National Apprenticeship Week – Simran Matharu, Apprentice Solicitor
This is an exciting National Apprenticeship Week for Fenchurch Law, as this year, we have our first apprentice on board. To mark NAW 2025, we asked legal apprentice Simran Matharu to share her experiences so far on the City Century apprenticeship scheme.
I’m excited to be Fenchurch Law’s first apprentice, choosing a degree apprenticeship was the perfect path for me, allowing me to gain real-world legal experience while working towards my qualification. Fenchurch Law’s specialist focus and supportive environment make it the ideal place to start my career, and I look forward to learning from experts in the field. Being part of the City Century apprenticeship scheme is empowering from my perspective. The programme not only creates valuable opportunities but also organises insightful events for current apprentices, featuring inspiring individuals from whom I gain invaluable knowledge.
I have always known that the traditional post-school route into university was not for me. However, I still wanted to pursue a higher education, and despite not wanting to follow a conventional route, I still wanted to embark on a conventional career. Having grown up in a family with many lawyers, I knew that a legal role was something I would do well in.
It has been really encouraging to see that saying no to university is no longer a limitation. In fact, saying no to university has helped me onto the job ladder quicker than a degree, and has offered me stability in the early stages of my career.
My day to day is very varied, and my first couple of years here will be mostly centered on integrating me into the office and learning about the industry we work in. In a week I spend four days working at Fenchurch Law as an apprentice and then one day studying at university.
This is my first job, so it has been helpful and enlightening to start in the operations team. I work with the operations team, performing tasks from billing, to answering calls, as well as saving and posting invoices. But I have also learnt about new software like Salesforce, Amiqus and Quill. I’m looking forward to moving onto Business Development in the coming year, as I’d love to learn more about how a successful boutique law firm grows and establishes its strong reputation.
At the end of my six years, I will have obtained both an LLB (Hons) in Legal Practice Skills and a SQE Qualification to become an England & Wales Solicitor, which will be great. But I think that a major benefit of this apprenticeship is that I will have gained a true understanding of working within the legal environment.
I have already learnt so much about myself, and have developed new skills that are only realised when you have participated in office life.
Having studied Philosophy, Politics, and Spanish in school, the insurance world was not something I knew a great deal about, like many my age. Instead I kept my options open, applying for as many legal apprenticeships as I could. Since joining Fenchurch Law, the team have been great at introducing me to the insurance market, and it is something I have now taken a real interest in.
I feel lucky to have already started working in such a specialised, niche area. I am extremely grateful for this opportunity and I am really excited to see what I can achieve in the next six years.
‘We are excited to be part of this initiative and it has been a privilege to have Simran join the team. She has already shown herself to be a real asset and we are looking forward to seeing her grow during her time with us and to being part of her journey to qualification.’ - Joanna Grant, Managing Partner at Fenchurch Law.
Fenchurch Law Appoints Abigail Smith as an Associate
Abigail Smith joined the London Fenchurch team earlier this year, on January 6th. With her she brings a wealth of experience, after working as an Associate in the Financial Services Disputes and Investigations team at Eversheds.
In her previous role, Abigail specialised in resolving high value and complex insurance disputes on behalf of policyholders, brokers and other large corporates. Abigail has experience in the global legal insurance market, working representing leading international brokers, firms, and banks.
Managing Partner at Fenchurch Law, Joanna Grant, commented: “We are very pleased to welcome Abigail to the team. Her legal expertise will be invaluable to Fenchurch Law as we look to deliver on our commitment to provide the highest quality insurance advice to both brokers and policy holders here in the UK, and across the globe.”
Abigail Smith added: “I was attracted to Fenchurch Law initially by the firm’s excellent reputation within the legal insurance market, and unwavering commitment to levelling the playing field for policyholders in coverage disputes. Upon joining the firm, I was delighted to find myself part of a collegiate team of genuine insurance specialists whose values and culture are as impressive as their level of expertise.”
Fenchurch Law grows insurance disputes teams in Leeds and London with two new appointments
Fenchurch Law, the UK’s leading firm working exclusively for insurance policyholders and brokers, has announced the expansion of its coverage disputes teams in Leeds and London, with Chris Ives joining as Partner at its Leeds office and Pawinder Manak bolstering its London team as a Trainee Solicitor.
Chris Ives, who will help strengthen the firm’s Financial and Professional Risks practice group serving clients in the North of England, brings with him over 20 years of experience in resolving complex and high-value claims for corporate policyholder clients across a range of different risks. Chris joins Fenchurch Law from Eversheds Sutherland, where he held the position of Principle Associate for over seven years. Prior to this, Chris was an Associate at DAC Beachcroft and an Associate at Addleshaw Goddard.
Pawinder Manak will join Fenchurch Law’s London office as a Trainee Solicitor specialising in coverage disputes, initially within the firm’s Financial and Professional Risks team. Having completed a diverse range of work experience and internships throughout her undergraduate degree, Pawinder studied at University College London where she completed the LLB.
This announcement comes at a time of continued expansion for Fenchurch Law, with the recent opening of its Singapore office and the announcement of its plans to open an additional office in Denmark in November 2024.
Managing Partner at Fenchurch Law, Joanna Grant, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Chris and Pawinder to the team. Their combined legal and insurance knowledge will be invaluable in helping Fenchurch Law continue to level the playing field for policyholders in the UK and around the world.”
Chris Ives added: “I was attracted to Fenchurch Law due to its top tier reputation in the field, clarity of vision, simplicity of business model and the array of experts I will be working alongside. I look forward to helping the firm provide even more policyholders in the North of England with access to first-class legal support.”
Pawinder Manak added: “I was attracted to Fenchurch Law because of the culture at the firm. Every member of the team supports one another to create a positive environment, and everybody is made to feel welcome with their friendly attitudes.”
Fenchurch Law expands into Scandinavia with Denmark office launch
Fenchurch Law, the UK’s leading firm working exclusively for insurance policyholders and brokers, has announced plans to offer its specialist legal support across the Nordic region, with the launch of its new Denmark office.
The new office will be run by Morten Christensen, supported by his colleague Maria Bitsch, who have a combined 50 years of experience handling complex insurance and liability disputes across Scandinavia.
Morten brings with him extensive leadership expertise, having previously held the position of Co-Managing Partner, EMEA, at Kennedy’s and having also founded several independent specialist law firms. He has also been recognised as a leading individual by the Legal 500 for insurance in Denmark for the past 6 years. Maria also brings with her a deep understanding of the insurance industry, the broker sector, and reinsurance, having held senior legal positions at three of the top Danish insurance providers, including the Alm Brand Group.
This announcement coincides with the official opening of Fenchurch Law’s Singapore office and marks another major milestone in the firm’s ongoing global expansion strategy.
Senior Partner at Fenchurch Law, David Pryce, commented: “Today’s opening of our Singapore office, to serve policyholders across the APAC region, and the opening on 1st November of our Copenhagen office, to serve policyholders across the Nordic region, are key milestones towards achieving the firm’s purpose to level the playing field for policyholders globally. These office openings put us ahead of schedule to achieve our objective of having a presence in every region of the world by 2030.”
Morten Christensen, Managing Partner at Fenchurch Law DK, added: “We’re delighted to be joining Fenchurch Law to establish its presence in Scandinavia, and to be playing a key part in the firm’s growth around the world.
In my experience, I have often found that clients would have been better off with a representative who not only understands the law and the insurance industry but also exclusively stands on their side, which is exactly the type of support we will be offering them.”
Fenchurch Law announces key leadership changes as it enters next phase of growth
Fenchurch Law has announced that Joanna Grant has been appointed Managing Partner of the firm, with predecessor and founder David Pryce taking on new Senior Partner role, leading the firm’s expansion into Singapore. In addition, Daniel Robin will step into the role of Deputy Managing Partner.
Joanna Grant joined Fenchurch Law as Partner in 2016 and has since led the firm’s expert Construction and Property Risks team, advising clients on some of the most high-profile commercial insurance disputes in the UK. She steps into the role of Managing Partner following the 14-year tenure of founder and predecessor David Pryce. David now takes up the role of Senior Partner, where he will oversee the firm’s global expansion strategy, starting with the opening of its recently-announced Singapore office later this year.
Joining Joanna on the firm’s senior management team is the head of the firm’s Leeds Office Daniel Robin, who becomes Deputy Managing Partner, supporting and overseeing Fenchurch Law’s continued growth strategy in the UK market.
These leadership changes signify an exciting growth milestone for the firm, which has represented clients in some of the most high-profile and complex policy disputes in recent years, including Stonegate Pub Company’s Covid-19 Business Interruption (BI) claim, which remains the highest-value Covid-19-related BI claim to pass through the English courts.
This announcement also follows recent news that the firm has transitioned to an employee-owned business model through the launch of an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), which saw 60% of its shares awarded to its people.
Fenchurch Law becomes one of the few female-led law firms in the UK.
David Pryce, Senior Partner at Fenchurch Law, commented: “It’s a hugely exciting time for Fenchurch Law, and I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved since our inception in 2010. I’m absolutely delighted that Joanna and Daniel will be leading the firm into its next stage of growth, as we look to expand our footprint even further.”
Joanna Grant, Managing Partner at Fenchurch Law, added: “I’m delighted to be leading the charge for Fenchurch Law in its ongoing mission to level the playing field for policyholders, with a particular focus on complex and high value coverage disputes in the UK.”
Daniel Robin, added: “I’m very proud to be able to support the further growth of Fenchurch Law and give even more policyholders in the UK access to the wealth of expertise we have across the team.”
Fenchurch Law announces Singapore expansion plans
Fenchurch Law, the UK’s leading firm working exclusively for insurance policyholders and brokers, plans to offer its specialist legal support outside of the UK for the first time, announcing plans for the opening of a new office in Singapore.
Through its new hub, Fenchurch Law will be working with policyholders and brokers from across Singapore and the wider Asia-Pacific region to provide first-class support on high value, complex, commercial insurance coverage disputes, as it has done in the London Market since 2010.
The firm’s international expansion follows the recent announcement that it had transitioned to an employee-owned business model through the launch of an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), which saw 60% of its shares awarded to its people. Fenchurch Law will be the first EOT business to operate in Singapore.
Managing Partner at Fenchurch Law, David Pryce, commented: “As a purpose driven organisation, we exist in order to help level the playing field between policyholders and their insurers. This is a need that exists in all insurance markets around the world, and we’re delighted to be taking the first step in furthering our purpose internationally with the opening of our Singapore office."
Fenchurch Law hands decision making power to its people, announcing shift to employee ownership model
Fenchurch Law, the UK’s leading firm working exclusively for policyholders and brokers on complex insurance disputes, has announced that 60% of its shares will now be owned by employees, via its newly formed Employee Ownership Trust (EOT).
The move, designed to recognise the valued contribution of all employees across the business, will also give staff the opportunity to put themselves forward to join the firm’s management team to represent their colleagues, giving them full oversight and decision-making power across all aspects of the business.
As part of its ongoing commitment to offering a supportive, dynamic, and rewarding workplace for all, the decision to become employee-owned makes Fenchurch Law one of the first law firms in the UK to adopt this model, which has seen significant success in other sectors with insurance broker Howden, retail group John Lewis and cosmetics brand Lush.
Managing Partner at Fenchurch Law, David Pryce, commented:
“This is the natural next step for Fenchurch Law, as we have always wanted to create a real feeling that everyone is in it together. Becoming employee-owned cements our progressive and unique values. It gets rid of the ‘us’ and ‘them’ mentality and enables every member of the firm to share rewards and responsibilities.
It enables us to ensure that every member of the team has the opportunity to be fully involved with the ins and outs of the firm.”
Fenchurch Law bolsters insurance disputes team in London with new hires
Fenchurch Law has announced the expansion of its coverage disputes team in London with two new hires; Jessica Chappell and Isabel Becker.
Jessica Chappell joins as a Senior Associate, bringing with her over eight years’ experience working across complex and high-value commercial litigation matters, including contractual and shareholder disputes, professional negligence claims, coverage disputes and claims against directors by liquidators. Jessica joins Fenchurch Law from Davis Woolfe where she was a Senior Associate, having previously held positions at Calibrate Law (Associate Solicitor) and Portner Law (Associate/Trainee Solicitor).
Isabel Becker joins Fenchurch Law’s Reinsurance & International Risks team as a Foreign Qualified Lawyer, having previously trained at Bach Langheid Dallmayr, a German law firm specialising in international insurance and liability. Representing insurers, Isabel worked on a number of claims related to Covid-19 business interruption and private health insurance. Isabel graduated from Heidelberg University with a Degree in law before moving to the UK in 2022 and achieving a Distinction in Insurance Law (LLM) at Queen Mary University of London.
The new appointments will bolster the business’ insurance disputes team, which was set up to provide improved access to justice for policyholders and their insurance brokers, when coverage disputes arise.
Managing Partner, David Pryce, commented:
“Jessica and Isabel both bring with them excellent legal and insurance knowledge with combined experience within the UK and international markets. Both will be invaluable in helping Fenchurch Law achieve its mission of levelling the playing field for policyholders.”
Jessica Chappell added: “First and foremost I was attracted to Fenchurch Law due to its excellent reputation within the legal insurance market and the team of experts I would have the opportunity to work alongside and learn from. But I was equally impressed by the business’ commitment to ensuring that when a dispute arises, the policyholder has the same advantage as the insurer, in an industry where traditionally this has not been the case. This purpose together with its forward thinking and unique values, drew me to Fenchurch from the start.”
Isabel Becker added: "I was drawn to Fenchurch Law by its excellent market reputation, as well as its inclusive and ambitious culture. I’m very excited to be working in an environment where I’ll have the opportunity to play an important role in helping the business achieve its growth objectives, whilst providing first-class legal support for policyholders.”
Fenchurch Law's Chiltern 50 Charity Walk
On the 23rd of September 2023, employees of Fenchurch Law will be taking on the challenge of the Chiltern 50.
The Chiltern 50 is a charity walk through the Chiltern Hills, a route that follows the Thames to Henley Bridge, then out into the picturesque countryside on Shakespears Way, Icknield Way, and Chiltern Way. The team will walk a total distance of 50km (31 miles), with over 900 metres of climb.
Fenchurch Law are proud to support MIND, a charity that's doing incredible work in destigmatizing conversations around mental health and providing essential support to those in need. By participating in this charity walk, we're actively contributing to a cause that resonates deeply with us.
Any donations would be very much appreciated, and if you’d like to donate, please just click on the following link: https://www.justgiving.com/team/fenchurchlaw
Stay tuned for updates on our official channels and social media platforms as we prepare to embark on this challenge.
Fenchurch Law bolsters insurance disputes team in London with three new hires
Fenchurch Law, the UK’s leading firm working exclusively for policyholders and brokers on complex insurance disputes, has announced the expansion of its team in London with three new appointments to its coverage disputes team; Michael Robin, Dru Corfield and Grace Williams.
Michael Robin joins as Partner, bringing with him over 45 years' experience in handling complex claims across the international insurance market. Michael joins Fenchurch Law from global legal services firm DWF, where he was Partner in the Professional Liability and Commercial Insurance Disputes team, and is well known in the insurance market as a founding partner of Robin Simon.
Dru Corfield joins as an Associate Solicitor from Elborne Mitchell LLP, where he was a Trainee Solicitor. Dru graduated from McGill University, Montreal, Canada with a degree in History and Political Science, before achieving a distinction in his LPC at BPP, Holborn.
Grace Williams also joins as an Associate Solicitor, from New Zealand law firm Robertsons, where she specialised in insurance litigation. Prior to this, Grace began her career at law firm Russel McVeagh as an Associate, after achieving a Bachelor of Laws with Honours First Class/Bachelor of Science (Genetics) from Otago University, New Zealand.
The new appointments will bolster the firm’s insurance disputes team, which was set up to help level the playing field between policyholders and their insurers, when coverage disputes arise
David Pryce, commented: “The demand for policyholder-focused insurance disputes specialists is growing all the time. We intend to continue investing in our team in order to continue to help policyholders challenge their insurers on a level playing field, when they feel their insurance claims have been incorrectly turned down, and Michael, Grace, and Dru are exciting additions to our market leading team”.
Michael Robin added: “I’m delighted to be joining such an exciting, growing team of insurance dispute experts at Fenchurch Law. I look forward to applying my in-depth knowledge of the global insurance market to helping support policyholders across the UK and internationally.”
Dru Corfield added: “I was attracted to Fenchurch Law because of the size, purpose and direction of the business. Despite being a fairly young firm, it has quickly established a very strong reputation within the insurance market for first-rate protection of policyholders’ interests. Fenchurch Law’s core values were also an important draw for me, its entrepreneurial culture is one in which colleagues are empowered to think outside the box to get the best possible results for their clients.”
Grace Williams added: “I wanted to work at a firm which focused solely on insurance law. I am excited to work alongside solicitors that are experts in their field and to assist policyholders with coverage disputes.”