The ‘consistently excellent’ team at Clyde & Co boasts one of the largest professional negligence teams in London, and has grown in size and strength further as a result of its merger with BLM in mid-2022. The firm has a strong background in defending complex cases, representing all magic law firms, most top thirty law firms, the ‘Big Four’ accountancy firms, seven of the top firms of property consultants, and many of the top contractors. Their professional service goes beyond the domestic scale, with lawyers focused on professional liability on every continent. Sarah Clover  has specialised in lawyers’ professional liability claims for over thirty years and has been involved in some of the most high-profile claims against law firms, often described as the ‘first point of contact‘ for the large City law firms. ‘Grand master’ Richard Moody specialises in the defence of construction professional indemnity claims and related insurance disputes and is regarded as one of the go-to practitioners in the country. ‘Stand out’ partner Richard Harrison heads up the lawyers’ professional liability sub-group. 'Experienced' partner James Roberts heads the accountants’ liability, regulatory and disciplinary group and has a thriving practice acting for all six of the largest accountancy and audit firms in the UK and their global networks. Jonathan Brown is an expert in defending construction professional liability claims, with a focus on D&C contractors across a wide spectrum of claims, including defending post Grenfell claims arising from non-compliant cladding. Bryn Hodges  advises on a wide range of complex construction and property professionals, routinely acting for the top ten UK construction companies. Helen Rowlands focuses on complex and high value claims against magic circle and other international law firms, from issues ranging from structured finance to malpractice claims. Legal director Tabitta Van Nouhuys is a name to watch, while on the ex-BLM side Elliot Pound  and Alexander Traill  are key partners, acting for a wide variety of professionals.

Beale & Co is a specialist construction and insurance boutique which is well-positioned to cater to professional indemnity insurers and construction professionals, with an active practice across the legal, architectural and financial services sectors. Ross Baker and Martin Jensen, who both joined the firm in 2022 from BLM, have a track record of advising clients in the financial sector and defending claims against solicitors and property agents. Chairman Antony Smith continues to work for clients in the construction sector, both in the UK and abroad. Associate Jenny Jeapes is a name to watch.

CMS defends a large number of leading financial institutions, construction, broker and law firms on both insured and uninsured matters. They have a strong contentious practice in non-marine insurers, reinsurers and insurance brokers. Clients benefit from their associated firm network, allowing specialist local insurance lawyers to work worldwide in multiple jurisdictions. Ed Foss is head of the Insurance and Reinsurance Group, and has experience ranging from defending insurance brokers to litigation broker’s liability issues. Martin Fox specialises in construction professional negligence claims for consulting engineers, architects and other construction professionals.  He was the lead in the Faithful and Gould case, whereby he defended them in a high-profile and widely publicised claim by Camden Borough Council against Rydon and others. Monica Lesny has built her practice in defending contractors in all risk insurance work, as well as complex coverage and fraud issues.  Amy Ramsay is a name to watch for her work acting for a firm of solicitors and their insurers in relation to a large and complex fraud perpetrated by a Partner and employee of the firm.

The ‘outstanding‘ team at DAC Beachcroft LLP handles a large variety of cases, defending against claims in the core areas of professional negligence, as well as cyber and data claims, which Hans Allnutt leads on. Liam O'Connell advises clients in respect of major multi-party and cross-border disputes relating to a range of issues, from D&O claims to advising insurers in the contingency market. Mark Roach specialises in complex construction and engineering professional negligence claims. Ross Risby defends claims against a range of professionals, including solicitors and insurance brokers, with key clients including the Bar Mutual Indemnity Fund and Markel.

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP is well-known for its strong international disputes practice both in the UK and globally, acting for large and respected organisations worldwide. The firm's professional liability capabilities have been recently bolstered by the arrival of experienced practitioner William Glassey from Mayer Brown International LLP. The firm is experienced in insurance and financial professional negligence matters, and are seen as one of the go-to advisers for complex and high value claims that large financial institutions face. Paul Lewis is recognised for his expertise in disputes involving solicitors, insurance brokers and pensions advisers, while ‘outstanding legal mind’ Sarah McNally works on the firm's most complex insurance matters. Newly promoted partner Antonia Pegden is another key member of the team.

HFW‘s team has well-established expertise in financial and construction professional negligence, and is regularly instructed by the world’s largest insurance and reinsurance brokers across the globe, also acting for selected claimants as well as its core defendant work. Christopher Foster heads the insurance team - his 'knowledge of relevant caselaw is second to none, and he is refreshingly hands on for a partner'. Christopher Cardona specialises in dispute resolution in the insurance and reinsurance sector, while consultant Andrew Bandurka is 'highly experienced and dedicated to getting the right result for the client'. Jonathan Bruce is known for his international work in the energy and marine insurance sectors.

Hogan Lovells International LLP is home to a ‘very thorough and pro-active team’, with specialists in pensions professional negligence disputes, as well as legal and financial professional negligence, advising both law firms and those bringing claims against law firms. The team draws on the wider firm's expansive global network, allowing them to effectively handle multi-jurisdictional cases. Nicholas Heaton leads the team - his experience involves substantial liability claims against professionals including solicitors, actuaries, consultants and accountants. Angela Dimsdale Gill‘s expertise is within the pensions sector, with a history of advising claimants and defendants. Matthew Bullen  and counsel Nathan Sherlock  are other notable team members.

The team at Kennedys is well-regarded for its work across all core areas of professional negligence, providing 'an all-round excellent client service'. The firm routinely defends claims against insurance brokers, including substantial Covid-19 related disputes, receiving instructions from a variety of large international law firms, and defending financial professionals. Jeremy Riley leads the team; he has a strong practice in defending construction claims and legal and financial professionals. Paul Carter has expertise in advising reinsurers on claims regarding major losses. Paul Castellani specialises in defending legal and technology professionals, often handling cases involving multiple parties. David Robinson is a name to watch for his extensive expertise in handling complex claims against legal professionals as well as advising insurers.

Mayer Brown International LLP's team 'has the people and expertise to deal with the most complex litigation' handling cases spanning  sectors including construction, legal, accountancy and real estate. The team is led by Jim Oulton and Michael Regan . Oulton, 'one of the grandees of the professional negligence world' is well known for his work for insolvency practitioners, accountants, lawyers and auditors, whereas Regan, who leads the construction and engineering group, is a 'highly experienced and ultra-calm operator; unflappable in a crisis'. Highly regarded former London managing partner Sally Davies has deep experience handling high level construction and insurance claims, while Jonathan Stone is another key name.

Norton Rose Fulbright's team 'combine a high degree of legal expertise, litigation strategy and good commercial judgement'. Its lawyers handle high value claims, with a focus on the financial services and insurance sectors. The London team is able to draw on substantial support from the wider firm's vast global network, which spans Europe, the US, Asia, Australia, Canada, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America. Katie Stephen, ‘undoubtedly one of the best financial service practitioners in the City‘ and Michelle George, with over thirty years’ experience, regularly handle high value and complex commercial cases. Mike George is seen as 'a real rising star for the future.'

RPC fields an impressive professional negligence team covering all core areas, from construction and legal to financial, as well as a well-regarded practice in cyber and technology professional negligence claims. The firm 'deals with the most substantial cases with great experience and depth' defending high-stakes claims against national and international financial institutions, acting for leading international law firms, Big Four accountancy firms and construction specialists from contractors to engineers. Nick Bird is 'a delight to work with and has an amazing tactical brain', while Karen Morrish acts for accountants, lawyers and brokers in complex disputes, often involving top 30 law firms. Tim Bull is an expert in defending a wide range of clients, from solicitors to offshore financial and corporate service providers. Recently promoted partner Ben Gold is another key name, leading on a number of cases, while Michael Newham has recently joined from Mayer Brown International LLP; he defends claims and regulatory investigations against a range of financial professionals.

Simmons & Simmons is 'well equipped to handle the most demanding of cases' across the professional services, financial and construction sectors. Recent areas of focus have included cladding claims arising on the back of the Grenfell Inquiry. James Pollock's practice focuses on defending solicitors, construction professionals and brokers in complex claims - he is 'hugely respected in this sector.' Disputes head Emily Monastiriotis is seen as 'one of the most dynamic partners operating in this sector', while former senior partner Colin Passmore  continues to work with the team, advising high-profile clients on select matters.

Taylor Wessing LLP has built a strong reputation for its expertise in accontancy professional negligence, with 'a depth of knowledge of the reality of auditing beyond any other London litigation team.' The firm also handles high profile claims across financial, legal and construction professional negligence. Andrew Howell, 'an intelligent, careful partner, who is sensitive to client priorities' acts on disputes involving accountants, auditors, tax advisers, valuers, architects, surveyors, solicitors and investment advisers. Howell and Julian Randall have acted on some of the most high profile audit negligence cases in recent years. Stuart Broom is a highly intelligent junior partner, while senior associate Stephanie High is a name to watch.

The ‘brilliant team’ at DWF has a strong reputation for its breadth of knowledge and technical expertise within the professional negligence sphere. The firm is regularly instructed on multi-party and high value disputes on behalf of solicitors, surveyors and construction professionals. John Bennett  is known for his work in solicitor’s negligence. Harriet Quiney has expertise concerning regulatory investigations involving financial professionals. Lucy Tolond recently joined the London team from BLM, bringing a strong reputation as a robust litigator.

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP defend high value claims and advises on regulatory investigations involving accountants, insurance brokers and pensions advisors. Simon Brooks  is skilled in high value, complex claims, defending legal, financial and construction professionals. Claire Carroll  defends claims brought against pensions professionals, trustees and advisers. Jennifer Miles, meanwhile, led the firm's team which reached a settlement on behalf of a former KPMG audit director who had faced an investigation and enforcement proceedings brought by the Financial Reporting Counsel.

Keoghs LLP works across the legal, property, construction and electrical sectors, handling coverage matters and cyber insurance claims. The firm is known for having 'a good mix of people with different specialisms' providing 'clear and succinct advice.'  Neil Trayhurn leads the team, with over twenty-five years’ experience in defending claims against professionals. Other notable members of the team include Dragos Stoica, Andrew Schütte, who is known for his ‘exceptional technical ability‘, and Connie Cobb, who focuses on the construction and electrical sectors.

Mills & Reeve LLP has an experienced team which defends claims against construction, legal and financial professionals. The practice is led by Neil Davis  and Nicolas Oldham. Whilst Oldham heads up the construction and engineering risk practice, Davis leads the technology and cyber team. Lisa Taylor works alongside Tom Filby, defending complex claims against legal and financial professionals. Principal associate Claire Roake is a name to watch due to her focus in defending claims against solicitors, pensions advisers, IFAs, professional trustees and actuaries.

Pinsent Masons LLP offers a full-service negligence offering for both claimants and defendants. The firm’s strength lies within the financial services sector, with notable expertise in pensions negligence work. The team also caters for construction disputes, including cases over defective cladding. The team also benefits from wider in-house capabilities, including a advocacy unit, e-Data advisors and legal project managers to help clients save time and additional costs. Isabel Nurse-Marsh  is the head of the pensions litigation team, with a track record of working with law firms that have been sued. Michael Fletcher regularly handles the highest value and complex matters, with expertise in solicitors’ negligence claims. Stuart McNeill regularly acts in cases involving domestic and international banking clients.

Reed Smith LLP fields an experienced, international professional negligence team handling cases in the financial services, legal and insurance sectors. The firm is focused on sophisticated and cross-border work, dealing with clients’ most sensitive matters, handling work for clients such as the ‘Big Four’ accountancy firms. Former co-head JJane Howard left the practice in May 2023.

Stephenson Harwood handles both claimant and defendant based work and is known for its 'unrivalled expertise and experience in defending professional negligence claims in the context of pension schemes and private trusts'. The firm regularly sees itself in cases involving the 'Big Four' accountancy firms and other global financial institutions. Roland Foord is the firm's senior partner; he has extensive experience acting for and against professional services firms. Helena Berman has over twenty-five years experience in cases involving financial institutions, professional service consultancies, lawyers and regulatory bodies. Of counsel Paul Hollands is a name to watch.

TLT's 'commercial and pragmatic' London professional negligence team is led by Peter Richards-Gaskin  and forms part of the firm's nationwide practice. Dedicated to working for financial institution claimants, the team focuses on retail, commercial and wholesale banking litigation including cases concerning mis-selling, negligent advice and fraud. Andrew Lyon is head of the financial services sector, while other key names include legal directors Nick Curling and  Claire Kershaw.

Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP 's national insurance disputes team, which includes lawyers in London, Bristol and Southampton, is led by Sushma MacGeoch  - she is 'a tenacious litigator, who instils confidence in her team and fights ferociously to achieve the best outcome for the client.' Hannah Cane is head of construction insurance, while David Clark is head of claims handling. Simon Beckwith is another key name, with 'the strategic skills of a chess grandmaster in plotting his clients' cases.'

Browne Jacobson LLP has a strong national team which defends claims against a range of professionals including legal professionals, accountants, surveyors/valuers, actuaries and architects. Team head Ed Anderson  has twenty-five years experience in defending claims, specialising in complex claims in areas such as tax and pensions. ‘Standout partner’ Jonathan Newbold who is based in Nottingham, is head of financial services and insurance. Tim Claremont  leads the construction and engineering team, and has broad experience advising on both domestic and international claims.

Burges Salmon LLP has a primarily claimant-focused practice, covering a range of areas of professional negligence including claims concerning pensions, lawyers and surveyors. The team has of late seen a surge in claims in relation professional advice during the Covid-19 pandemic. Andrew Burnette is the head of the practice, specialising in claims against solicitors, surveyors, auditors and financial services professionals – he splits his time between London and Bristol. Justin Briggs has a track record of work on pensions claims.

London firm Edwin Coe LLP is known for dealing with claims against insurance brokers - the team's experience is described as 'unrivalled in the industry'. The team focuses on acting for claimants against insurance companies and brokers’ PI insurers. Roger Franklin is the head of insurance litigation - he is a 'hugely experienced partner with a busy and impressive caseload. Nicola Maher  also pursues claims against insurance brokers, but also has an interest in relation to cyber insurance cover. Oliver Pannell is a name to watch for his interest in issues related to cladding.

The 'exceptionally thoughtful' team at Fieldfisher handles complex disputes in both the claimant and defendant arenas. Aymen Khoury is experienced in contractual disputes - he has a strong international practice with a focus on the Middle East, and is praised for his 'inspirational leadership'. Owen Talfan Davies specialises in professional negligence related to real estate and energy. Matthew Sharp is a name to watch for his claimant based work relating to tax.

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP is focused on group action claims against solicitors and on claims for and against construction professionals. The professional negligence team is led by David Niven, working alongside David O’Brien. Niven acts for claimants in high value, multi-party actions against solicitors and other professionals, while O'Brien - 'a standout performer' - specialises in complex commercial and financial disputes. Senior associate Nicole Blakey is described as 'a star, fantastic to work with - very clever but also approachable and kind.'

Weightmans LLP is active in defending claims in the construction, cyber and financial services sectors. The firm has been heavily involved in defending a large number of cladding-related claims post-Grenfell on behalf of construction professionals. Quentin Fox acts on behalf of insurers and has over thirty years experience in the field. James Denison has a focus on the financial services and construction industries. Legal director Eleanor Kilner  is regarded for her work in niche areas of professional negligence including auctioneers, matrimonial and interior design.

Withers LLP advises clients bringing complex claims against a wide range of professionals, including lawyers, accountants, tax advisors, architects, real estate professionals, engineers, physicians and hospitals, handling both claimant and defendant work. Eleni Polycarpou leads the team, having built a diverse practice acting for various claimants and defendants, especially in the legal and financial realm. Roberto Moruzzi  has over thirty years experience dealing with professional negligence claims, and has been instrumental in building the firm's UK/Italian practice. Senior associate Joshua Swift is a name to watch.

'Amazing' boutique firm Carter Perry Bailey LLP is known for being 'absolutely first rate on insurance and reinsurance and professional negligence'. The firm prides itself on its high partner to staff ratio in comparison to larger firms, and clients 'can be sure their case will be given the attention it requires by someone who really understands the issues'. Firm founder Stephen Carter leads the team; he works with 'true star' Mark Aizlewood, who has expertise in claims against solicitors, valuers, construction and finance professionals. Fellow founder Bernadette Bailey has expertise in international direct insurance claims, including public and employers’ liability.

Hamlins LLP‘s professional negligence team has experience acting both for and against professionals in sectors including legal, financial and construction. Sarah Finch focuses on property matters, advising on real estate professional negligence claims. Amanda Burge departed to join Hill Dickinson LLP in July 2023.

The ‘talented and experienced’ team at Stewarts Law LLP have a specialised practice focused on tax based professional negligence, and has advised on several high profile tax professional negligence actions, including the high-profile Ingenious litigation relating to film finance schemes. Founder of the department David Pickstone represents both high net worth individuals and corporates; he is known for being 'extremely good at conveying complex legal issues in ways that laymen can understand.' He works alongside James Le Gallais, who 'combines a particularly astute legal brain with hard-edged commerciality' and senior associate Alex Lerner.

Duncan Lewis Solicitors handles a variety of complex claims, with a focus on supporting vulnerable clients in cases of solicitors negligence. The firm also acts in claims against legal, construction and engineering and financial professionals. Sobashni De Silva has over fifteen years' experience of representing a diverse clientele in a range of claims, while Anthony Okumah  also has expertise in claims against legal and financial professionals.

Healys LLP has an established practice focused on claimant based work, covering legal, financial and construction professional negligence. Team head Robert Johnson, who has now been at the firm for over 17 years, has a wide range of experience dealing with claims against solicitors, barristers and litigation funders. David Bailey has a good track record acting for claimants against legal and financial professionals.