Rapid consolidation within the industry, a swathe of new legislation and a tightened regulatory regime make it imperative for insurance companies to take timely, commercial and thorough legal advice. It is our breadth of knowledge, geographical coverage and expertise in the financial institutions sector which enables us to provide comprehensive and first class advice to clients in this field.
Our non-contentious team has a record of involvement in innovative transactions in the sector, including the first capital raisings for UK mutual life companies by means of subordinated debt and securitisation and the only two examples of the creation of a special security to reflect the potential release to one group of shareholders of part of the orphan estate of a life company. We have a substantial insurance tax practice which allows us to provide tax advice to clients in an area traditionally dominated by accountancy firms. Our collective expertise allows us to service our clients' corporate, tax and regulatory work without the involvement of accountants.
Our insurance litigation team handles complex, high-value and high-profile claims, frequently with an international element. We have developed particular expertise in aviation, banking, energy and directors' and officers' insurance. The team also includes our reinsurance practice, which handles all forms of reinsurance disputes. Our regulatory group provides risk management advice, as well as advising on all aspects of investigations.
A strong broker practice, insurance insolvency practice and thriving defendant personal injury practice complete the picture.
The team regularly works with insurers and reinsurers, as well as major insured companies and their captive insurers and brokers, as shown by the attached experience lists.
Many of the transactions and cases in which we are involved have an international element. Where appropriate, we call upon the insurance expertise of our colleagues in Hong Kong, Jakarta and Paris and our alliance partners Gleiss Lutz and Stibbe.
Financial Services & Insurance Team of the Year
The Legal Business Awards 2008
"Clients appreciate that leading light Geoffrey Maddock is "totally on the ball". A "determined negotiator" with an eye for detail he is a regular sight on major deals, as is David Willis, whose constructive approach to deals is widely recognised."
Chambers 2007
"Cutting a swathe across the corporate and dispute resolution fields, it is no surprise to see this firm secure a healthy share of the insurance sector's transactions."
Chambers 2007
"Geoff Maddock and Adam Levitt have succeeded in raising Herbert Smith LLP's profile in recent years and the firm returns to the top tier having completed a string of innovative transactions."
Legal 500 2006
"Big-ticket litigation is the raison d-etre of this eight partner team."
Chambers 2007
"It is the first port of call for clients who want dedicated, sophisticated and highly experienced representation in major matters."
Chambers 2007
"Herbert Smith LLP has a broad and successful practice acting for insurers, brokers, and insureds in the largest and most complex cases."
Legal 500 2007