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 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.
Insurance News, views and more: July 2023
Insurance News, views and more - from Fenchurch Law
JULY 2023
Introduction
Welcome to the latest Fenchurch Law newsletter: concise, topical and often opinionated articles on the insurance disputes market, all from a pro-policyholder perspective.
In this edition, Anthony McGeough and Joanna Grant look at a recent Covid-19 BI decision, as they examine the court’s judgment in Bellini (N/E) Ltd trading as Bellini v Brit UW Limited [2023] EWHC 1545 (Comm).
Elsewhere, Dru Corfield looks at AI technology, its legal implications and how it might affect the insurance industry.
Rob Goodship analyses the recent judgment in FM Conway Limited v The Rugby Football Union, Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance PLC, Clark Smith Partnership Limited.
In our “100 Cases Every Policyholder Needs to Know” series, read why we think Rashid v Direct Savings Limited [2022] 8 WLUK 108 was an ugly one.
Lastly, thank you to our broker partners that attended our Northern Coverage Symposium earlier this month. Find out more about our upcoming symposia in the events section below.
I hope you enjoy reading Insurance News and Views and that you look out for future issues in your inbox.
David Pryce
Founder and Managing Partner
Viewpoint
Not so peachy – a disappointing Covid-19 decision for policyholders
Bellini (N/E) Ltd trading as Bellini v Brit UW Limited [2023] EWHC 1545 (Comm)
In a month where Covid-19 decisions are coming in thick and fast, policyholders will be disappointed by the most recent judgment concerning a disease wording.
On this occasion the policyholder, Bellini (N/E) Ltd, was issued with a policy by its insurer, Brit UW Limited, that contained an extension to business interruption cover for business interruption caused by damage arising from a notifiable disease manifested by any person whilst in the premises or within a 25-mile radius.
Read more here.
AI: The Wizard behind the Data Curtain?
“What is Chat GPT?” is a frequently heard question this year. “What is AI? How does it work?” is occasionally the follow up. And for the sceptics, “Will it take my job? Is it dangerous?” One cheerful BBC News headline recently read “Artificial Intelligence could lead to extinction, experts warn”.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning Technologies (MLTs) have rapidly gone from the stuff of science fiction to real world usage and deployment. But how will they affect the insurance industry, what are the legal implications, and is the whole issue really that much of a concern?
Read more here.
Worth a Try? – judgment handed down on Rugby Football Union appeal
FM Conway Limited v The Rugby Football Union, Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance PLC, Clark Smith Partnership Limited
The Court of Appeal has handed down its judgment following FM Conway’s appeal of the High Court’s decision that it did not enjoy the same level of cover as its employer. Our previous article commenting on the first instance judgment can be found here.
The decision regards the potentially complicated factual and legal issues about the nature and extent of insurance cover obtained by one party on behalf of another.
Read more here.
Top 100 cases - The Good, The Bad and the Ugly
We continue our “100 Cases Every Policyholder Needs to Know” feature – our opinionated and practical guide to the most important insurance decisions relating to the London/English insurance markets, all looked at from a pro-policyholder perspective. As a reminder, we call them:
- “The Good” – cases that are correctly decided and positive for policyholders.
- “The Bad” – decisions that are bad for policyholders, wrongly decided and in need of being overturned.
- “The Ugly” – cases that can trip up even the most honest policyholder with the most genuine claim. Bad for policyholders but (even to our policyholder-tinted eyes) correctly decided.
The latest case we’re looking is an “Ugly one” – Rashid v Direct Savings Limited [2022] 8 WLUK 108 – Read here.
Events
2023 Coverage Symposia
Thank you to our broker partners that attended our Northern Coverage Symposium in Leeds earlier this month. If you missed the event, don’t worry, we have two more symposia events later this year.
Through a series of informative talks, engaging panel sessions, and valuable networking opportunities, attendees will gain the knowledge and insights to confidently guide clients through common coverage problems.
Upcoming Symposia Events:
- Southern Coverage Symposium
- Date: 23 November 2023
- Location: The Ned London
- Belfast Coverage Symposium
- Date: 7 December 2023
- Location: Grand Central Belfast
And finally…
We want to know your views. If you have a question or an interesting point that you’d like to share about all things insurance related, please let us know by emailing info@fenchurchlaw.co.uk
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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.”
Fenchurch Law boosts insurance disputes team with double hire
Fenchurch Law, the UK’s leading firm working exclusively for policyholders and brokers on complex insurance disputes, has announced the expansion of its team with two new appointments to its Leeds office; Catrin Wyn Williams and Chloe Vine.
Catrin Wyn Williams joins as an Associate Solicitor, bringing with her experience of representing insurers in a variety of areas includingProperty Damage and Professional Indemnity. Catrin was previously a solicitor at BLM, and experience of working in house at Hiscox
Chloe Vine joins as a Trainee Solicitor from a nationwide insurance broker, where she was the Group Claims Technical Manager. Chloe has experience handling all aspects of insurance claims, including taking the lead in relation to coverage disputes.
The new appointments will bolster the business’ team in Leeds, which was set up to support the insurance broking community in the North of England, and their policyholders.
Daniel Robin, Senior Associate and Head of Leeds Office commented:
“In a short space of time we have built the leading policyholder practice in the North of England, providing the same high quality specialist services as our colleagues in our City office. Catrin and Chloe come from different professional backgrounds, but both bring with them an excellent combination of insurance and legal knowledge that will be invaluable in our mission to level the playing field for policyholders.”
Catrin Wyn Williams added:
“Fenchurch Law impressed me from the outset; not only for their commitment to assisting policyholders in challenging coverage disputes, but also for their progressive and unique values. For me, this set Fenchurch Law apart from other law firms.”
Chloe Vine concluded: “I was attracted to Fenchurch Law for their policyholder-focused approach. Having worked for insurance brokers’ previously, this company mission really resonated with my own ambition to better equip policyholders in disputes with insurers.”
Fenchurch Law launches new Reinsurance and International Risks practice
Fenchurch Law, the leading UK legal firm working exclusively for policyholders and brokers on insurance coverage disputes, has launched a new practice group focused on Reinsurance & International Risks. The new group will focus on representing non-UK policyholders in complex and high value insurance disputes under policies placed either directly into the London Market, or placed locally and then reinsured, into the London Market.
Led by the firm’s Managing Partner, David Pryce, the new practice group will also take instructions from captives, and from non-UK insurers which have coverage disputes with London Market insurers.
Commenting on the launch of the new practice group, managing partner, David Pryce explained:
“The London Market has a long and well-established reputation for paying claims. However, it is a fact of business life that occasionally disagreements do arise between policyholders and insurers, particularly when losses are large.
“We’ve launched this new dedicated practice group to reflect the increasingly international nature of our work, which is itself a reflection of the way the London Market continues to be a global leader in writing bespoke and complex risks. In doing so, we’re furthering our purpose of levelling the playing field between policyholders and their insurers, not just in the UK, but across the world”.
Visit the Reinsurance & International Risks page for more information.