DWF expands global risks practice in London
Law firm DWF has expanded its global risks practice in London with the appointment of energy and marine insurance experts Gary Walkling and Franco D’Andrea as partners. Leah Wood also joins the team as a senior associate.
David Abbott, senior partner of insurance services and head of global risks, said: “We are delighted to welcome Gary, Franco and Leah to DWF and expand our global risks team with their highly respected industry expertise. They are key assets to help grow DWF’s offering, as we continue evolving and diversifying our energy, marine and casualty insurance practice. Globally, energy insurance is a growing line of business due to on-going decarbonising efforts and the impact of climate change on energy security. Marine insurance also remains fundamental to our clients and more widely in the operation of global trade.”
Prior to joining DWF, Gary Walkling was at Reynolds Porter Chamberlain for 15 years, the last four of which were as a partner, where he spearheaded their international risk insurance team. His energy insurance practice advised global (re)insurers on high-value complex claims arising from the onshore and offshore oil and gas, power generation, renewables, construction and marine sectors, specialising in coverage, disputes and subrogation.
Franco D’Andrea joins DWF from Clyde & Co. He advises international insurers and reinsurers, specialising in energy (both onshore and offshore) and marine claims. He has specific expertise in the insurance of the energy transition, in particular in renewable energy and in industrial hydrogen production. His marine expertise extends to war risks and mortgage interest claims, as well as to crewmember and asset detentions worldwide.
Wood qualified at RPC and has advised London market insurers and reinsurers on energy insurance, and also complex international casualty matters.
Walkling said: “I am excited to be joining DWF’s talented team and to be working alongside David and Franco. I was impressed by DWF’s growing global footprint and multi-jurisdictional practice, which is crucial to developing a well-rounded global risk offering, particularly in energy claims.”
D’Andrea added: “I am thrilled to join DWF’s integrated global risk practice and to advise clients on how best to navigate energy and marine claims. The energy and marine markets are an integral part of global risk management and are key areas of interest for our client base. In addition, I am delighted to be teaming up with Gary and the rest of the DWF global risks team.”
