Firms To Watch: Insurance

The insurance team at the Parisian office of global law firm DAC Beachcroft specialises in advising insurers, reinsurers and corporates on product liability claims and industrial risk, displaying particular strength in the energy sector.
Watson Farley & Williams LLP launched its practice in July 2022 with the arrival of Franck Poindessault, who has extensive experience in insurance disputes, especially relating to financial risk, from Boken.

Insurance in France

Clyde & Co LLP

The powerhouse Paris insurance practice of global firm Clyde & Co LLP remains a market leader, advising major insurance and reinsurance companies (including Chubb, Liberty and Zurich) on a diverse spectrum of matters. Headed by experienced arbitrator and mediator David Méheut and Rozenn Lopin, who brings expertise in adapting insurance policies to French law to the table, the group provides a comprehensive service covering industrial risks, professional liability (including for lawyers, accountants and brokers), new technologies, data security, and property, directors’ and officers’ (D&O), and credit insurance. The team is supported by practice area expert Gildas Rostain (a specialist in industrial risks) and experienced litigator Olga Jefremova (who was promoted to partner in May 2022). Its client base spans such sectors as tech, construction, transport and renewables.

Responsables de la pratique:

David Méheut; Rozenn Lopin

Autres avocats clés:

Gildas Rostain; Olga Jefremova

Les références

‘The Clyde & Co insurance team is one of the teams on the market with the most advanced skills. Their reasoning is always very advanced while remaining pragmatic. We can count on them to find innovative solutions to our difficulties.’

‘It is always a pleasure to work with them. They are committed to providing effective solutions. They are available in the most delicate moments.’

Principaux clients

Chubb

Liberty

Zurich

Principaux dossiers

  • Acting for Zurich as monitoring and coverage counsel in a major case relating to a ransomware attack which affected Bouygues IT.

DLA Piper

Benefitting from the firm’s presence spanning the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, the Paris team at DLA Piper remains a leader in the market, assisting major insurers (including Allianz Group, AXA Group, Tokio Marine, Generali, Zurich and AIG) involved in high-value, multi-jurisdictional insurance transactions. The team advises on matters ranging from tort and personal injury, product liability and property claims to casualty, cyber, trade credit and credit risk matters, and also handles civil and criminal pre-litigation, litigation and arbitration cases. International liability and aviation industry expert Vonnick Le Guillou and life and non-life insurance specialist Luc Bigel (who was promoted to partner in April 2022) head the team, supported by counsel Hamza Akli, who has expertise in issues of regulatory compliance.

Responsables de la pratique:

Vonnick Le Guillou; Luc Bigel

Autres avocats clés:

Hamza Akli

Les références

‘Very strong reactivity and solid knowledge of the regulatory field and the international environment.’

‘Luc Bigel and Hamza Akli are accessible, dynamic, sensible and understand our needs well.’

‘Friendly, responsive and very competent team. Knows how to remain pragmatic and balance advice and deliverables to adapt them to clients’ needs. We know we can count on them. They are careful to offer appropriate fees.’

Principaux clients

Allianz Group

AXA Group

Tokio Marine HCC

Generali

AIG

MS Amlin Insurance SE

La Réunion Aérienne

RSA

Zurich Insurance PLC

Chubb

Aon

Sogelife

Marsh

Munich Re

MIC Insurance Company SA

Beazley Insurance Solutions Limited

Odyssey Re

MAIF

AXA Climate

Oney Insurance

Wakam

CNP Assurances

Crédit Suisse

Starstone

Swiss Re

FM Insurance Europe SA

Entoria

Lombard International Assurances

Allianz Risk Transfer AG

Principaux dossiers

  • Advising Axa Climate in contractual, reinsurance and ESG matters, notably in the field of parametric insurance (for example, in relation to frost and tropical storm policies).
  • Advising Swiss Re on a range of Covid 19-related claims and related litigation.
  • Advised Compre on the acquisition of medical malpractice insurance portfolios covering French risks and the restructuring of the related reinsurance scheme, as well as putting in place third-party management delegation schemes.

Gide Loyrette Nouel A.A.R.P.I.

The insurance practice at Gide Loyrette Nouel A.A.R.P.I. remains a leading force in the market, advising major insurers, operators in banking and finance, service providers, industrial groups and international law firms involved in high-value, cross-border transactions and complex litigation. Headed by insurance and reinsurance authority Richard Ghueldre (who brings over 25 years' experience in the practice area to the team) and Capucine Bernier (a specialist in civil liability, particularly non-life insurance disputes), the group has a comprehensive offering covering regulatory issues, insurance contract law, acquisitions, litigation and arbitration, accident management, and the establishment of insurance programmes and distribution schemes on a domestic and international level. Other key figures include counsel Charles-Eric Delamare-Deboutteville, a specialist in prudential regulation and insurance contracts, and associate Julie Brulé, who manages civil liability matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Richard Ghueldre; Capucine Bernier

Autres avocats clés:

Charles-Eric Delamare-Deboutteville; Julie Brulé

Les références

‘Excellent responsiveness, meticulous and very thorough analysis of documents, perfect knowledge of similar files, unwavering support in a real relationship of trust, and excellent results, thanks to Richard Ghueldre and Julie Brulé.’

‘Innovative, responsive and thoughtful team.’

‘Richard Ghueldre stands out for his competence and professional and academic perspective.’

‘Our long-running case has been perfectly managed by Gide Loyrette Nouel for several years now because the team made available to us is made up of real experts, who are able to give us guidance on the possible options and advise us on the best one to follow, which is not so common in the market.’

‘Able to deliver real, high-quality support, combining availability, responsiveness and advice. Given the expertise of this firm in complex litigation of this type, particularly at the procedural level, there is no doubt that it will also be able to advise other clients as well as possible on simpler cases.’

‘Very efficient team formed around a partner who is well known in the sector. A team of very solid, efficient, attentive, inventive colleagues.’

‘Julie Brulé is particularly distinguished within the team by her availability, the strength of her knowledge and the attention she pays to her client. Her advice has a particular quality that I greatly appreciate – it is very informative, which gives full meaning to the notion of advice.’

‘Excellent knowledge of the file, reactivity, extremely judicious proposals. Listen and take into account the clients’ internal constraints.’

Principaux clients

Total Energies

Primonial

Chanel

EDF

Zurich

Howden

QBE

Aon

Generali

Allianz

Société Générale / Sogecap

Crédit agricole / Predica

BNP Paribas / Cardif

Peugeot

Axeria

Audiens

MMA

MACSF

Uneo

Vyv

AG2R La Mondiale

Assurances du Crédit Mutuel

Harmonie Mutuelle

MGEN

Ageas

Tocqueville Finance

Blackfin Capital Partners

Mutuelle des Architectes Français (MAF)

Euromaf

Filassistance

Albingia

Covéa

Arthur J. Gallagher

Europ Assistance

LVMH

McDonald’s

Axa

Naval Group

France Assureurs (Fédération Française de l’Assurance)

CNP Assurances

Principaux dossiers

  • Represented AXA France IARD in mass litigation regarding compensation for losses due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
  • Advised France Assureurs in the context of regulatory changes applicable to the insurance sector and the setting of market practices.
  • Advised one of the world’s leading car manufacturers on the compliance of its insurance distribution schemes throughout its network.

HFW

Backed by the full bench strength of the firm's global network, the Paris insurance team at HFW utilises its experience to advise major insurers (including Axa, Zurich and Generali), underwriters, policyholders, brokers and other intermediaries involved high-value, multi-jurisdictional transactions. The group assists with matters ranging from industrial risks, product liability, professional indemnity and public liability to high-stakes litigation. Led by seasoned insurance litigator Pauline Arroyo, the other key figures in the team include Olivier Purcell (an experienced international arbitrator), industrial risks dispute specialist Guillaume Brajeux and Iris Vögeding (who has expertise in the transport, pharmaceuticals, food and energy sectors).

Responsables de la pratique:

Pauline Arroyo

Autres avocats clés:

Guillaume Brajeux; Iris Vögeding; Olivier Purcell

Principaux clients

AXA France

AXA XL

Covea / MMA

Ergo Versicherung

Generali

Helvetia

Hiscox

Zurich

Squire Patton Boggs

The insurance and reinsurance team at Squire Patton Boggs continues to be a key player in the practice area, employing the bench strength of its global network to advise major international insurance companies and middle-market European insurance companies on a diverse spectrum of matters. Headed by Paris office managing partner Carole Sportes (who specialises in aviation law and product liability litigation) and Valérie Ravit (an expert in environmental liability claims), the group provides a comprehensive service, which extends to regulatory compliance, reinsurance and policy review matters, and professional indemnity and coverage litigation. In addition, the team assists with handling serial losses for pharmaceutical and medical device companies.

Responsables de la pratique:

Carole Sportes; Valérie Ravit

Les références

‘Squire Patton Boggs are the go-to firm for the most complex claims relating to the casualty insurance business.’

‘Valérie Ravit is the key figure in the firm and one of the most respected lawyers in the French market. One of the best insurance lawyers I have worked with in 30 years.’

ADVANT Altana

The veteran team at Paris independent law firm ADVANT Altana – which is part of the ADVANT association of European law firms – brings strength to advising major insurers (such as AXA and AIG), reinsurers, intermediaries and corporates on a wide range of matters across the practice area. Led by Gilles Gaillard (a cross-border transaction and regulated sector expert with over 20 years’ experience), Valérie Lafarge-Sarkozy (who provides expertise in business litigation and pre-litigation) and Frédéric Manin (a specialist in competition and antitrust law), the group’s full offering in the insurance sector extends to class actions, arbitration and mediation, insurance products, regulatory compliance, civil liability and damages cases, cyber-risk and M&A.

Les références

‘Quality analysis and great responsiveness.’

‘Valérie Lafarge-Sarkozy has a high level of investment in the case.’

‘The Advant Altana team is brilliant. The advice is provided in a pragmatic and always operational way.’

‘Extremely competent and very available partner. Friendly and competent team.’

‘The ADVANT Altana team is forceful. I have great confidence in them, particularly Valérie Lafarge-Sarkozy, with whom we have been working for a long time. The team’s responsiveness, endurance and creativity, and the perpetual search for solutions in the client’s favour are very much appreciated. It is also a firm that seeks to immerse itself in the culture of its client and to get to know the client well in order to offer the best service.’

Principaux clients

Aéma Groupe (MACIF / Aésio)

Ag2r la mondiale

AIG

APPN

AXA

BNP Paribas Cardif

Cardif Lux

Covéa

CNOSF

Credendo

GPSA

Groupama

Inshur BV

Klesia

Malakoff Humanis

Marsh

Matmut / Mgefi

MMA Vie Assurances Mutuelles

Tutelaire

Dentons

The Paris insurance practice at Dentons leverages the strength of its global network, which spans six continents and over 80 countries, and the experience of its team to advise top insurers, reinsurers, brokers, financial institutions and clients in the construction, transport and energy sectors on high-value, multi-jurisdictional matters. The group represents clients in high-stakes litigation and arbitration, and also assists with the review of insurance programmes, warranties and indemnities, and claims management. Frédérique de La Chapelle (the head of the firm’s European insurance practice, who has over 25 years’ experience in the area) and Paris managing partner and seasoned insurance litigator Séverine Hotellier lead the practice.

Responsables de la pratique:

Frédérique de La Chapelle; Séverine Hotellier

Les références

‘Séverine Hotellier knows our sector of activity and our requirements perfectly. She is very involved in our matters and knows the files perfectly. It is also very easy and pleasant to work with her.’

DWF (France) AARPI

The Paris insurance team of DWF (France) AARPI leverages the deep bench strength of its 30 offices worldwide and the experience of its team to advise major insurance and reinsurance companies (including QBE, Zurich, Allianz and Tokio Marine) on a diverse spectrum of matters across such sectors as construction and energy. Led by veteran insurance litigator Romain Dupeyré, the group assists with insurance coverage disputes, recovery proceedings, professional liability claims, regulatory issues, product liability and the insurance aspects of M&A deals.

Responsables de la pratique:

Romain Dupeyré

Principaux clients

Everest Re

RSA

QBE

Hiscox

Zurich

Travelers

Allianz

Tokio Marine Kiln

Newline

Starr Underwriting

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP

Harnessing the bench strength of offices across the Americas and the Asia Pacific and EMEA regions, the experienced team at the Paris office of Herbert Smith Freehills LLP advises major insurers, reinsurers and brokers (among them Generali, AXA, Swiss Re and CNP Assurances) on contentious and non-contentious matters across the insurance sector. The group’s full service extends to regulatory compliance and investigations, export pre-financing insurance, policyholder disputes, pension contracts and M&A. The practice is headed by financial dispute expert Martin Le Touzé and insurance asset management specialist Vincent Hatton, while Hubert Segain, who brings strength in crisis management matters to the table, is another key figure.

Responsables de la pratique:

Martin Le Touzé; Vincent Hatton

Autres avocats clés:

Hubert Segain; César Michel

Les références

‘Herbert Smith Freehills have always shown commitment to their work. They demonstrate great flexibility, creativity, and expertise in finding the best solutions for their client. Each member of the team is a trusted adviser who has a great deal of technical mastery and legal knowledge.’

‘Vincent Hatton is a great lawyer who is talented in the field of regulation, including in the insurance sector. His diligence, expertise, and strong skills in crafting first-class and tailor-made advice make him the best partner to collaborate with.’

‘Martin Le Touzé has great knowledge of the sector.’

Principaux clients

Allianz Trade (formerly Euler Hermes)

April

Bpifrance Assurance Export

CNP Assurances

CAIRS Assurances

Generali

Scor

Principaux dossiers

  • Advised Generali on the acquisition of La Médicale, Crédit Agricole Assurances’ insurance subsidiary for healthcare professionals.
  • Advising Generali Vie in the context of various disputes before courts.
  • Assisted Bpifrance Assurance Export with the update and modernisation of its French law-governed documentation on pre-export finance (including the master framework agreement and related notices).

Hogan Lovells (Paris) LLP

Powered by the deep bench strength of offices across the Americas and the Asia Pacific and EMEA regions, the Paris insurance team at Hogan Lovells (Paris) LLP assists major insurers and reinsurers (including Aviva, Allianz, Zurich, AXA and Chubb) and financial institutions on a wide range of transactional and regulatory matters. Led by corporate insurance authority Sébastien Gros, the group advises clients on insurance products and licensing requirements, M&A, disposal of assets, joint ventures, group reorganisations, and portfolio and business transfers. Paris and London-based Sharon Lewis, who has a strong insurance securitisation practice, and counsel Ghina Farah, who specialises in matters involving e-money and payment institutions, are also names to note.

Responsables de la pratique:

Sébastien Gros

Autres avocats clés:

Sharon Lewis; Ghina Farah

Les références

‘Very pleasant team – very professional and competent.’

‘Efficiency and availability.’

‘The team, and especially Sébastien Gros, have an extremely quick turnaround time, providing detailed and practical answers. Their industry knowledge is quite unique, especially for reinsurance matters.’

‘Sébastien Gros is truly a conductor capable of setting to music, with the help of Ghina Farah, the most complex legal scores. Beyond unparalleled technical ability in insurance matters, Sébastien and Ghina demonstrate exceptional client service and availability.’

‘One key capability is delivering in a practical manner.’

‘One of the main assets of the team is its uniformity – the quality of the work delivered by each member of the team is very high. The entire team has a perfect knowledge of the market and is able to offer solutions that are both pragmatic and innovative, while respecting budgets and deadlines.’

Principaux clients

Ag2R La Mondiale

Allianz

April

Assurant (CWI Group)

Assured Guaranty

Aviva

AXA

Chubb

CNP Assurances

Coface

Ergo

Euler Hermes

Generali

Ledger

MetLife

Munich Re

OVH Cloud

RGA

SCOR

Sompo

Zurich Eurolife

Principaux dossiers

  • Advised CNP Assurances on the acquisition of some of Aviva’s Italian life insurance businesses.
  • Advised CNP Assurances on the disposal of its Spanish subsidiary, CNP Partners de Seguros y Reaseguros SA.
  • Advised SCOR Group on the drafting and negotiation of two quota share retrocession treaties between its Irish subsidiaries and Covéa for a consideration of approximately €1bn.

Kennedys

Backed by the strength of 72 offices worldwide, the Paris team of Kennedys takes a multidisciplinary approach to advising major insurance and reinsurance companies, brokers and policyholders on contentious and non-contentious matters, including coverage disputes, claims for physical damage and loss of income, recovery actions and professional liability cases. Paris office managing partner and co-founder, and insurance and reinsurance specialist Alexis Valençon has experience in litigation and arbitration. Aurélia Cadain provides expertise in transport litigation and product liability. Nicolas Bouckaert handles insurance matters in such sectors as aerospace, real estate, manufacturing and finance.

Autres avocats clés:

Alexis Valençon; Aurélia Cadain; Nicolas Bouckaert

Les références

‘Kennedys is more than a group of offices under the same corporate banner – it is a network of individuals who understand their specialisms and industries inside and out, yet are happy to exchange knowledge collaboratively.’

‘Nicolas Bouckaert straddles the two jurisdictions of France and England and Wales like Colossus in pinstripes. For clients dealing with cross-border issues, Nicolas is the default choice.’

‘The insurance law team in Kennedys’ Paris office is very strong in providing good analysis of complex insurance law issues and timely legal advice.’

Signature Litigation AARPI

The insurance specialists in the Paris office of multinational law firm Signature Litigation AARPI have strength in advising insurers such as Allianz, QBE and Global Aerospace, financial institutions such as Société Générale, and corporates across the retail, mining and luxury goods sectors on a diverse spectrum of insurance matters. Led by founding partners Emmanuèle Lutfalla (an expert in insurance and reinsurance litigation and claims management) and Thomas Rouhette (who assists aviation industry clients with product liability and medical issues), the team offers a comprehensive service which extends to policy wording, coverage issues, industrial risk investigations, and high-value, cross-border claims related to environmental pollution and operating losses.

Responsables de la pratique:

Emmanuèle Lutfalla; Thomas Rouhette

Les références

‘The firm has good expertise in international litigation and, in particular, American law in our sector of activity. The team are available.’

Principaux clients

Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty France

Allianz IARD

HDI Canada

Katara Europe

QBE

Global Aerospace

Société Générale

Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty China

Leroy Merlin

Principaux dossiers

  • Advised Allianz on a CAD 455m case involving pollution damages in Canada.
  • Representing Société Générale in two distinct insurance coverage cases, arising from US class actions involving the so-called IBOR and gold-fixing investigations.

Tamaris Avocats

Formed in January 2021 with the arrival of Alexandra Cohen-Jonathan and a team of associates from August DebouzyTamaris Avocats is experienced in high-stakes matters, advising major insurers (among them Allianz, AXA XL and Chubb) involved in product liability disputes and corporates with industrial insurance claims across such sectors as construction, energy, IT and motor vehicles. Cohen-Jonathan also brings strength in mass claims, serial claims and professional civil liability issues (including D&O liability) to the practice. Other key figures include Victoire Boulanger, who was promoted to senior associate in July 2022, and associate Héloïse Nouvel, who assists clients with health products and compensation for personal injury.

Responsables de la pratique:

Alexandra Cohen-Jonathan

Autres avocats clés:

Victoire Boulanger; Héloïse Nouvel; Clothilde Leroux

Principaux clients

Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty

AXA XL

Chubb European Group SE

Indigo Group

Sederma

Plastic Omnium

HDI Global Specialty SE

HDI Global SE

Systra

Principaux dossiers

  • Representing Cordier and Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS) in a dispute before the Commercial Court of Bordeaux seeking damages for the incorrect bottling of organic white wine.
  • Assisting Chubb with the analysis of the insurance coverage of a French manufacturer of industrial lamps installed in a factory in the Netherlands.
  • Acting as monitoring counsel for AGCS, Alstom Transport’s insurer, in the context of two proceedings before the Paris Administrative Court, initiated by RATP and related to alleged non-compliance with contractual commitments concerning the design and manufacture of rolling stock and IT equipment.

Taylor Wessing

Backed by a global network spanning the Americas, Africa, Europe and the Middle East, the insurance group at the Paris office of Taylor Wessing employs its experience and expertise to assist major insurers and reinsurers (including Chubb, Zurich, Swiss Re, Generali and AIG) and household-name corporates with high-stakes claims across such industries as IT, aerospace, food, retail, chemicals and entertainment. The group also assists with product liability and business interruption claims, D&O liability, insurance matters in the marine sector and credit risks. The team is headed by Pierre-Olivier Leblanc, a specialist in professional indemnity claims, industrial risks and subrogation claims, and supported by cyber claim expert Marc Schuler.

Responsables de la pratique:

Pierre-Olivier Leblanc

Autres avocats clés:

Marc Schuler; Paul Berger de Gallardo

Les références

‘A dynamic team – available, responsive and extremely specialised in the field of insurance.’

‘The team is very proactive and knowledgeable about the French insurance market and the specific challenges involved in insurance litigation.’

‘Pierre-Olivier Leblanc is a remarkable individual who is very knowledgeable and with whom it is a pleasure to work.’

‘Pierre-Olivier Leblanc has a high level of technical ability and can manage crisis situations (including high-stakes international matters).’

Principaux clients

Chubb

Lubrizol

Zurich

Hiscox

Swiss Re

XL Insurance

Generali

MMA – Covéa Risks

AIG

MSIG

Munich RE

Axis Insurance

R+V Versicherung AG

Albingia

Principaux dossiers

  • Coordinating with Lubrizol’s damage and liability insurers and defending Lubrizol in all civil and commercial proceedings issued against it in relation to a factory fire.
  • Assisting Hiscox in the context of two claims reported by an insured security services provider specialising in the banking sector following bank card fraud on an international scale.
  • Assisting Hiscox with the definition of specific cover addressing real-time operating solutions based on AI with control applications in critical operating systems.

Alerion

Utilising the experience of its multidisciplinary team, the insurance practice at Paris law firm Alerion provides a comprehensive service to major insurance companies, brokers, and others insurance intermediaries and policyholders. Led by seasoned insurance litigator Philippe Mathurin, the team assists with risk management, the implementation and audit of insurance programmes, the implementation of insurance guarantees, online insurance and regulatory compliance. Nathalie Dupuy-Loup brings expertise in damage and liability insurance matters to the team. Partner Fahima Gasmi was promoted in May 2022.

Responsables de la pratique:

Philippe Mathurin; Nathalie Dupuy-Loup

Autres avocats clés:

Fahima Gasmi

Les références

‘I can testify to the quality of the team’s work in terms of competence, efficiency, availability and advice.’

Awkis

Headed by veteran litigator Anne-Sophie Pia, the experienced team at boutique Paris law firm Awkis advises major insurers involved in high-stakes financial and media matters. The group’s full service extends to risk assessment and pre-litigation and defence strategy.

Responsables de la pratique:

Anne-Sophie Pia

Les références

‘An accessible, dynamic, available, responsive and innovative team.’

‘Anne-Sophie Pia masters legal issues relating to insurance perfectly. She knows how to build a team in her image: competent, available, and friendly.’

‘The Awkis team is available and responsive. We can count on the team to assist us in the management of our most delicate cases. Their expertise is essential.’

Baro Alto

A team of dedicated partners leads the insurance group at boutique Paris law firm Baro Alto, which advises insurance companies, intermediaries and insureds on a diverse spectrum of matters across the practice area. Géraldine Brasier Porterie advises industrial companies and luxury goods, banking and financial establishments, and assists with art collection and disaster insurance coverage, and product liability, construction law and D&O liability. Caroline Joly specialises in risk management and Pierrick Jupile-Boisverd has expertise in insurance arbitration.

Responsables de la pratique:

Géraldine Brasier Porterie; Caroline Joly; Pierrick Jupile-Boisverd

Chatain & Associés

The experienced team at independent Paris law firm Chatain & Associés specialises in representing major insurers (such as Allianz, AIG, Hiscox and Generali) and their policyholders in insurance litigation, including civil liability claims. The group is led by high-risk industrial and IT claims experts Antoine Chatain and Thomas de Boysson, and Dominique Ham, who also manages matters involving new technologies.

Responsables de la pratique:

Antoine Chatain; Thomas de Boysson; Dominique Ham

Les références

‘Chatain offers quality services with a very dynamic and forceful strategic approach. The follow-up and the information provided are irreproachable and the lawyers of the firm are very available and easily reachable.’

‘Antoine Chatain, Dominique Ham and Thomas de Boysson are always proactive, especially in complex cases, and have great technical skills. They are very responsive. The arrangements are always of a high quality. I trust them completely with our business matters.’

Principaux clients

Allianz IARD

Hiscox

Generali

SNCF Fret

Altawest/ Leroux & Lotz Technologies

Monoprix

AIG

Suez

DS Avocats

Backed by the combined bench strength of 22 offices in 13 countries, the DS Avocats team in Paris advises French and international insurers and reinsurers (including Allianz and AXA XL), intermediaries, industrial groups and major corporates in the aviation sector (such as Air France) on a diverse spectrum of insurance matters. Headed by Safine Hadri, an expert in the management of industrial risk, and supported by coverage dispute specialist Benjamin Potier, the group assists with civil and product liability claims, regulatory compliance, and the development of policies and agreements, as well as complementary employee plans.

Responsables de la pratique:

Safine Hadri

Autres avocats clés:

Benjamin Potier

Les références

‘The DS Avocats insurance team brings together lawyers who provide pragmatic solutions, particularly in the context of relationships with the supervisory authorities.’

‘Safine Hadri is an available specialist who provides effective assistance in insurance law issues and dealings with the competent supervisory authorities.’

Principaux clients

Galian Assurances/Galian Courtage

ANCDGP -Refrome Du Courtage

Ornikar Assurance

Air France

Oppens Société Générale

Beazley (Lloyds)

Global Aerospace

Brachot Hermant SAS

Amtrust (Lloyds)

Orca Systemes

Wipelec

Fashion Cube

Koala

XL Insurance Company (AXA Group)

Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty

Vynova

Principaux dossiers

  • Assisted the ANCDGP, the national association of asset management consultants, in litigation before the Council of State and the Constitutional Council relating to the reform of the brokerage system.

Franklin

The dedicated industrial risk and environment group at independent Paris law firm Franklin advises insurers, as well as corporates in across the retail, luxury goods, and pharmaceuticals industries, with a client base that includes Carrefour, Group Casino and Kering. The practice also brings strength to the energy sector, assisting such key market players as Total Petrochemicals France with high-value damages claims related to fires and explosions. Headed by industrial and real estate project specialist Xavier Marchand and supported by associate Sarah Pezzana, who brings experience in the health sector to the table, the firm has a full-service offering which extends to crisis management, environmental disasters, business interruption, policy management and the management of compensation payments.

Responsables de la pratique:

Xavier Marchand

Autres avocats clés:

Sarah Pezzana

Les références

‘A competent, dynamic and very efficient team.’

‘Xavier Marchand handles many files for our company. He is always very available and attentive. His drafting is always accurate and elicits very few comments or requests for changes from us. Our company has had the opportunity to work with many law firms, but, frankly, Franklin stands out!’

Principaux clients

Bernardaud

Carrefour

Evergaz/Meridiam

Groupe Casino

GSE

Kering

Lapeyre

Mr Bricolage

Point P

Servier

Teddy Smith

Total

Urbaser

Principaux dossiers

  • Acted for Total Petrochemicals France in a case relating to an explosion at a petrochemical plant which affected the group’s supply of naphtha derivatives, resulting in operating losses of several hundred million euros.

Herald Avocats

The multidisciplinary team at Paris-based law firm Herald Avocats brings strength to advising major insurers and intermediaries on health and life insurance cases, as well as on a wide range of matters across the practice area. Led by environmental expert Christophe Bourdel, insurance dispute resolution specialist Emmanuelle Cardon and experienced real estate litigator Pierre-Yves Rossignol, the group covers construction insurance and product liability, prudential regulations, and disputes between insurers and intermediaries. Bruno Quint retired from the firm in December 2022.

Responsables de la pratique:

Christophe Bourdel; Pierre-Yves Rossignol; Emmanuelle Cardon

Les références

‘Very competent and available partners.’

HW&H

Led by experienced insurance litigator Béatrice Deshayes, the team at HW&H advises French and international groups and major insurers (including Allianz, AXA, Chubb and Zurich) on a wide spectrum of matters. Supported by multi-jurisdictional specialist and office co-founder Dominique Heintz, the group provides a full service which covers product liability, civil liability and alternative dispute resolution. The team’s expertise spans such sectors as motor vehicles, energy, electronics and transport. Michael Wolfer retired in July 2022.

Responsables de la pratique:

Béatrice Deshayes

Autres avocats clés:

Dominique Heintz

Les références

‘The firm has an excellent international presence.’

‘The HW&H team has deep know-how and a lot of experience, especially in industry-related matters. They are very responsive and reliable.’

‘Beatrice Deshayes has been very helpful in various matters, especially when they are time critical and complex.’

Principaux clients

AGCS

Allianz IARD

AXA

Chubb

Zurich

Basler

Laude Esquier Champey

Dedicated dispute resolution boutique Laude Esquier Champey brings strength to representing insurers (such as AON and CNP Assurance) and insureds (across such sectors as construction, building materials, tourism, real estate, entertainment and manufacturing) involved in disputes and conflicts with regulatory authorities, as well as a broad span of issues across the practice area. Headed by life insurance expert Richard Esquier, the group has expertise in criminal investigations, policy analysis, Covid-19 operating losses, product liability, loss of profit insurance, and complex litigation and arbitration. In June 2022, Benoit Renard, Laetitia Arzel and Pauline Daraux were all promoted to counsel.

Responsables de la pratique:

Richard Esquier

Autres avocats clés:

Benoit Renard; Laetitia Arzel; Pauline Daraux

Les références

‘Quality advice and follow-up for our litigation cases.’

‘Good availability and responsiveness.’

Principaux clients

Sunergia

Diot

Matisa

Legrand

Homevi

Cardif Lux Vie

Wealins

CNP Assurances

Lafarge

Baloise

LPA-CGR avocats

The insurance team at Paris law firm LPA-CGR avocats has experience in advising major insurers, underwriters and civil engineering, manufacturing, energy, water management and transport companies on a broad span of insurance matters. These range from policy drafting and distribution, risk management and claims analysis to insurance litigation and settlements. The multi-disciplinary practice features two dedicated sub-sections: industrial risks, led by experienced litigator Alexia Eskinazi, which tackles precautionary measures and proceedings related to damage and civil liability, and financial risks, led by professional liability expert Arnaud Molinier, which covers matters relating to the liability of financial institutions, regulated professions and directors. The team is supported by of counsel Gilles Gassenbach.

Responsables de la pratique:

Arnaud Molinier; Alexia Eskinazi

Autres avocats clés:

Gilles Gassenbach

Les références

‘Gilles Gassenbach and Alexia Eskinazi are longstanding business partners for us, whom we appreciate for their accuracy, their responsiveness, their knowledge of our businesses, and their results.’

‘Very good team, with a very good approach to the problems encountered by our companies. The advice is sound and litigation is avoided when possible.’

‘Alexia Eskinazi comes up with strong recommendations, is clear in her analysis and the proposal of strategy, and has the ability to anticipate issues.’

‘Very in-depth knowledge of technical subjects. Responsiveness. Ability to work on cross-cutting issues with several departments of the firm.’

‘Excellent knowledge of legislation and case law. Teams are highly available. Ability to respond within short deadlines.’

‘The team I work with at LPA-CGR has particularly specialised skills in the field of liability and insurance and environmental law, reinforced by a very good knowledge of the energy services business, which is very valuable to me.’

‘Alexia Eskinazi has a good approach to our issues and cases. She comes up with a proper strategy and does not immediately turn to litigation. She advises us very well and very astutely, and allows us to approach our problems calmly.’

Principaux clients

Arcelor Mittal

Dalkia

Eiffage Energie

Lavera Energies

Lineas

Sonnedix

Transdev

Veolia

Voltalia

Norton Rose Fulbright

The insurance practice at the Paris office of Norton Rose Fulbright utilises the experience of its team to advise major banks, private equity firms, insurers and reinsurers on a wide spectrum of insurance issues, with a client base that includes BNP Paribas, Bridgepoint, Allianz and AIG. The group offers a full service, which extends to the structuring and setting-up of insurance entities (both insurance undertakings and mediation companies), regulatory permissions, outsourcing agreements and compliance reviews. Insurance sector expert Bénédicte Denis, who specialises in cross-border M&A, leads the team, with support from Christian Dargham, a specialist in alternative dispute resolution and arbitration.

Responsables de la pratique:

Bénédicte Denis

Autres avocats clés:

Christian Dargham

Principaux clients

Allianz SE

Allianz Partners

Apicil Group

Covéa

Bridgepoint

Europ Assistance

AIG

AmTrust

CNA Hardy

La Mondiale Europartner SA

BNP Paribas Cardif

PBA LEGAL

Led by experienced insurance litigators Catherine Popineau-Dehaullon and Stéphane Lataste, the team at boutique Paris firm PBA LEGAL provides advice to major insurers and reinsurers (including Chubb, Allianz, Swiss Re and QBE) on a diverse spectrum of matters across the practice area. The group’s comprehensive service extends to regulatory compliance, coverage disputes, fraud-related litigation, product and industrial liability, arbitration, accidents and complex jurisdictional disputes.

Responsables de la pratique:

Catherine Popineau-Dehaullon; Stéphane Lataste

Les références

‘Particular strengths of this team include a high level of competence in the field of product liability and very quick feedback.’

‘Catherine Popineau-Dehaullon stands out for her leadership.’

Principaux clients

MIC Insurance

Chubb European Group SE

MMA

Allianz

QBE

Galian Assurances

Generali

XL Catlin

Swiss Re

Great Northern Insurance Company

Assurances Pilliot

Zurich Insurance

AON France

Preel Hecquet Payet-Godel PHPG Avocats

Leveraging the experience of its team, the insurance group at Paris law firm Preel Hecquet Payet-Godel PHPG Avocats advises major insurers and policyholders operating in the industrial sector. The practice is headed by firm co-founders Françoise Hecquet and Jean-Baptiste Payet-Godel, who specialise in civil liability and construction matters, insurance and banking expert Charlotte Roger and Romain Bruillard, who coordinates training sessions offered by the firm.

Responsables de la pratique:

Françoise Hecquet; Jean-Baptiste Payet-Godel; Charlotte Roger; Romain Bruillard

Les références

‘PHPG has an excellent insurance practice, especially industrial risks insurance, general third-party insurance and product liability insurance. Their expertise is unique and can help clients to resolve complex insurance claims involving technical and financial matters.’

‘Françoise Hecquet has vast experience in the field of insurance and can effectively defend the client against insurance claims with her deep knowledge of the market and the law. She can formulate the best legal strategy for disputes under insurance policies, which delivers successful results for clients.’

SORBA PAYRAU

Led by Emmanuelle Payrau, an expert in regulatory and compliance matters, the team at boutique Paris firm SORBA PAYRAU advises insurers, asset managers and corporates in the construction, pharmaceutical, automobiles, manufacturing and hospitality sectors, including Groupe La Française, Vinci and Ipsen, on broad range of contentious and non-contentious insurance matters. These include business interruption events, professional liability claims and serial damage matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Emmanuelle Payrau

Les références

‘The Sorba Payrau team treats each case rigorously and thoroughly in order to find the best defence strategies for its clients. As a result, we often turn to them for our most complex, high-stakes cases. We know that Emmanuelle Payrau will take the necessary time to understand the issues and find the most appropriate solutions. She is reassuring and allows us to remain calm, including in relation to our most important cases. It is rare to have a partner who is so available and has such good knowledge of the case.’

‘Efficient and well-considered handling of insurance litigation.’

‘We had a good experience of working with Emmanuelle Payrau.’

Principaux clients

AEW

Groupe La Française

Ipsen

Vinci Group

Principaux dossiers

  • Acting for a global leader in the trade of agricultural products in an insurance dispute in which the client is seeking compensation for pecuniary losses incurred following the recovery of export refunds and subsidies paid in accordance with EU regulations.
  • Acting for several Vinci Group companies in an insurance dispute in which the clients are claiming compensation for repairs that had to be made to a maritime structure that suffered significant damage during construction.
  • Advising a leading France-based restaurant group on seeking compensation for operating losses that it suffered due to the closing of several dozen restaurants following the lockdown put in place by the government during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Stephenson Harwood

The team at the Paris office of Stephenson Harwood employs the bench strength of eight offices across Asia, Europe and the Middle East to handle litigation proceedings for major insurance companies, overseas cargo carriers, maritime shipping companies and corporates across such sectors as mining, energy, chemicals and waste management, counting RSA and Maersk among its clients. Headed by Nicolas Demigneux, the group has expertise in professional and product liability matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Nicolas Demigneux

Les références

‘I have been working with the team for a long time, and they know my needs and requirements perfectly. We receive quick responses from them.’

Principaux clients

Atalian

Lion Air Airline

Ciel Voyage

Transportation Partners

The Hartford (formerly Navigators)

Talbot Underwriting

Hiscox MGA Ltd.

JDA – Joseph Dirand Architecture

Louis Dreyfus Armateurs SAS

LD Ports & Logistics PTE Ltd.

Maersk Line A/S

Qatar Museums Authority

RSA Insurance Group PLC, RSA France and RSA Luxembourg

SK Geo Centric Co. Ltd.

Suez Group/SAS Degrémont France

Principaux dossiers

  • Advising the insurers of a European leader in naval defence in coverage discussions with the lead underwriter, the broker and the insured following a fire that destroyed part of a nuclear attack submarine.
  • Representing Degrémont, a subsidiary of utility corporate Suez, before the Paris Commercial Court in a dispute with various sub-contractors, including Cegelec/Vinci, in relation to the construction of a water treatment plant.
  • Advising the underwriters on a marine yacht insurance policy following a fire that damaged a superyacht while undergoing refurbishment.