Biography

Christopher is a partner and head of professional risks, specialising in the defence of claims against professionals and related coverage issues for over 20 years.  He has a particular focus upon defending claims against solicitors, from sole practitioners to top 30 law firms. He also advises insurers and brokers on coverage issues, including those arising from the Minimum Terms and Qualifying Insurers’ Agreement.

Chris handles group actions against solicitors and surveyors. One instruction related to over 40 claims against one firm of solicitors which settled very recently at mediation; and Chris has a similar on-going series of claims. Another recent instruction involves the defence of multiple claims against a firm arising from failed personal injury claims.

Chris’ coverage work involves all aspects of policy interpretation including aggregation, policy exclusions and insuring clauses. Recent instructions include advice on the definition of ‘private legal practice’  on a multi-million pound claim arising from the alleged use of a solicitors’ client account to launder funds, aggregation across multiple claims against a firm and dishonesty provisions.

Chris handles claims against accountants, surveyors, brokers and other professionals. Recent instructions include claims against accountants arising from film-finance tax avoidance schemes and against insurance brokers where insurers have declined cover to policyholders for material breaches of policy conditions. Chris is also advising an insurer on a claim against the insurer’s former legal advisers.

Chris is a very experienced mediator, having acted for and advised clients in more than 80 mediations and successfully resolved over 95% of them.   Chris also provides regulatory and risk management advice to insurers, brokers and professionals. 

Chris is ranked in Chambers and Legal 500 and is a regular speaker at client seminars.