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Our expert work spans the spectrum of insurance. We are involved in high-value and complex claims through to volume work, across casualty, property, motor, professional and financial lines, including specialty lines.

We regularly advise insurers on policy interpretation, policy mediation, and arbitration disputes. Our team handles disputes coming before the courts at all levels, from the District Court to the Supreme Court. We also advise on subrogation claims and act as monitoring/coverage counsel for insurers.

At Holmes, we appreciate that the insurance business is all about people and we are sensitive to protecting the productive relationships between clients and third parties as well as appreciating the significance of clients’ relationships with policyholders.

We understand the importance of data as an asset, and how significant-high-quality information and data analytics are in many facets of the insurance market from risk assessment in underwriting, to customer segmentation, and detecting fraud.

Meet the team

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Holmes earns praise for its proven capacity to handle diverse claims across employers' and public liability, as well as motor insurance claims. It defends insurers and self-insured companies or associations in personal injury claims filed by employees or third parties.

Insurance: Dispute Resolution

Chambers & Partners Europe 2023

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"I regularly get a summary of each claim and anything that might have happened in the last week or so," says one client, further noting: "The lawyers are proactive in trying to get a claim resolved." Notable practitioners: Harry Fehily, Michael Murphy and Robert Kennedy.

Insurance Dispute Resolution | Chambers Europe 2021

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The team earns praise for proven capacity to handle diverse claims across EL/PL, motor insurance and financial lines. Defends insurers and self-insured companies or associations in personal injury claims filed by employees or third parties.

Insurance Dispute Resolution | Chambers Europe 2021

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Contentious construction and debt collection matters are a growing area for the team, led by Harry Fehily, Michael Murphy, and Pat McInerney.

Legal 500 EMEA 2021 | Dispute Resolution

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Holmes' dispute resolution practice covers a broad range of sectors, including data protection, insurance, and breach of contract disputes.

Legal 500 EMEA 2021 | Dispute Resolution

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‘From my perspective the main strength that I have observed is the ability to give good sound advice at the earliest juncture so as to facilitate an early resolution of a dispute and so avoid costly litigation.’

Legal 500 EMEA 2021 | Dispute Resolution

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‘The team are very professional in their dealings with us and are readily accessible when needed. They are efficient and competent.’

Legal 500 EMEA 2021 | Dispute Resolution

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Harry Fehily is highlighted for his expertise in professional negligence cases. He is praised for his “clear, concise advice,” and “He possesses excellent interpersonal skills and communicates effectively with all stakeholders.”

Insurance: Dispute Resolution | Chambers Europe 2020

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They are good at analysing the issues, negotiating and acting in court.

Insurance: Dispute Resolution | Chambers Europe 2020

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The team is noted for its expertise in professional indemnity and negligence cases, frequently pertaining to the construction, accounting and legal sectors. Also experienced in personal injury claims, often relating to road traffic accidents.

Insurance: Dispute Resolution | Chambers Europe 2020

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Michael Murphy is “very much a specialist in professional indemnity... up to speed with the emerging risks and concerns for clients, and understands the legalities around those.” He frequently handles cases involving the construction industry.

Michael Murphy

Insurance: Dispute Resolution | Chambers Europe 2020

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Harry Fehily is highlighted for his expertise in professional negligence cases. One client praises his “clear, concise advice,” adding: “He possesses excellent interpersonal skills and communicates effectively with all stakeholders.”

Harry Fehily

Insurance: Dispute Resolution | Chambers Europe 2020

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The team is noted for its expertise in professional liability cases pertaining to the construction, financial services and legal sectors. Assists with coverage disputes arising under professional indemnity policies. Also has a separate claimant-side practice.

Insurance Dispute Resolution | Chambers Europe 2021

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Holmes are effective litigators but also have particular expertise in arbitration, mediation and other alternative dispute resolution options. They are experts in their field and are skilled dispute resolution practitioners.

Dispute Resolution | Legal 500 EMEA 2023

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They provide sound, timely and comprehensive advices on legal liability, quantum/reserves and strategy. I would recommend them to someone who is seeking legal advices and/or dispute resolution services.

Dispute Resolution | Legal 500 EMEA 2023

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Harry Fehily – Skilled negotiator and has particular expertise in commercial dispute resolution and insurance law.

Harry Fehily

Dispute Resolution | Legal 500 EMEA 2023

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Robert Kennedy and Anna Owens are experts in the insurance industry. Their passion for the job, compassion for clients, communication skills, willingness to listen, knowledge of law, and excellent judgements cannot be matched.

Anna Owens

Insurance | Legal 500 EMEA 2023

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A law firm’s personnel is a most important resource. Holmes excel as market leaders.

Insurance | Legal 500 EMEA 2023

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Robert Kennedy always provides honest, factual, and clear advice. Not afraid to tell it exactly how it is. Makes detailed and informed decisions and never gets side-tracked by unimportant issues.

Robert Kennedy

Insurance | Legal 500 EMEA 2023

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Robert Kennedy and Anna Owens are experts in the insurance industry. Their passion for the job, compassion for clients, communication skills, willingness to listen, knowledge of law, and excellent judgements cannot be matched.

Robert Kennedy

Insurance | Legal 500 EMEA 2023