Andy joined Elborne Mitchell in June 2006, becoming a partner in September 2011. He has been involved in numerous complex and high-value insurance and reinsurance matters over the years, both in Court and in arbitration, and recently started taking on arbitrator appointments. He’s also a specialist in Sanctions.
Andy’s practice often involves an international element, with a particular history of making recoveries from entities based in jurisdictions across Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe and the Middle East. He also handles subrogation cases for the London Market where the target entity is often overseas.
He says “Different cases call for different funding options. The ‘hourly rate’ model suits some cases but by no means all of them. One of the great things about Elbornes is that we’re willing and able to be flexible. If someone is looking for a ‘no win, no fee’ type arrangement or something using litigation funding we’re able to assess those and make a decision quickly. Clients really like that.”
On the insurance and reinsurance side Andy has acted in numerous professional negligence disputes (involving a wide range of professionals eg solicitors, accountants, insurance brokers, architects, valuers and surveyors) both in England and for a period in New York. He’s also advised on insurance coverage and property damage / business interruption cases (including arising out of the COVID pandemic) in sectors such as manufacturing, commodities, banking, oil and gas and aviation.
In the sanctions sphere, Andy advises the insurance market and others on wordings and on the application of sanctions to transactions. His emphasis is on quick ‘yes’ or ‘no’ advice wherever possible. He has taken challenges to the Court of Appeal in London and to the General Court of the EU. He also liaises with the UK Government’s Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) to obtain licences (eg to make or receive payments) where required.
He regularly gives lectures and seminars on insurance-related subjects (eg Errors & Omissions, Sanctions, Binding Authority issues and subrogation), virtually or in person.
In his spare time, Andy regularly risks serious injury to himself as a cyclist and to others through his love of cooking. Less dangerously, he likes classic cars, Peterborough United and playing video games with his two children.