Clyde & Co acts for insurers in defence of a large range of different professionals, leveraging the resources of the wider national firm to handle complex and demanding claims. Anthony Brown heads the Leeds-based practice, working primarily in defence of solicitors and accountants, but also possessing more broad capabilities handling claims against other professionals such as insurance brokers and property agents.

DAC Beachcroft LLP acts for all of the main professional indemnity insurers, with proven capabilities assisting solicitors, property professionals, financial institutions, insurance brokers, and construction specialists; the firm has also worked across disputes relating to coverage for property damage and D&O claims, in addition to advising on policy wording for a range of insurance products. The large team has a range of competences, with practice head Duncan Greenwood working with London market insurers and large corporates; Andrew Marsh specialising in construction litigation; Suzanne Wharton leading in respect of accountant and solicitor liability, and Laura Clayburn covering all aspects of construction.

DLA Piper advises major financial institutions on the management of complex and high-profile claims brought against them, in addition to assisting the same clients as claimants; the firm has expanded its offering by taking instruction on claims related to fintech, cybersecurity and APP fraud. The Leeds-based practice is led by Adam Ibrahim, who employs his extensive experience in financial services to represent clearing banks and building societies in significant class actions. Also of note are Hugh Evans, well regarded for his market-leading expertise in professional negligence in the finance space; Chris Harvey, focussing on disputes; and Sohali Ali, experienced in litigation and arbitration.

DWF has the capacity to provide a full-service offering with respect to representing a wide range of professionals, working with all of the major insurers to defend claims against solicitors, accountants, insurance brokers, construction professionals, architects, surveyors, and media and IT professionals. The firm is well established in the region, and the team has the benefit of a number of secondments with major local clients. The team in Leeds is led by Matthew Reynolds, who is particularly active in defamation and data breach claims, and has significant experience in mediation in this space. Grant Walker focuses on claims against solicitors and construction professionals, the latter also being a specialism of Malcolm Rogers.

Mills & Reeve LLP is regularly instructed by major insurers to defend claims, with a particular focus on mandates revolving around legal professionals; the ‘technically very strong‘ team is also active in relation to the construction sector, finance professionals, and insurers’ own liabilities, the team being able to draw on the wider firm’s strengths in family, construction, and tax to advise on the liabilities of this diverse client base. Neil Howes heads the Leeds-based practice, with an established track record for defending solicitors and barristers and developing experience in the construction and technology spaces. Liam Burnett and associate Giverny Wroe are likewise recommended.

Walker Morris LLP draws on the expert teams of its commercial dispute resolution, construction and infrastructure, and banking litigation practices to provide sector-specific expertise in its handling of professional negligence claims. Gwendoline Davies heads up the commercial dispute resolution team, with experience bringing claims against accountants, trustees, and other professionals, where she works alongside Nick Lees and Malcolm Simpson. Paul Hargreaves, Martin Scott and senior director Sue Harris handle matters relating to engineering and construction, with a strong track record in claims against professionals involved in the development and sale of major projects. Richard Sandford, Louise Power and Rob Payne work on claims arising against professionals in the finance space.

3volution Limited acts in a number of diverse sectors, but has a particular focus on the pensions and the energy industries. Practice head Tim Stone handles a wide range of claims, and brings his substantial expertise to the firm’s pensions-related disputes and has been involved in a number of landmark cases in the sector. Associate Jessica Bennett is noted for her sector specialism in energy, and handles a range of disputes against energy brokers.

Addleshaw Goddard works across banking, construction and general commercial litigation, with a growing focus on cladding and fire safety targeted at high-value claims for residential, office, leisure and healthcare buildings. Sally Emerton heads the finance litigation department from Leeds, working on some of the most significant banking mandates in the region; she regularly works with Ben Lowans, with claims by lenders against solicitors in real estate finance being an area of particular focus. Bill Gilliam leads the practice’s work for commercial clients outside of the finance sector, specialising in major project disputes and claims arising from the sale and purchase of businesses. Joe Wilkinson is noted for his extensive experience in the handling of construction and engineering disputes, specifically in relation to issues with designs and defects. Legal director Sandip Singh is also recommended.

Keystone Law handles the full range of professional negligence claims, drawing upon the resources of the wider national firm to provide an offering across a range of industries and professions. Jonathan Watmough brings his valuable experience and insights from his time as a defendant lawyer for a number of the leading insurers to the claims pursued by businesses and individuals. He works alongside consultant solicitor Sharon Duncan, who has experience acting in claims against solicitors, valuers, surveyors, insurance brokers, and accountants.

LCF Law represents both claimants and defendants in respect of professional negligence claims, with financial services and related mandates being a particular area of focus. Practice head Charles Abraham operates out of Leeds, and is noted for his work in relation to tax advice. Bradford-based Ragan Montgomery regularly handles negligence claims arising out of trusts and inheritance disputes.