investors.
Michael Goldman possesses over 35 years’ experience representing insurers in complex transactional, regulatory and operational matters.
Steptoe & Johnson
Roger Warin is a deeply experienced practitioner who draws effusive praise for his handling of high-profile coverage disputes involving environmental components.
James Rocap III is a renowned litigator with over 35 years’ experience in insurance coverage disputes. He regularly represents major casualty and property insurers.
Harry Lee excels in coverage issues arising from environmental and product liability claims, where he has strong experience in related litigation.
Willkie Farr & Gallagher
Allison Tam ranks highly among peers thanks to her well-established insurance practice which covers a range of M&A and restructuring transactions.
Donald Henderson Jr is a standout insurance lawyer who excels in M&A and complex reinsurance transactions in addition to a range of regulatory matters.
Arthur Lynch is highlighted for his profound knowledge of insurance and tax law and well-respected practice which specialises in the convergence of the insurance and capital markets.
Alexander Dye receives high praise for his profound expertise in M&A and capital markets transactions in the insurance industry.
Clyde & Co
Michael Knoerzer is lauded as “a go-to lawyer” in the insurance market thanks to his litigation and arbitration experience across a broad range of disputes.
Robert Mangino Jr is a seasoned insurance specialist who regularly advises domestic and international clients on environmental coverage and property litigation.
Bruce Celebrezze is lauded by market sources as an “outstanding” practitioner with an impressive track record in litigation involving complex general liability.
Other leading individuals
Bermuda
Rod Attride-Stirling of ASW Law Limited comes highly recommended by market sources for his litigation and arbitration experience in controversial claims and commercial disputes.
John Wasty from Appleby is held in high esteem by peers thanks to his experience in contentious insolvency matters and complex multi-jurisdictional restructurings.
At Kennedys, Mark Chudleigh is a prominent name in the market thanks to his well-established practice which handles commercial and corporate litigation and arbitration.
Peter Dunlop with Walkers is “a strong insurance lawyer”, highly sought after by clients for the first-rate advice he delivers to clients on non-contentious and corporate matters.
Charles Collis of Conyers is a top-drawer lawyer with “an excellent reputation” thanks to his wide-ranging advice on corporate and regulatory matters.
Chris Garrod offers clients “very efficient and on-point guidance” thanks to his “extensive experience in insurance transactions”.
Canada
Stuart Carruthers from Stikeman Elliott is a well-experienced practitioner who draws praise for his transactional and regulatory advice, particularly for domestic insurance companies.
Blair Keefe with Torys is a preeminent name in the Canadian market thanks to his extensive experience in M&A and and corporate finance transactions.
Jill McCutcheon draws on over 25 years’ experience to advise clients in the property and casualty sectors on a variety of corporate, transactional and regulatory matters.
Blake, Cassels & Graydon’s Paul Belanger is a “very well-regarded insurance lawyer” whose practice spans the full gamut of regulatory issues.
USA
Nick DiGiovanni at Locke Lord is “a prominent reinsurance expert” with over 35 years’ experience handling a broad range of insurance and reinsurance litigation and arbitration.
BatesCarey’s Robert Bates Jr is a long-standing fixture in the market who distinguishes himself as a skilled litigator in high-value insurance coverage disputes.
Jill Berkeley from Neal Gerber & Eisenberg is considered “one of the best insurance lawyers around” thanks to her strong track record in disputes involving environmental pollution and hazardous waste.
Larry Schiffer with Schiffer Law & Consulting is held in high regard by market sources as an “experienced and knowledgeable” insurance expert and “an absolute market leader”.
At Jenner & Block, John Mathias Jr is an “extremely experienced and senior” trial lawyer who regularly works on high-profile disputes in the insurance sector.
James Ruggeri of Shipman & Goodwin receives commendations from peers as “an outstanding lawyer” who is “very active in coverage work”.
Lawrence Pollack from JAMS is an “experienced and smart” practitioner who wins praise for his role as arbitrator and mediator in a range of complex insurance disputes.
David Geronemus is hailed by market sources as “an outstanding mediator” with significant experience handling environmental and asbestos-related insurance disputes.
Peter Chaffetz at Chaffetz Lindsey is a well-established name in the market thanks to his “highly skilled arbitration counsel”.
Steven Schwartz is a renowned reinsurance litigator who impresses peers with his encyclopaedic knowledge of insurance law.
Sean Keely from Freeborn & Peters is a distinguished litigator who “fights hard” when handling commercial disputes in the reinsurance industry.
Joe McCullough receives widespread recognition for his top-notch practice which excels in representing life and health insurers in a broad range of issues.
Blank Rome’s James Murray is highlighted by peers as “an excellent policyholder lawyer” who excels in high-profile cases.
At DLA Piper, Stephen Schwab is “a clever and articulate lawyer” who focuses his expertise on the regulatory and transactional aspects of insurance.
Neal Moglin with Foley & Lardner is a seasoned litigator who wins acclaim for his experience in arbitrations involving life, health and property contracts.
David Spector of Schiff Hardin comes highly recommended for his litigation expertise across a diverse range of areas, including product liability and business interruption.
David Attisani from Choate Hall & Stewart is commended by sources as “a strong reinsurance expert” who is “sensitive to the clients’ perspective” and possesses “a great understanding of the industry”.
Day Pitney’s Daniel FitzMaurice wins high praise from peers who laud him as “one of the best in the field” thanks to his experience in complex insurance disputes.
Robert Lewin of Stroock & Stroock & Lavan has four decades of experience in the insurance space and is highly sought after for his skills across a wide range of disputes.
Avalon Consulting’s Mark Wigmore is a renowned dispute resolution specialist who is recognised by market sources as “one of the most popular reinsurance arbitrators”.
Global Elite Thought Leaders
- Martín G Argañaraz Luque – Allende & Brea, Buenos Aires
- Ilan Goldberg – Chalfin, Goldberg & Vainboim Advogados, Rio de Janeiro
- Camila Leal Calais – Mattos Filho Veiga Filho Marrey Jr e Quiroga Advogados, São Paulo
- Marcelo Mansur Haddad – Mattos Filho Veiga Filho Marrey Jr e Quiroga Advogados, São Paulo
- Ernesto Tzirulnik – Ernesto Tzirulnik Advocacia, São Paulo
Leading firms
Mattos Filho Veiga Filho Marrey Jr e Quiroga Advogados
Marcelo Mansur Haddad impresses peers with his “deep knowledge of the insurance industry” and is highly sought after for his expertise in regulatory and transactional matters.
Camila Leal Calais has built up an impressive practice which specialises in policy wording, audits and regulatory compliance.
Ernesto Tzirulnik Advocacia
Ernesto Tzirulnik is commended by peers as “the best insurance litigation lawyer in Brazil” and sits in the top tier thanks to his sweeping knowledge of insurance law.
Paulo Luiz de Toledo Piza is lauded as “one of the best policyholder lawyers” in the market. He impresses peers with his “profound knowledge of complex reinsurance matters”.
Other leading individuals
Argentina
Allende & Brea’s Martín Argañaraz Luque is a go-to name in the market for a variety of regulatory, transactional and claims-related matters, and frequently advises domestic and international clients.
Brazil
Ilan Goldberg of Chalfin, Goldberg & Vainboim Advogados is widely recognised by peers as “a real specialist” who is “fully dedicated to the insurance market”.
Marcia Cicarelli Barbosa de Oliveira from Demarest Advogados is “recognised by the entire industry as an excellent lawyer” who is often “involved in complex and important claims”.
At Santos Bevilaqua Advogados, João Marcelo Máximo dos Santos is a renowned insurance specialist with “huge experience” who is “very active in the field”.
Dennys Zimmermann with RPZ Advogados is lauded by market sources as “an assiduous professional” who “always finds innovative solutions for complex claims”.
Diógenes Gonçalves Neto from Pinheiro Neto Advogados is highly esteemed for his wealth of litigation experience in a range of commercial disputes arising from the insurance and reinsurance industry.
Raphael Miranda at Raphael Miranda Advogados possesses over 25 years’ experience in litigation, arbitration and mediation proceedings involving domestic and international insurers.
Pedro Ivo Mello impresses sources with his “deep knowledge of insurance-related matters” and his ability to “quickly understand the technical aspects of the case”.
Colombia
Lucas Fajardo Gutiérrez from Brigard & Urrutia Abogados distinguishes himself as an insurance law expert who regularly advises on commercial agreements and insurance policies.
Costa Rica
BLP’s Neftalí Garro is a prominent name in the market thanks to his first-rate insurance practice which encompasses licensing, regulatory and transactional matters.
Mexico
Yves Hayaux-du-Tilly with Nader Hayaux y Goebel draws effusive praise from peers as “the real deal” and “without a shadow of a doubt the best reinsurance lawyer in Mexico”.
Peru
Enrique Ferrando with Osterling Abogados is a well-established figure in the Peruvian market and is recognised by sources for his adept handling of complex claims related to coverage issues and liability risks.
Global Elite Thought Leaders
- Simon Goh – Rajah & Tann LLP, Singapore
- Sumeet Lall – CSL Chambers, New Delhi
- Neeraj Tuli – Tuli & Co, New Delhi
- Anna Tipping – Norton Rose Fulbright (Asia) LLP, Singapore
Leading individuals
Australia
At Gilbert + Tobin, Gina Cass-Gottlieb is a top-notch insurance lawyer, highlighted for her profound expertise across the spectrum of regulatory matters.
India
Tuli & Co’s Neeraj Tuli is praised by market sources as “a stalwart in insurance and reinsurance” and is highly experienced when it comes to litigation and arbitration proceedings.
Solaris Legal’s Trinath Tadakamalla is highly esteemed by sources as “an experienced lawyer in insurance and reinsurance claims, coverage advisory, litigation and arbitration”.
Mrinal Ojha is a top-notch dispute resolution specialist, sought after by domestic and foreign clients in high-value claims.
Sumeet Lall from CSL Chambers is “very well regarded for insurance and reinsurance claims” and impresses sources with his “advanced insurance knowledge and deep insights into the industry”.
Sakate Khaitan at Khaitan Legal Associates is “a sharp corporate lawyer with strong commercial acumen” who is deeply experienced in insurance transactions and regulatory matters.
Shailaja Lall with Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co is a “leading name in corporate insurance” who possesses “in-depth understanding and knowledge of the regulatory and statutory framework in India”.
Singapore
Rajah & Tann’s Simon Goh impresses market respondents with his “in-depth knowledge of the Singapore insurance regulatory landscape” and “proactive involvement with regulators”.
Anna Tipping with Norton Rose Fulbright (Asia) is a well-respected practitioner whom peers single out as “the leading M&A insurance lawyer in town”.
Mert Hifzi from HFW is a go-to name for aviation insurance matters and stands out for his adept handling of “a lot of major lawsuits”.
WhiteFern’s Anparasan K is recognised as “one of the leading local lawyers for insurance claims” and impresses peers with his “comprehensive knowledge and experience in insurance litigation”.
Mark Errington of RPC Premier Law is a dispute resolution specialist who enjoys a strong reputation in the market for his knowledge of complex insurance claims.
Corina Song at Allen & Gledhill is deemed “an expert for shipping cases” thanks to her deep knowledge of maritime and shipping law and experience handling a range of related insurance disputes.
At Kennedys Legal Solutions, Ben Nicholson is highlighted by sources as “a legend” and “a leading lawyer for large and complex first-party claims across Asia”.
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