State of the market

Since the global financial crisis has hit closer to home, there has been significant discussion among lawyers about whether insurance practices need to diversify and the possibility of change in both the regulatory framework and the claims environment.

While some mid-tier firms describe their ride in the claims environment as 'tough', Colin Biggers & Paisley (CBP) partner Gavin Creighton believes the worst of the global downturn is yet to come. "Although there is talk of anticipated claims spikes in some lines of insurance businesses, we have yet to see this reflected in litigated claims. I don't think claims volumes are going to pick up significantly in the short term, rather a gradual increase in certain claim types for the next 12-18 months," he says.

Other firms have observed the claims environment to be "relatively static". Gilchrist Connell managing principal Richard Wood says the market has been fairly "resilient" in the face of personal injury law reform, with a consistent level of claims.

Wotton + Kearney, on the other hand, has enjoyed a strong year. Partner Andrew Moore says claims have increased in size and complexity. Most of them have arisen from financial collapses, often involving sophisticated structures and needing to be 'unwound' to determine where liability or loss lies. It also seems that diversified insurance practices continue to attract clients, both for the number of underwriters serviced and the breadth of service the firm can provide. "I think such firms are in a fortunate position in that they can provide a broad range of advice, from financial services regulation and policy advice, to claims litigation and general risk management," Creighton says.

There has been discussion that the tide could turn in the insurance law market, and notifications in relation to directors and officers (D&O) and professional liability could help trigger such growth. Firms are expecting more claims involving allegations of non-disclosure, breaches of duties by D&O and more allegations of breaches of professional duties.

Blake Dawson partner Rehana Box agrees that there has been a significant increase in the size of claims and notifications of potential claims in the past 12 months. She points out her current work in the financial industry involves administrators, liquidators and other clients operating in investment services or other sectors with public offerings. "One of the largest D&O liabilities in Australia to date arose in the Aristocrat matter in 2008, where the settlement was about A$140m. Both the size of D&O claims and limits for D&O policies are rising," she adds.

Moore also believes that notifications of potential claims to insurers have increased, particularly those relating to financial and professional advisors. "There's often a tendency to search for a scapegoat when things go badly," he states.

While some insurers have become increasingly discerning about instructing lawyers and differentiating between rates they pay, they have become less concerned about rates for professional indemnity and other complex claims. "They are willing to pay more for specialised advice on complex areas of law. Insurers are differentiating between general negligence and complex commercial disputes, involving allegations of breaches of director duties. It's a positive development and a mature approach," Box says.

Litigation is also expected to remain strong, since both insurers and creditors have become increasingly conscious about recovering losses as the economy turns sour. The emergence of litigation funders, such as IMF Australia, has also encouraged this trend, and facilitated shareholder class actions. The current environment, combined with greater amounts to recover as policy limits increase, makes it more attractive for clients to pursue litigated recoveries.

These recent developments are expected to bring a good line of business, with litigated claims set to increase significantly for the next 18 months. "We're mostly advising on notifications and investigations that will, in many cases, move on to litigation. I am confident that we will be busy for the next few years," Box adds.

By comparison, in New Zealand, insurance companies have not suffered so badly from the financial crisis. Kensington Swan partner Catriona Grover points out that Kiwis are still "serious" about their income protection cover. "Insurers still have a lot of business, because Kiwis aren't afraid of paying their premiums. As a result there's a lot of product development work on offer for firms. Insurers' main concern at the moment is pricing them correctly," she says.

In contrast to their Australian counterparts, however, Kiwi insurers are "very reluctant" to take matters before the court. Grover believes that it is more commercial for them to settle matters out of court. As a result, most of her work has been based around tweaking definitions for product development and keeping up with the "top product range". Significant policy amendment continues to bring ongoing work, as Kiwi legislation for the duty of disclosure and human rights differs to Australian law in some degree.

The John Key government's move to reintroduce the country's Work Injury Account has brought firms insurance-related enquiries, and Grover is advising at least three major insurers about changes that will see New Zealand's monopolistic workplace accident insurance market open to multiple insurers. "We see work flows in the general insurance area and life and disability, since accident insurance is more akin to disability insurance. Trustee companies are also interested in gaining advice on whether they should be lobbying as, in the former model, they used to be independent regulators," she says.

At the moment many New Zealand insurers have an Australian parent company and Grover believes that more competition would prompt insurers to reconsider whether they need to open a locally incorporated company. "Advocates against the opening of accident insurance to private insurance warn of premiums flowing to foreign countries like Australia," she says.

And, employers would also seek advice on whether they should move from state-owned Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) to a private provider. No timeframe is set for the changes, but Grover believes that ACC's recent cost blow-out could give the Key government some leverage. "As the market has crashed and ACC's chairman was dismissed, I would expect the government to begin introducing a new regime before the end of the year," she says.

SYDNEY

New South Wales insurance practices, by and large, have been the busiest in the nation and received most of the work. One client commented that some Sydney lawyers tended to be thorough to the point of providing "superfluous" information and even answering questions raised previously. Another client felt that firms could improve their service by ensuring that 'sub-teams' working on a large deal coordinated well together. Others felt that firms could 'beef up' their teams when faced with busier workloads.

Wotton + Kearney was highly praised as the "best all-round firm" for insurance, offering excellent expertise in policy coverage, interpretation, professional indemnity, liability and general insurance. Overall the firm "took heed" of client requirements and gave service in line with the standards and values expected of them.
David Kearney was chosen for his depth of expertise - not only in law but also in finance - having acted against accountants, brokers and engineers. Clients had no problems approaching him because he gave good service, had knowledge of the law and a "high degree" of technical competence; a commitment to deadlines and the ability to cooperate with clients to find solutions.
Phillip Wotton was described as outstanding and the "best in his field", providing thorough and no-fuss advice, with the ability to steer clients clear of trouble early in the process.
Both Adam Chylek and Andrew Moore were good operators, and competent, realistic and commercial
in their legal advice. They also responded to client requests in a prompt, logical manner.
Belinda Henningham was practical and good at liability matters; known as having a strong team and helping clients minimise their legal costs.

Henry Davis York "knew their stuff" for insurance litigation, one client said. The firm was efficient, well-regarded and always "to the point", cost-effective and competitive for legal advice. A number of HDY's major clients preferred it over larger law firms, because of its "no-nonsense", direct approach to dealing with issues.
Ian Enright was practical, hands-on and experienced in insurance law, and often involved with boards of various insurers - giving him a good "business-operational" perspective. Rebecca Whittle left clients with a positive experience, as her approach was "top class", pragmatic, concise and to the point.
Mark Kimberley was known to have acted for major insurance players and was the "go-to man" for portfolio work. John Martin was mentioned for scheme of arrangement work.

DLA Phillips Fox was rated as a top law firm by clients in the insurance sector. They valued its client service, and commercially-minded and strategic legal advice. Peter tredinnick was "right up there" for advising financial directors and complex financial institutions. He was a good operator, delivering a great working product, and praised as having over 25 years' experience. Lindsay Joyce was mentioned for his claim work, Joanna Apostolopoulos was good for work-cover matters and Andrew Sharpe was known for professional indemnity in the property market. Kerry Hogan-Ross handled medical malpractice claims, and both Michael Down and Robert Crittenden were mentioned for general liability. Last but not least, Michael White was mentioned for his building and construction-related indemnity work.
Looked upon fondly for its "personable" service, TurksLegal was also mentioned for its insurance litigation work and value-added service. One client remarked that the firm stands out from the rest for not just giving "run-of-the-mill" advice. It is also involved in the insurance industry, providing seminars for many longstanding clients.
Lisa norris was easy to deal with and good at explaining issues surrounding insurance legislation; John Myatt had a broad knowledge base and did a good job of handling claims work, while Alph Edwards was down-to-earth and good for "the nitty-gritty of matters". Paul Angus was mentioned for his personal approach, and Roger Walter for his insurance and litigation expertise.

Colin Biggers & Paisley had a "great" approach to client service,
was "commercially minded" and provided strong strategic advice. It was rated highly by the insurance industry for contracts, professional indemnity and liability. Mark Radford, who recently moved to CBP from Blake Dawson, was rated among the "highest" by one client. He also had "first-class knowledge of the law" and was "very inexpensive" for non-call-out assistance.
Linda Murphy was "fantastic" and a good operator in litigation. Greg Skehan achieved a good turnaround, while Paul Bannon and special counsel Keith Bethlehem were both singled out for praise.

HWL Ebsworth was often chosen for insurance-related product development and Nicholas Matkovich was considered to be thorough and experienced.
Clients also thought highly of Julian McGrath, Chris Brierley, Tim Griffiths and Matthew Harding for their knowledge and "easy-to-get-along-with" attitude.
Others mentioned, included Jonathon tapp, Robert Johnston, Andrew Miers, Michael Bowyer, John Bell, Doug Vorbach, Julie Hamblin, Kerrie Chambers, Simon Liddy and Joe Hurley.

Middletons was also considered a "top law firm" by the insurance industry for its "great" approach to client service and commercially minded strategic advice. Shayne thompson was "fantastic" for litigation, a good operator and delivered a "great" end product. Erin Devery was mentioned for her international asbestos claims work, while Greg Couston was known for his "sophisticated" reporting style.

Tresscox Lawyers was chosen for sharing knowledge on claims. Torquil Murray was praised for his wealth of knowledge; Mark Sheller was an "expert" in general insurance; while John MacLennan was singled out for his public liability insurance work.

Baker & McKenzie's Georgie Farrant and Kate Gillingham left clients with a positive experience. Rodney Stone was praised for his work on treaty arrangements and captive insurance matters.

Corrs Chambers Westgarth did a good job of contracts, professional indemnity and liability work. Frank Lawson was noted for his good turnaround time, while Michelle Carr was mentioned for her director & officer and professional indemnity work.

Moray & Agnew also stood out. Geoffrey Connellan was a good operator; Suzanne Wallace was efficient; while Stephen taylor-Jones was often the client's choice for asbestos litigation.

Gadens Lawyers was well-placed to provide the staffing that clients needed. They thought highly of Ray Giblett and Wendy Blacker for their competence.

Clients also thought highly of Sparke Helmore's Malcolm Cameron, John Coorey, Geoff Pike and Mark Doepel, for their professional indemnity, and directors & officers work.

Curwoods was mentioned for its liability insurance work, where both Peter Ford and Clive Curwood had breadth of knowledge.

Of all the national firms, Minter Ellison in Sydney received the most positive feedback. It was particularly noted for its work in the claims area, which clients were very happy with. Overall, partners were proactive, commercially minded and provided "great" strategic advice; they also kept hourly fees down and offered value for money. It is no surprise, then, that it rates among the top Australian firms for insurance law. One client said that Minters "never" provided advice that she "wouldn't necessarily agree to". It eschewed sitting on the fence, made "strong" recommendations and gave "valuable" guidance.
Pamela Madafiglio provided advice that was timely, well thought out and commercially orientated - earning her the title of "insurance guru". She was also "very considerate" and a good operator, and delivered a good end-product. Chern tan was mentioned for being diligent and commercially focused. Beverley newbold was chosen for reinsurance recoveries, directors & officers-related insurance advice, and class actions.

Freehills was also highly praised for always being available and providing prompt service, as well as having a good knowledge of insurance law. One client commended the firm as "excellent" in advising on "high-level" matters and meeting their commercial needs. Partners were generally responsive and knowledgeable, with "unfaultable service".
Michael Vrisakis was approachable and knowledgeable; always up to date on issues and innovative with life insurance matters. Terry Brigden was called a "high quality lawyer" who was easy to deal with, and a master of general insurance, superannuation and life insurance. Michael Mills and Michelle Fox were well prepared and a "pleasure" to work with, and had deep "subject matter knowledge".

The word 'great' was often heard when clients spoke about Allens Arthur Robinson's commercially minded approach and strategic advice.
Both Michael Quinlan and Oscar Shub were "fantastic", good operators and delivered a good end-product. Dean Carrigan, John Edmond and Andrea Martignoni were also mentioned.

Mallesons Stephen Jaques was called the "best of insurance practices at national firms" and was praised for being knowledgeable, notably in policy wording and interpretation work. Peter Stockdale "knew his stuff", Philip Ward was personable and thorough, Robyn Chalmers was called a products liability specialist, and Anne newbrun was good for non-contentious insurance matters.

Clayton Utz was noted for its "solid" insurance and reinsurance expertise. Peter Mann was pragmatic, down-to-earth and a problem solver. He was also praised for insurance advice on relatively large cases. Nancy Milne was mentioned for her insurance risk work, special counsel Henry Herron was a "longstanding expert" in his unique area of aviation insurance law. Jocelyn Kellam was mentioned for her product liability knowledge, and for Brisbane: Mark Waller and Mark Sammut were also mentioned.

Deacons' Sydney office was also mentioned. Paul Baram was chosen for his public liability and professional indemnity expertise. Tricia Hobson was called "pre-eminent" in both professional indemnity and UK insurance matters. Barry Richardson was mentioned for construction-related professional indemnity.

Blakes' Rehana Box was mentioned for general insurance.

MELBOURNE

Some Victorian clients had a keen eye for firms that charged A$250-300 per hour for a partner.

TurksLegal was once again highly praised for its insurance and litigation expertise. Clients thought the firm had a high profile in the industry, and was "fantastic" and easy to deal with, as well as efficient, concise and commercial in its legal advice. The firm was noted as being proactive in raising the profile of the insurance industry, holding regular training sessions, and sponsoring competitions and scholarships. One client for whom the firm had acted for more than a decade commented that the firm does not just provide "run-of-the-mill" advice, but "excellent" advice on arson cases.
Peter Riddell was easy to deal with, knew the law "inside out" and had a "no-nonsense" approach to advocating his client's position. He was appreciated for having useful contacts and amazed clients with his insurance knowledge, having previously worked as an in-house lawyer for AXA. He was not only thorough but also very cost-efficient.
Peter Moriarty was "extremely" competent in areas such as arson investigations. He knew what to do, how to do it and in a timely fashion.

Lander & Rogers was "excellent" at providing "talented" staff. James tully was good at handling complex and technical matters. Michael Landvogt was knowledgeable, thorough, personable, efficient and a good communicator. Ari Abrahams was "excellent" in recovery proceedings for insurers, whereas the other parties were negligent. Lisa newcombe was an "excellent" litigator, while Julie Smith was "exemplary".

DLA Phillips Fox's David Leggatt, Kieran o'Brien, Robert Minc and John Goulios were mentioned for
their property liability and litigation expertise. Michael Regos was a "clear leader" in medical negligence, and both Peter Rashleigh and Rohan Bennett were known for their professional liability work.

Clients also thought highly of Middletons' Melbourne office. Peter McGrath was mentioned for his medical negligence work, Peter Lupson was known for employment practices liability work and Mark Dobbie was also singled out.

Moray & Agnew's Anthony Scott and Richard Midgley were praised for their professional negligence work, while Bill Papastergiadis and James Collier did a good job at construction insurance matters.

Tresscox's John Petts was chosen for general insurance and Jason newmann was a "top pick" for real estate insurance and public liability matters.

Bakers' Steve Watts was mentioned for his work on credit and mortgage insurance matters.

Sparke Helmore's Kerstin Wittkopf was mentioned for her professional indemnity work.

HWL Ebsworth's Philip Battye, Rick Horsley and Craig Down were mentioned.

Corrs' Daniel Marquet was mentioned for his "financial line-type" cover work.

Gadens' Simon theodore and Stuart Eustice were mentioned.

Mallesons provided much-needed advice, particularly in relation to the carbon offset industry. The service provided was professional, prompt and timely. Complex legal matters were explained in terms easy to understand and practitioners were careful to ensure clients grasped the "state of play", following up e-mails with courteous phone calls that gave clients the "most comprehensive" understanding. Practitioners generally made themselves available for what seemed like "any time" of the day, and acted with the "highest diligence" to achieve the "best outcome".
Stephen Davis was mentioned for his "calm and collected" thinking, with the ability to "think outside the box" and "weld" commercial and legal considerations into one single answer. Chris Fox was "cool-headed" and "measured" in his approach with a keen eye for risks that could arise during claims.
Damien Gardiner was easy to deal with and built up a good rapport and trust right from the beginning. One client said he showed "great leadership and strength in negotiation, during crucial moments in stakeholder dealings". He not only had a high level of expertise, but also confidence, tact and fairness, which ensured a "quality and efficient outcome".
Radha Govil provided "excellent" support, with attention to detail and the "best possible assessment". She was also easy to deal with.

Minters was similarly a top pick among the national firms. Clients were "extremely" happy with the firm's work and hailed it as "professional service". It was commercial, proactive and structured in its advice, and kept hourly fees competitively priced.
David Poulton pleased clients with his organised approach and ability to make things happen. There were rarely any "glitches" in his casework and file management.
Peter Coats was noted for his friendly culture and endeavours to build strong business relationships. This was anchored by his broad litigation experience, prompt advice and strict adherence to deadlines - even at short notice - with a "minimum of fuss". Cameron Oxley was forthright and gave sound advice on the more complex legal matters. For one client, it seemed that the more complex the issue, the better he performed. He was also approachable, dependable and was "straight to the point".
Stephen Talbot was mentioned for his workers' compensation work, while Richard McQueen was often chosen for liability matters.

Deacons' Marcus o'Brien and Nicole Wearne were praised for their professional indemnity and general insurance work.

Clayton Utz's Fred Hawke was called a "tribal elder" in insurance law, with a "wealth" of expertise.

Freehills' Ken Adams was mentioned for his insurance litigation and product-related work.

BRISBANE

Some Queensland clients commented that partner hourly fees ranged from just A$300 up to A$635. Despite the disparity, they did not give much heed to the rates, instead focusing on what the market rate was.

Carter Newell was one of the firms most talked about in Queensland. It had a loyal and longstanding client base that kept coming back for professional indemnity service that was "second to none". Legal advice pinpointed key issues early in the process and clients found the staff to be professional, respectable and responsive. One client said the firm gave the "whole 10 yards", took pride in the quality of its work and did everything that was expected. It also had an "excellent" knowledge of insurance products, product research and analytical briefs, providing "exemplary", comprehensive and substantive advice that was not "too wordy" but always cost-efficient.
Paul Hopkins was professional, client-focused and always tried to "exceed" clients' expectations; he was also personable, open and frank with them. He was "passionate" about client service, good at attending to minor details and communicated regularly with his staff to ensure everything was on track.
Michael Gapes was "extremely responsive", able to put things into perspective and explain legal aspects in a way that clients could "digest". He was also "articulate" and did a good job of research. Rebecca Stevens was good at explaining matters in detail, communicated with clients regularly and ensured deadlines were met. Clients also chose her because she was responsive and able to grasp what they wanted quickly.
Daniel Best was usually "on top" of his files and ensured that he kept an eye on the progress of matters delegated to more junior staff. He also settled matters early, rather than letting them "drag on for years".
Patrick Mead was "tremendous" in his service and knowledge, as well as experienced, innovative and technically good at policies and coverage issues. Mark Brookes was "excellent" at handling liability matters and a good lateral thinker, approachable, strategic and easy to deal with.

Moray & Agnew was good for simpler insurance matters when clients did not want to use a "sledgehammer to crack a walnut". David Giacomantonio performed well in liability matters and was commercially astute. David Flint was results-driven and did a good job of handling professional indemnity matters. Simon Lang was mentioned for compulsory third-party insurance matters.

DLA Phillips Fox's Drew Castley was mentioned for his professional indemnity work, Paul Baxter was praised for his property and liability work and Andrew Forbes was a top pick for medical negligence, while Alison Haly was a good operator

Clients thought highly of Sparke Helmore's Anthony Henley, while Matthew Pokarier was considered a "strategic thinker" in professional indemnity matters.

Thynne & McCartney's John Moore was often chosen for professional indemnity or other insurance matters.

Corrs' Julie Cameron was the "go-to" expert on insurance law, particularly policy matters.

Gadens' Jim Demack, David Slatyer, Jim Gurry and Simon Carter were mentioned for their insurance claims work.

Bain Gasteen Lawyers' Terry Batch was a top pick.

Both Moray & Agnew and HWL Ebsworth were also mentioned.

Minters once again received a good deal of praise for its work in policy interpretation, professional indemnity, product reliability and 'sizeable' actions. The firm often appeared on in-house panels and was highly regarded, having developed a "great" reputation for knowledge and price competitiveness. One client said that Minters was "one of the best - if not the best - in Australia", pointing out the firm's commercial, proactive and structured approach. Most clients said that it also tried to keep hourly fees down.
Ken Horsley was dubbed "10-out-of-10" for his marketing focus, service-orientated approach and lateral thinking. Overall, he was competent and a good operator.
Shane Evans was practical, "well-rounded" in his approach, interested in finding the best outcome for his clients and how to achieve it.

Deacons' David Muir was mentioned for general insurance and public liability and professional indemnity, with a "strong" background in insurance fraud. Ashley Jones was good for general insurance and liability matters, and often called a "leading authority on PIPA legislation".

Freehills' Mark Darwin was mentioned for medium to large insurance litigation work.

Mallesons' Justin McDonnell was mentioned for general insurance.

Clayton Utz's Mark Waller and Mark Sammutt were also mentioned.

ADELAIDE

Sparke Helmore's Josh Abbott was mentioned for his professional indemnity work.

Gadens' Nicholas Linke was also mentioned.

Once again Minters received high praise for its major insurance work for government agencies. The firm often had more than 20 staff working on certain matters, handling claims and workers' compensation disputes. One client simply could not praise the firm enough because it "always" delivered "high quality staff and results" - even during heavy workloads. Clients appreciated how the firm was able to "start work immediately and sort out the payment later".
Mark Calligeros was responsive and an "expert" at insurance law, and he knew his clients' businesses - in fact he was often considered an extension of his clients' businesses.Cheryl Phillips was strategic, had a good network of contacts and maintained good relationships.
Sonya Bates was professional, flexible and helpful, and one to offer good service.
Grant Mitchell was mentioned for his workers' compensation
work and tended to follow what his clients needed.

PERTH

DLA Phillips Fox was often seen on in-house legal panels.
Mark Williams was practical, sound, insightful and bright, and a "hard negotiator" when dealing with claimant solicitors. His hourly rates were competitive too. Cameron Maclean, Keith thomas and Toby Barrie were known for their professional indemnity and general liability expertise, while John Farquharson was praised for his road insurance work.

Sparke Helmore's Philip Keays and Jonathan Wyatt were also mentioned.

Minters' Sue taylor was the right person to see about health insurance matters or litigation. Deborah Templeman and Michael Cornes were also mentioned.

Freehills' David Goodman was mentioned for his medium to large insurance litigation work

Mallesons' Sarah Harrison was a "specialist" in general insurance.

CANBERRA

Sparke Helmore's Mary Brennan was mentioned.

Minters' Mark treffers and Nevin Agnew were mentioned for their liability and workers' compensation expertise. Alice McCormick was mentioned for her directors & officers and professional indemnity work.

Clayton Utz's Doug Galbraith was well known for insurance in a "government context".

NEW ZEALAND

The only criticism from clients was that Kiwi firms tended to take a "bit too long" to provide their advice.
Chapman Tripp's insurance advice on claims and contract negotiation left clients with a positive experience. Most clients felt it was an "excellent" law firm that provided very practical and pragmatic advice, even on rather complex matters that required careful interpretation of legislation and regulatory framework. One client said that the firm offered "sensible and informed advice, displaying sound judgment in difficult matters".
John Knight had a good knowledge of his clients and relevant Acts. He was personable, professional and analytical, and able to find a range of well-researched and considered options. He worked well within set timeframes and responded quickly to urgent matters.
Nick Lough was often turned to for advice on regulatory laws and "out-of-territory" insurance. His advice was well-structured and articulate with detailed reasoning, and he had an open and friendly approach.
Adam Ross was smart and analytical, and had a strong ability to sum up the situation 'concisely'.
Bruce Scott was practical and easy to deal with, and the one to go to for "hard and complex litigious fights".
Michael Arthur was respectable, careful and considered, and "always thoroughly prepared".

Bell Gully was mentioned for its corporate insurance and litigation work. Mark O'Brien and Ralph Simpson were singled out for praise for their claims and litigation expertise, while Clive Taylor was mentioned for insurance transaction matters.

Russell McVeagh's Hamish McIntosh was a top pick for fire and general insurance matters, Sarah Armstrong was chosen for litigation work, while Chris Bargery was "the man" for transactional insurance matters.

Simpson Grierson's Stephen Ward was mentioned for his life insurance work, while Robert Gapes was singled out for praise in general insurance, product liability and litigation. Duncan Laing was also mentioned.

Global firm Kennedys' Tracy Stewart was praised for her statutory liability and also for her professional indemnity work.
Gary Wadsworth was mentioned for his professional indemnity and "contentious" litigation, while Mark Dennett was "the man" for construction-related liability.

Kensington Swan's Catriona Grover and David Ireland were chosen for commercial policy and drafting, while John Land and David Campbell were the ones to turn to for insurance litigation matters.

DLA Phillips Fox was also considered a key Kiwi player, with Neil Beadle and Grant Macdonald other popular choices.
Buddle Findlay's Graeme Hall, Jonathan Coates and Scott Barker were mentioned.

Among the boutique firms, Jones Fee's Greg Jones, Pauline Barratt and Philippa Fee were mentioned.

Harkness Henry & Co's Christine Grice was mentioned.

McElroys' Peter Hunt was also mentioned.

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