Clyde & Co covers the full breadth of professional liability matters. Leading the law firm liability practice, Richard Harrison has a wealth of experience defending solicitors and barristers against a variety of allegations. With more than three decades of experience in the field, Sarah Clover is another recommended lawyer for professional liability claims arising out of the legal sector. Having acted on several high-profile disciplinary matters involving solicitors, Fergal Cathie is a further prominent member of the team. Niya Phiri is noted for her experience advising on legal malpractice, dishonesty, and civil fraud. James Roberts spearheads the team that handles professional negligence involving accountants. Tim Crockford is particularly skilled with advising large accountancy and audit firms. Richard Moody retired as head of construction in May 2024; he is succeeded by Jonathan Brown and Bryn Hodges. The construction team regularly represent D&C contractors and major construction companies in complex, multi-party disputes.

CMS has experience acting on claims across a range of professions with a particular strength in handling professional liability matters relating to insurance brokers. Alex Denslow and Ed Foss are especially recommended for their skill in defending brokers in complex disputes. Martin Fox has expertise in the construction and engineering sectors; he has experience advising on cases involving architects, valuation surveyors, and design and build contractors. Monica Lesny is another recommended member of the team with extensive experience navigating disputes involving construction professionals. Scarlett West also regularly defends construction professionals with her experience encompassing cladding claims and professional negligence claims connected to large transport infrastructure projects. The team is co-headed by Cheryl Gibson and Simon Garrett.

Liam O’Connell and Patrick Hill co-head the team at DAC Beachcroft LLP. The firm has extensive experience handling high-value professional indemnity cases with particular strength in claims relating to accountants and solicitors. Richard Highley specialises in disputes within the financial sector and is well versed in navigating investigations involving large accountancy firms. Julian Miller focuses on claims within the financial sector, including allegations of professional negligence against fund managers, pensions trustees, and tax advisors, while Cathryn Teverson has notable capabilities advising on multi-jurisdictional coverage disputes. Philip Murrin and Sarah Crowther have broad experience defending claims against accountants, lawyers, and insurance brokers. Praised as ‘a great lawyer’, Parminder Badhan is another integral member of the team.

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP boasts extensive experience handling complex, high-value professional negligence claims. Considered to be ‘a greatly respected and trusted advisor’, William Glassey co-leads the disputes practice; he is skilled in handling claims arising from finance transactions, pensions, and negligent tax advice. Henry Saunders works closely with Glassey in high-stakes cases defending legal professionals. Leading the team alongside Glassey, Paul Lewis regularly advises on disputes involving solicitors and insurance brokers. Sarah McNally is an expert in navigating difficult insurance issues with specific expertise with handling matters connected to construction. Antonia Pegden is noted for her capabilities with professional liability cases within the pensions sector; she has experience handling disputes involving pension intermediaries as well as advising on major part 8 claims.

Kennedys advises on a wide range of professional indemnity matters, including claims concerning financial services, construction, legal services, insurance brokers, and property. Heading the team, Jeremy Riley is skilled in handling insurance coverage disputes. Described as ‘a brilliant litigator’, Paul Castellani focuses on defending solicitors, barristers, and surveyors. Christopher Butler is an expert in navigating claims within the construction sector, while Fleur Rochester has extensive experience handling coverage issues connected to pension trustees as well as directors and officers. With more than two decades of experience in the field of professional indemnity, Tim Hague has a broad practice defending a variety of professionals, including those working in the legal and medical sectors. David Robinson is recommended for professional liability matters relating to accountancy firms and solicitor firms. Paul Carter is another key member of the team.

RPC houses a professional negligence team that is considered to be ‘one of the most experienced in the country’. With his extensive experience defending top law firms, Nick Bird heads the team that handles professional liability claims in the legal sector. Tim Bull regularly defends a range of professionals facing allegations of professional negligence, including lawyers, trustees, and insurance brokers. Heading the construction team, Alan Stone is skilled in advising on cases involving architects, engineers, and design and build contractors. Tom Green and Felicity Strong are further recommended members of the team with a focus on claims connected to construction professionals. Richard Breavington advises on matters arising out of cyber breaches, while James Wickes leads the professional and financial risks practice; he regularly handles claims against fund managers and investment advisors. Laura Stocks is also noted for her experience in acting for brokers and accountants. The team has been strengthened with the addition of Tim Shepherd, who joined from Mayer Brown International LLP in April 2024.

Considered to be ‘absolute masters in the construction professional negligence arena’, Beale & Co are a go-to firm for fire safety issues and cladding claims. The firm also has a team that advises on non-construction professional liability matters, such as claims relating to accountants, brokers, and directors and officers. Anthony Smith has extensive capabilities resolving construction disputes through a variety of mediums, including litigation, mediation, and arbitration. With more than two decades of experience, Sheena Sood is recommended for claims relating to architects, contractors, and surveyors. Zoe White advises on a broad range of professional negligence cases, including financial risk claims.

HFW regularly acts for insurance and reinsurance brokers, as well as boasting wider experience acting on complex claims against accountants, insolvency practitioners, construction professionals, and financial institutions. Heading the team, Christopher Foster has a broad range of experience acting on professional liability matters; he is especially recommended for broker disputes involving errors and omissions. Rupert Warren is another prominent member of the team who is ‘very experienced in insurance broker professional negligence claims’. The team also has notable capabilities handling cross-border disputes involving jurisdictions such as Australia and USA.

Mayer Brown International LLP continues to boast a strong construction offering that regularly advises on complex disputes within the sector. The team is co-led by Michael Regan and Sally Davies. Alongside James Morris, Regan is heavily involved in the case of Shepherd Construction v Kingspan & Ors, which concerns a large multi-party cladding claim. Jonathan Stone has extensive experience handling claims relating to architects, contractors, suppliers, and engineers. Robert Hobson is also noted for his capabilities in acting in claims involving defective designs and policy coverage issues. Tim Shepherd departed the firm in April 2024.

Simmons & Simmons has a strength in professional liability matters relating to the construction sector. The practice has a wealth of experience acting on cases concerning main contractors, structural engineers, architects, and surveyors. Described as ‘one of the most driven partners in the market’, Emily Monastiriotis is a go-to lawyer for cladding disputes. Felix Zimmermann is noted for his skill advising on claims against a range of professionals, including brokers, solicitors, and construction professionals. Jonathan Spencer is another integral part of the team who regularly advises on complex professional indemnity coverage disputes. The practice is led by James Pollock.

Stephenson Harwood stands out for its ‘excellent experience in accountancy negligence matters’. In addition to acting for major accountancy firms in high-value disputes, the team is also skilled in handling professional negligence claims relating to pensions. Roland Foord and Adam Culy co-lead the practice. Foord has a unique niche within the fine art sector, which involves advising auction houses and dealers on allegations of negligent advice. Culy is an expert in defending claims centred around taxes and audits. The ‘dependable and knowledgeable’ Paul Hollands is also noted for his experience in advising on cases relating to accountants, legal advisors, and insolvency professionals. Kate Cordery has left the firm.

Taylor Wessing LLP continues to be a go-to firm for professional liability claims involving auditors, accountants, and negligent tax advice. Leading the team, Andrew Howell is considered to be ‘a standout partner for high-value cases involving allegations of audit negligence’. With more than three decades of experience in the field, Julian Randall has a focus on resolving disputes within the financial sector, as well as a wealth of experience in claims and investigations involving major accountancy firms. Stuart Broom is another recommended member of the team.

Browne Jacobson LLP advises on a broad range of professional liability matters, including claims against lawyers, insurance brokers, financial institutions, and accountants. Described as ‘an excellent strategist and brilliant lawyer’, Jonathan Newbold leads the team with a focus on claims within the financial services industry; he is especially skilled in handling policy coverage disputes. Ed Anderson regularly handles professional indemnity cases relating to taxes and pensions, while Tim Claremont is noted for his expertise in claims arising from the construction sector.

DWF houses a strong professional liability team that regularly advises on complex, multi-party claims against lawyers, tax advisors, insurance brokers, and construction professionals. Sheona Wood is an expert at advising on insurance coverage issues, while Mark Klimt is skilled in defending architects. Both Lucy Tolond and Harriet Quiney are recommended for cases arising out of the financial sector, including claims against pension professionals and financial advisors. Robert Goodlad is noted for his experience with disputes in the construction sector. John Bennett retired from practice in April 2024.

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP frequently advises on claims and regulatory investigations arising from the financial services sector. Kari McCormick is ‘an exceptional and fearless advocate’ with extensive experience defending auditors and accountancy firms against allegations of professional negligence. McCormick leads the practice alongside Jennifer Miles. Other key members of the team include Simon Brooks and Felicity Rich. Brooks is recommended for his experience handling complex claims involving insurance brokers, while Rich is skilled with disputes relating to pensions and taxes.

Keoghs LLP houses an experienced team that regularly handles disputes in the legal and construction sectors. Heading the team, Neil Trayhurn has more than thirty years of experience in the insurance sector, giving him expertise in policy coverage issues. Gary Wicks stands out for his skills with resolving disputes relating to construction professionals, including claims relating to architects, engineers, and design and build contractors.

Neil Davis leads the insurance disputes practice at Mills & Reeve LLP. Davis regularly advises on claims relating to lawyers, construction professionals, and insurance brokers. Lisa Taylor has extensive experience resolving complex professional negligence disputes involving a variety of professions, including financial advisors and surveyors. The team is strengthened by the addition of Alasdair Dick and Neil Shah. Dick joined from Plexus Legal Gateway in August 2023, while Shah joined from Kennedys in November 2023.

Described as ‘a highly experienced litigator with excellent judgement’, Michelle George leads the team at Norton Rose Fulbright. George is skilled at navigating high-value disputes and also advises on cases with an international element. Katie Stephen is another standout member of the team with experience navigating professional negligence claims and investigations arising from contentious regulatory matters. Charlie Weston-Simons left the firm in January 2024.

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP stands out for its extensive capabilities in handling large class-action professional negligence cases on behalf of claimants. David Niven is recommended for complex, multi-party claims against solicitors, especially concerning litigation arising out of failed investment schemes. Nicole Blakely is ‘a superb lawyer’ with extensive experience advising on group claims. Peter Stockill and Chris Bates are also noted for their skill with claims in the construction sector. The team is led by Kamran Rehman.

Pinsent Masons LLP houses ‘an excellent pensions professional negligence litigation team’. Isabel Nurse-Marsh and Manchester-based Hayley Goldstone both have extensive experience as pension litigators and regularly handle complex multi-party professional negligence claims arising out of pension schemes. The practice also advises on professional liability matters within the financial sector. Stuart McNeil is recommended for his skill with advising on allegations of negligence and mis-selling claims against financial institutions.

Richard Palmer leads the professional indemnity practice at Weightmans LLP. Quentin Fox is recommended for his skill in resolving disputes against construction professionals such as architects, surveyors, project managers, and engineers. The team has expanded to include Alain Orengo, who joined from Plexus Legal Gateway in October 2023. Orengo has more than two decades of experience defending claims against a variety of professionals, including insurance brokers, accountants, surveyors, and estate agents.

Described as ‘an exceptionally skilled insurance litigator’, Sushma MacGeoch heads the insurance disputes team at Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP. In addition to advising on policy coverage issues, Hannah Cane also specialises in complex disputes involving construction and property professionals. Simon Beckwith has a wealth of experience defending pension professionals, investment advisors, and wealth managers. Tim Barr is a further standout member of the team, who regularly handles claims within the legal and financial sectors.

Edwin Coe LLP predominately acts for claimants against insurance companies and professional indemnity insurance brokers. Roger Franklin leads the insurance litigation team with experience advising on cross-border claims, including disputes in Europe and the US. Described as ‘a great lawyer’, Nicola Maher represents policy holders across various sectors, such as the retail, hospitality, manufacturing, and real estate industries. Michael Whitton has retired from practice.

With more than three decades of experience in the field, Jonathan Ray-Smith leads the professional negligence practice at Fieldfisher. Ray-Smith has a broad range of expertise advising on claims against lawyers, financial advisors, and surveyors. Donna Goldsworthy regularly handles professional liability matters arising out of the financial services sector. Matthew Sharp is also noted for his skills in advising on claims relating to taxes. Owen Talfan Davies left the firm in June 2023.

The professional negligence practice at Kingsley Napley LLP is led by Ryan Mowat, who regularly handles complex claims against a range of professionals such as lawyers, professional trustees, insurance brokers, and surveyors. Considered to be ‘a very talented litigator’, Mary Young advises on claims involving breach of trust and breach of fiduciary duty. Jemma Brimblecombe is a further standout member of the team with experience resolving professional negligence disputes through litigation, arbitration, and mediation.

Reed Smith LLP is particularly skilled at handling professional liability claims within the financial sector. Praised for his ‘amazing attention to detail and client service’, practice head Charles Hewetson is recommended for his skills in handling highly complex claims involving major accountancy firms. He leads the team alongside Eleanor Chapman. Jane Howard left the firm in May 2023.

Stewarts Law LLP houses a team that possesses ‘excellent experience in professional negligence claims concerning tax products’. Practice head David Pickstone is a skilled tax litigator with extensive experience handling associated professional liability claims. Alex Lerner is ‘an outstanding lawyer’ who acts for both claimants and defendants in matters relating to the financial sector. James Le Gallais is another prominent member of the team. Darren Kidd left the firm in July 2023.

The professional negligence practice at Withers LLP has experience representing both claimants and defendants. The team advises on claims against a range of professionals, including investment advisors, solicitors, architects, and accountants. The practice is co-headed by Caroline Thompson and Eleni Polycarpou. Owen Talfan Davies joined the firm in August 2023 from Fieldfisher; he is particularly experienced in handling professional negligence claims within the real estate sector.

Edesia Law is a 'boutique professional indemnity firm' that was established in January 2022. The practice is headed by Damian McPhun, who has more than 30 years of experience defending professional indemnity claims for major insurers. Simon Thomas advises on claims against various professionals, such as lawyers, estate agents, and brokers. The team is strengthened with the addition of Mark Aizlewood, who joined from Carter Perry Bailey LLP in September 2023.

The professional negligence practice at Healys LLP is spearheaded by Robert Johnson, who specialises in acting for claimants. Johnson is especially skilled in handling claims against lawyers. David Bailey and Ben Parr-Ferris are further standout members of the team. Bailey has experience in bringing claims against financial advisors and accountants, while Parr-Ferris focuses on professional negligence claims relating to conveyancing and will drafting.

Hill Dickinson LLP advises on complex professional liability disputes across a variety and of sectors, including construction, property, and legal services. Based in Liverpool, Fiona Parry regularly handles claims against solicitors. The team has expanded to include Amanda Burge, who joined from Hamlins LLP in July 2023. Burge brings with her a wealth of experience handling professional negligence claims; she leads the London team alongside Raj Pabla.

Having been established in 2019, Wordley Partnership houses a professional negligence team that is made up of former lawyers from HFW and Clyde & Co. Paul Wordley is skilled in advising on coverage disputes, as well as error and omission claims. With more than three decades of experience, Simon Schindler is another prominent member of the team who handles claims relating to insurance brokers.