Clyde & Co LLP - The Who's Who Legal 100 2012

What is the Who's Who Legal 100?

With 16 lawyers from the firm featuring in the aviation chapter, this is the firm’s largest contingent to any chapter. The firm is a market leader in aviation-related work, its expertise ranging from disputes to commercial contracts or the development of aviation infrastructure and its clients include some of the premier names in the industry. With 10 of the lawyers based in London, this office stands out as a “hub of talent”. David Willcox receives “high praise” for his practice covering aviation liability claims and insurance disputes, and he has also undertaken complex multi-jurisdictional catastrophe cases. Philip Bass specialises in aviation liability claims and is “first rate”, while Maria Cetta focuses on insurance and litigation as well as aviation liability claims. In New York, head of the US aviation law group Andrew Harakas stands out for his “impressive” litigation work which includes representing clients in aviation mass disaster cases. In Singapore, David Clark is a “great talent” who focuses his practice on aviation liability work arising around the globe. Alongside him, Peng Lim has over 20 years’ experience in handling aviation cases and has been involved in several major catastrophe cases. In addition, to this litigious practice she also provides advice on contractual and regulatory matters for Asian carriers and airport operators. In Paris, the “superb” Maylis Casati-Ollier specialises in aviation contracts, insurance, accidents and liabilities.

The insurance and reinsurance chapter features 12 lawyers, six of whom are located in the London office. The “greatly respected” Nigel Brook is head of the firm’s reinsurance team and handles international disputes for a range of companies and syndicates. Stephen Lewis specialises in arbitration, litigation and advisory work and is “highly knowledgeable”. In New York, Paul Koepff has over 30 years’ experience handling insurance coverage and reinsurance disputes and is “one of the best”, according to our research. Alongside him, Michael Knoerzer focuses his practice on litigation and arbitration of insurance and reinsurance disputes, as well as advising companies in non-contentious matters. Based in Toronto, Canada, Mary Margaret Fox is a “well-known name” in the industry, having a broad range of insurance expertise. More recently she has been focusing on providing coverage opinions as well as work surrounding directors’ and officers’ liability and errors and omissions policies.

Four lawyers represent the firm in the construction chapter, among them Mark Blanksby and Michael Grose from the Dubai office. A “definite inclusion”, Blanksby advises on all legal aspects of construction projects. Grose has spent nine years in the Middle East and advises both public and private sector clients in contentious and non-contentious matters.

The firm accrues further listings in mediation and arbitration, demonstrating its strength in the field of dispute resolution. Alec Emmerson, based in Dubai, features in both the arbitration and mediation chapters and is considered to be “highly proficient”. Jane Andrewartha is commended for her mediation practice and is “a great asset” to her clients.

Overall, the merger with Barlow Lyde & Gilbert has substantially benefited Clyde & Co’s core practice areas and increased its global reach, strengthening the firm’s position a true market leader.