Firms To Watch: Insurance litigation

Heussen Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH acts from Stuttgart and comprehensively advises on all aspects of insurance law, insurance broker law and distribution law; Practice head Tobias Scholl in particular is well versed in this area.

Insurance litigation in Germany

BACH LANGHEID DALLMAYR

With a strong focus on insurance and liability law and longstanding industry expertise, BACH LANGHEID DALLMAYR comprehensively covers the entire spectrum of insurance disputes, both nationally and internationally. The expertise encompasses property insurance, business closure, cyber damage and technical insurance issues. The client base is equally diverse and includes insurance companies, financial service providers, freelancers, company managers as well as clients from the trade, industry and commerce sectors. Personal insurance matters, particularly health insurance, is a key competence; here, Joachim Grote is a key contact. Among the recent growth areas is industrial liability insurance – Martin Alexander is the key contact for this – as well as financial loss liability; the latter segment is led by Björn Seitz and Bastian Finkel. The areas industrial, environmental and product liability, including international matters, are a key focus of Marcel Hohagen and Carsten Hösker, both of whom are experienced in defending claims against insured companies.

Praxisleiter:

Joachim Grote; Björn Seitz; Bastian Finkel; Martin Alexander


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Carsten Hösker; Marcel Hohagen; Christina Eckes


Referenzen

‘BLD is characterized not only by the fact that the law firm has maintained a high level of expertise in all areas of insurance law for many years, but above all by the fact that it also implements this specialist knowledge as a team in a day-to-day manner.’

‘Thanks to its broad field of activity and good market overview, BLD offers a reliable contact point for all questions relating to insurance law and beyond. Despite the high level of technical penetration, the BLD team does not get lost in academic papers, but rather provides tailor-made solutions for the respective problem.’

‘In the area of ​​insurance law and litigation, Björn Seitz and Bastian Finkel, among others, offer a high level of expertise, especially with regard to current product developments in the area of ​​financial lines. At the same time, the consulting practice is characterized by targeted and innovative solutions.’

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Clyde & Co LLP

Clyde & Co LLP acts as monitoring, coverage und defence counsel across the entire spectrum of insurance and reinsurance and is also experienced in recourse procedures and product liability. This expertise corresponds with the competencies of practice head Henning Schaloske, who recently led in cyber insurance matters.

Praxisleiter:

Henning Schaloske


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Tanja Schramm; Daniel Kassing; Sven Förster; Paul Malek


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‘Good expertise, large international network.’

‘Very good expertise in insurance law.’

‘Highly specialized insurance litigation team.’

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DLA Piper

DLA Piper comprehensively covers the entire spectrum of insurance disputes, with a focus on D&O matters on the insurer side as well as on D&O liability, where the practice advises board members and managing directors. In addition to insurance litigation and D&O liability, practice head Thomas Gädtke is also experienced in international arbitration proceedings. Insurance and reinsurance law matters as well as regulatory issues are handled by Gunne Bähr; he regularly acts for German and international insurers and reinsurers as well as insurance brokers, while Christian Schneider has extensive expertise in claims settlement in the area of liability insurance as well as in technical insurance, construction and property insurance.

Praxisleiter:

Thomas Gädtke


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Gunne Bähr; Christian Schneider


Referenzen

‘Internationally active, well networked, broadly positioned (in terms of liability and coverage law).’

‘We work with DLA Piper in a very positive and appreciative manner in a very close, special field. Both the personal contact is particularly pleasant and positive, as are the technical topics, which are all dealt with in a highly professional manner.’

‘Personal contact and open, appreciative and trusting interaction are really crucial here. This is really exemplary. Since the technical results are always right and our clients’ concerns are always dealt with in the best possible way, we feel that we are in very good hands. And this also applies to highly specific topics.’

Kernmandanten

Zurich


Zurich Insurance Plc


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  • Represented Zurich Insurance Plc in a dispute with Lixil over the use of a warranty and indemnity policy in connection with the Grohe deal.

  • Representation of an insurer for the major customer business in a D&O liability dispute arising from a lawsuit against the chairman of the supervisory board of a company active in the solar industry for alleged breaches of duty and allegations of intentional damage in connection with the construction and commissioning of a silicon production plant in an emirate.

  • Advising and representing a German reinsurer in a high-volume reinsurance dispute in the area of ​​credit insurance in Finland.

Noerr

Both policyholders and insurers call upon Noerr's insurance law expertise and litigation experience. Among the core competencies are major loss monitoring, D&O, product liability as well as financial loss and liability insurance; including cross-border issues, where Oliver Sieg is a key contact. He jointly heads the practice with Helmut Katschthaler, who is an expert in product liability and recall cost insurance and regularly acts in reinsurance arbitration proceedings. This is complemented by expertise in W&I, cyber insurance and political risk insurance, which is a recent growth topic.

Praxisleiter:

Oliver Sieg


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Helmut Katschthaler; Thomas Heitzer; Dan Schilbach; Philipp Koch


Referenzen

‘Deep knowledge and experience in insurance and reinsurance.’

‘The team harmonizes perfectly with the firm’s strong liability, product law and regulatory practice. This means that a powerful team with both out-of-court and in-court experience is available for insurance cases of all types.’

‘Best networking in the German insurance scene. Highest professional competence. Strategic skills and forward-looking design of the mandate. High reputation also among the representatives of the opposing side.’

‘Friendly but always binding and absolutely goal-oriented, even in difficult negotiations or project phases.’

‘Noerr’s insurance team is certainly one of the leading ones when it comes to advising policyholders. Particular strengths lie in the areas of product liability and recall cost insurance (Munich – Helmut Katschthaler) and financial lines (Düsseldorf – Oliver Sieg).’

‘Dan Schilbach impresses with his above-average ability to quickly understand the specific case and process complex issues. He is available at any time and has relieved us of a lot of work in our legal support in a cyber insurance lawsuit.’

‘With Helmut Katschthaler, we have already processed and successfully settled a large number of insurance cases, particularly in domestic and foreign recall situations. He is an absolute expert in this area, always up-to-date, well connected and, particularly important for our purposes, confident and experienced in handling international insurance programs.’

‘Helmut Katschthaler provides very comprehensive and far-sighted advice, weighing up all alternatives. High social and professional competence. Oliver Sieg: Great strategist, undisputed in professional expertise and negotiating skills. Philipp Koch: Excellent project manager, learns from the best.’

Kernmandanten

Fidelis Insurance


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  • Advising the excess insurer in connection with claims arising from a W&I insurance policy due to alleged insolvency of a subsidiary of the target company at the time of the conclusion of the SPA and the closing.

  • Advice on coverage law for an international transport and logistics service provider on the enforcement of insurance claims from cyber insurance.

  • Advising an Irish and French reinsurer in an ad hoc arbitration relating to Covid-19 exposure claims of a large international primary insurance group headquartered in Germany; large-volume reinsurance program and fundamental questions regarding the aggregation of individual Covid-19 losses.

Wilhelm Rechtsanwälte Partnerschaft von Rechtsanwälten mbB

Wilhelm Rechtsanwälte Partnerschaft von Rechtsanwälten mbB is well known for acting on behalf of policyholders and  its specialisation in damages and insurance claims in the event of major losses; This includes the handling of fires, explosions, damage to machines and systems as well as related business interruptions. Name partner and co-head Mark Wilhelm routinely represents clients in national and cross-border major losses proceedings; co-head Fabian Herdter complements this with expertise in financial lines, while the team also covers liability areas, including D&O, cyber and fidelity insurance, product liability and property insurance. Tobias Wessel is a key contact for the latter area. Among the client roster are players from the energy, chemical and pharmaceutical sectors, the large industries, construction industry as well as medium-sized manufacturing companies, fintechs, insurers and brokers.

Praxisleiter:

Mark Wilhelm; Fabian Herdter


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Lars Winkler; Tobias Wessel


Referenzen

‘Mark Wilhelm: Excellent expertise, pragmatic solutions, great advice, expert for group contracts in Germany.’

‘Fabian Herdter: Responsive, clear communication, pleasant to deal with, well versed in insurance law.’

‘The team is managed excellently by Mark Wilhelm and the “senior partners”. The young colleagues are introduced very well. The entire team appears homogeneous and highly motivated.’

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bock legal Partnerschaft von Rechtsanwälten

bock legal Partnerschaft von Rechtsanwälten focuses on D&O and E&O liability law and disputes pertaining to professional liability. The firm primarily represents coverage matters for insurers as well as complex recourse cases, where Stefan Bank regularly takes the lead; he jointly heads the team with Dirk Schmitz, who represents auditors, tax consultants, lawyers, notaries and corporate bodies in liability cases; he is additionally well versed in corporate and tax law matters. This interface is handled by Daniel Al-Hami, who also focuses on notarial recourse. The team is also regularly appointed as coverage and monitoring counsel.

Praxisleiter:

Stefan Bank; Dirk Schmitz


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Daniel Al-Hami


Referenzen

‘At Bock Legal one always gets a competent and detailed answer. The law firm represents us in liability and coverage issues and always provides a sufficient picture so that we can find the best possible path together with the policyholders. The individual lawyers work together reliably and profitably for us.’

‘Daniel Al-Hami still has a solution for individual cases when the normal route seems hopeless. Very hard to coordinate with us; fast, reliable, good pleadings and fair.’

‘Stefan Bank: Very reliable, competent, always available and with a comprehensible solution, even in very complex cases.’

Kernmandanten

Allianz Versicherungs-AG


VOV GmbH


Dual Deutschland GmbH


Gothaer Versicherung


VSW Versicherergemeinschaft für Steuerberater und Wirtschaftsprüfer


HDI


Ergo


Hiscox


ACE European Group


Newline


Chubb


Liberty Mutual


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  • Liability representation of the former CFO of Wirecard AG and Wirecard Bank AG against numerous investors, the insolvency administrator and the litigator Wirecard AG in the context of actions for a declaration of invalidity.

  • Representation of the alleged initiators of the Cum-Ex models due to allegedly incorrect reports against Caceis Bank.

  • Monitoring counsel for Allianz Versicherungs-AG in claims against numerous municipalities following the insolvency of a bank.

Friedrich Graf von Westphalen & Partner

Friedrich Graf von Westphalen & Partner's liability and insurance law expertise encompasses product liability, including recall cost insurance, manager liability and D&O, environmental liability as well as property and fire insurance. Tobias Lenz focuses on D&O liability and jointly heads the practice with Carsten Laschet, who is experienced in contract and product liability as well as manager liability under corporate law. The capacities in insurance contract law were strengthened in January 2023 with the appointment of Jerome Nimmesgern to salary partner. Claudia Maaßen, who acts in litigation and arbitration proceedings, is another key contact.

Praxisleiter:

Tobias Lenz; Carsten Laschet


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Mike Weitzel; Jerome Nimmesgern; Claudia Maaßen


Referenzen

‘Very good experts, excellently networked.’

‘Mike Weitzel: Great expertise and calm. Overview in turbulent times.’

‘Very high level of specialist knowledge and networking, high identification with our company and its products, objective and pragmatic nature.’

‘The team is very good at making legal issues understandable to non-lawyers. They are also prepared to deal with technical issues in a non-technical manner and thus contribute significantly to a common understanding between lawyers and engineers.’

‘There is a high level of reliability and commitment in the collaboration. Two colleagues provide us with excellent advice by thinking specifically about new product developments. In this way, you support the development of our own competencies regarding product safety and thus contribute to the product development process in order to avoid later errors.’

‘In addition to their insurance law expertise, the professionals are also strong all-rounders. This always helps in cases involving other areas of law.’

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Heuking

Heuking's diverse team represents a client roster consisting of insurers, insolvency administrators and auditing firms as well as catering and hotel businesses in the defence and enforcement of damages claims. The two practice heads Rüdiger Schnug and Michael Lauterbach are among the key contacts for professional liability insurance. Herbert Palmberger is well versed in coverage issues and their international enforcement as well as manager liability and reinsurance business matters. Andreas Schmitt, who joined the team in early 2023, focuses on financial loss liability insurance, where Martin Karwatzki (also D&O) is another key contact; Karwatzki made partner in January 2024.

Praxisleiter:

Rüdiger Schnug; Michael Lauterbach


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Herbert Palmberger; Andreas Schmitt; Martin Karwatzki; Julia Degen


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CMS

CMS represents insurers in the defence against claims in connection with (Covid-19-related) business closure insurance as well as in broker disputes. The team also supports financial service providers, DAX companies and trading companies in cases of damage, including major losses and D&O claims. The practice is led by Winfried Schnepp, who represents both in court and in arbitration proceedings and has expertise in advising nationally and internationally active insurance companies and insurance brokers, particularly on private law and regulatory issues. In January 2023, the partner roster was strengthened with the appointment of Thomas Maur, who specialises in insurance law, insurance distribution law and the development of insurance products.

Praxisleiter:

Winfried Schnepp


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Thomas Maur


Kernmandanten

Greensill Bank


Münchener RückversicherungsGesellschaft


Cadence Growth Capital (CGC)


AXA Partners S.A.S. Zweigniederlassung Deutschland


Albatros Versicherungsdienste GmbH


Allianz Real Estate GmbH


Delvag Versicherungs-AG


ZURICH Gruppe Deutschland


Erwin Himmelseher Assekuranz-Vermittlung GmbH & Co. KG


HDI Versicherung AG


HUK-Coburg


Inter Partner Assistance S.A.


Lemonade NV, BV und Inc.


Lombard International Assurance S.A.


MSIG Insurance Europe AG


Octium Life DAC


Porsche AG


SIGNAL IDUNA Lebensversicherung a.G.


Trisor GmbH


Servify (Europe) BV


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  • Supporting Greensill Bank in the insolvency proceedings, including credit insurance issues as well as D&O insurance protection issues.

  • Ongoing regulatory advice on real estate-related investments by Allianz Real Estate GmbH.

GvW Graf von Westphalen

GvW Graf von Westphalen specialises in coverage disputes of all liability lines, in particular D&O, product and professional liability insurance as well as project insurance in the construction sector, and complements this with expertise in the management of property damage and business interruption damage as well as matters at the insolvency law interface. This corresponds with the competencies of Johan van der Veer, who regularly represents companies and insurers in the in and out-of-court settlement of major losses. He jointly heads the practice with Wolfram Desch (director liability, D&O, professional liability and E&O as well as matters at the interface with corporate and insolvency law). In January 2024, the team welcomed Quirin Vergho (D&O and cyber insurance) from Arnecke Sibeth Dabelstein.

Praxisleiter:

Wolfram Desch; Johan van der Veer


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Uli Hochdorfer; Quirin Vergho


Referenzen

‘Collaboration with the insurance law team always works flawlessly and at a very high level in terms of service level, expertise and access to key partners. Great overall performance!’

‘Mr Johan van der Veer has outstanding specialist knowledge and an enormous willingness to serve and is also a great tactician in court.’

The team works across the board in the areas of restructuring/insolvency as well as board liability/D&O. It is worth mentioning that they prepare the facts very thoroughly and are also able to clarify business questions and evaluate large amounts of data.

Wolfram Desch and Uli Hochdorfer are very analytical and precise lawyers who handle the largest and most complex cases for us. They are extremely committed, proactive and economically minded.

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Loschelder

Loschelder represents both insurers and policyholders in the defence against and enforcement of coverage and liability claims. The focus here is on disputes pertaining to liability insurance and D&O cases as well as technical insurance and personal insurance. Wilfried Rüffer, who is experienced in property insurance and inheritance law, handed over management of the practice to Sandra Orlikowski-Wolf in January 2023, but will remain on the team in an advisory of counsel role. Orlikowski-Wolf specialises in court representation in major losses.

Praxisleiter:

Sandra Orlikowski-Wolf


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Wilfried Rüffer


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Taylor Wessing

Taylor Wessing specialises in insurance supervision and broger law relevant to sales, as well as reinsurance contract law. Practice head Gunbritt Kammerer-Galahn, who also coordinates the international financial services & insurance group, is particularly well versed in this area. Kammerer-Galahn and the team also focus on advising on cyber risks and D&O damage as well as on the niche area of ​​valuables transport insurance. Claus Peter Knufinke specialises in industrial insurance cases, particularly coverage and recourse procedures. The focus here is on property, fire and construction damage as well as technical insurance. Franz Janssen (including property and default damage as well as aviation liability) retired in September 2022.

Praxisleiter:

Gunbritt Kammerer-Galahn


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Claus Peter Knufinke; Jan Andresen; Leonard Raphael


Kernmandanten

25hours Hotel Company GmbH


AXA Versicherung AG


CHUBB European Group SE


ERGO Group AG


Kommunaler Schadenausgleich (KSA)


Provinzial Versicherung AG


Proxalto Lebensversicherung AG


R+V Re


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  • Legal representation of CHUBB European Group SE in all property, liability and accident law disputes.

  • Ongoing and comprehensive representation and advice to Provinzial Versicherung AG in liability proceedings involving property damage, personal injury and financial loss.

  • Legal representation of ERGO Group AG in all legal disputes with former insurance agents.

White & Case LLP

White & Case LLP acts from Berlin and is led by Christian Wirth and focuses on high-end (re)insurance business and cross-border cases thanks to the international network. Clients also benefit from cross-practice cooperation at the interfaces with regulatory, criminal and insolvency law, which is routinely incorporated into manager liability matters and corresponding D&O coverage topics. Sara Vanetta, who acts for insurers and policyholders, is part of the core team alongside Wirth; She is particularly experienced in the D&O area and in mass litigation.

Praxisleiter:

Christian Wirth


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Sara Vanetta


Referenzen

‘Very service-oriented, practical.’

‘Christian Wirth has outstanding legal expertise and very profound experience. Very good speed of interaction, very polite manners.’

‘Well-connected and interdisciplinary team.’

‘Christian Wirth has a lot of industry experience. It should be emphasized that he has experience in representing both insurers and policyholders/injured parties.’

Kernmandanten

Watchmaster


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ARQIS

ARQIS accompanies disputes on behalf of insurers and policyholders, which frequently revolve around major losses – Dimitrios Christopoulos is a key contact for this – as well as D&O and international insurance programs. Practice head Mirjam Boche is well versed in the D&O area, with an additional focus on M&A special insurance (W&I). This offering is complemented by experience in the areas of employment practice liability insurance and product liability insurance as well as property and business interruption insurance.

Praxisleiter:

Mirjam Boche


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Dimitrios Christopoulos


Kernmandanten

Amaniki GmbH


CLS Risk Solutions


HCC Tokio Marine


Liberty Global Transaction Solutions


Markel Insurance


RiskPoint A/S


Sompo International


VALE Insurance Partners


Willis Towers Watson


Zurich Insurance plc.


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Fiedler Cryns-Moll FCM Rechtsanwälte Partnerschaft

Fiedler Cryns-Moll FCM Rechtsanwälte Partnerschaft specialises in liability and insurance law and is experienced in representing insurance companies in D&O, E&O and W&I proceedings as well as in fidelity insurance, product liability insurance and professional liability matters. In liability cases, the team primarily acts for managers and is also experienced in damage monitoring. Björn Fiedler and Anna Cryns-Moll jointly head the practice and demonstrate particular expertise in the D&O area.

Praxisleiter:

Björn Fiedler; Anna Cryns-Moll


Referenzen

‘The lawyers working in the firm all have a clear focus on the specialist area of ​​D&O insurance and have many years of experience in this area, which is rare in the market. Collegial and courteous when working with us at all times!’

‘Björn Fiedler is rightly one of the most renowned colleagues in the area of ​​D&O insurance in Germany and has impressive professional expertise and experience. Anna Cryns-Moll is technically outstanding and impresses with her level-headed and objective way of negotiating.’

‘Great experience, trusting cooperation.’

‘Fiedler: Very experienced and reliable. Cryns-Moll: Skillful manner, expertise.’

‘Very well-versed in insurance and corporate liability matters.’

‘Björn Fiedler is an exceptionally skilled negotiator who is particularly convincing and achieves results in complex situations.’

‘Strong in the support of claims with an international tower structure in the area of ​​D&O insurance.’

‘Björn Fiedler has very good legal knowledge and communicates complex legal questions in an understandable and comprehensible manner. His approach is very results-oriented.’

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PATZINA LOTZ Rechtsanwälte Partnerschaft mbB

Dispute resolution boutique PATZINA LOTZ Rechtsanwälte Partnerschaft mbB offers specialised expertise in professional liability law as well as at the interface with tax and employment law, thus the team is frequently instructed by tax advisors, lawyers, notaries and insolvency administrators. Another mainstay is the representation of managing directors and board members in the D&O segment. Other competencies include matters pertaining to liability risks, delays in insolvency and recourse issues. René Matz and Thorsten Lotz are the key contacts.

Weitere Kernanwälte:

Thorsten Lotz; René Matz


Referenzen

‘What sets Dr Matz apart is that he recognizes problems precisely and offers targeted solutions.’

‘Dr. Matz is a highly professional lawyer in the area of ​​tax advisor liability.’

Kernmandanten

HDI Versicherung


ERGO Group


VSW – Die Versicherergemeinschaft für Steuerberater und Wirtschaftsprüfer


Zurich Insurance Group


Nürnberger Allgemeine Versicherung AG


HDI Versicherung


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