International legal practice, Norton Rose LLP has announced today that Patrick Foss and Chris Zavos are to join as partners in the London office. They are leading names in the Marine, Energy and Trade insurance markets and will join from Barlow Lyde & Gilbert (BLG).
Patrick Foss was previously head of BLG’s Marine, Energy and Trade department, and specialises in all areas of marine / energy insurance and shipping dispute resolution. He has extensive experience in litigation, arbitration and alternative dispute resolution.
Chris Zavos was also a partner in the BLG Marine, Energy and Trade practice, specialising in marine and energy matters. He too is very experienced in multi-jurisdictional dispute resolution.
James Bateson, Head of Insurance at Norton Rose LLP, commented:
“Patrick and Chris’ expertise complements several Norton Rose key sector strengths, notably insurance, energy and transport. I am delighted to welcome them both to the practice.
“Complex international claims work is central to our insurance offering. This move strengthens our existing insurance claims practice in the UK, where it operates alongside our leading corporate insurance offering and our strong practices in Australia, Canada and South Africa. We have a unique opportunity at this time to provide a high quality alternative for high end insurance claims work and we plan to continue to grow this practice area so that we can offer that choice to London Market and international insurers.”
The insurance practice within Norton Rose Group operates globally with over 75 partners located in a number of key regions, including Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific, Africa and Canada.
Norton Rose Group announced this week that leading Canadian law firm Macleod Dixon will join the Group on 1 January 2012. The enlarged Norton Rose Group will be one of the five largest international legal practices, with more than 2,900 lawyers in 43 offices. As a result of the merger, Norton Rose Group will gain a footprint in Latin America through offices in Caracas (Venezuela) and Bogotá (Colombia). Additionally, the merger brings a new office in Almaty (Kazakhstan), as well as expanding existing offices across Canada and in Moscow.
Deirdre Walker, Group Head of Litigation and Dispute Resolution for Norton Rose Group, commented:
“Our insurance litigation team is an important part of our wider disputes group and has a superb reputation in the market. Patrick and Chris will enhance the team further, building on the great work that we do in that area.”
Patrick Foss commented:
“Norton Rose, with its existing profile and its worldwide presence, offers an ideal platform on which to expand our practice in the insurance field and in the marine and offshore sectors generally. This is a great opportunity to join a first class practice at a time of great change in the legal insurance market.”
Chris Zavos commented:
“Norton Rose is one of the top global insurance firms and has an enviable reputation. Their strengths in insurance, energy and transport make a very strong proposition for shipping clients.”
Both partners are named in the latest Chambers UK and Legal 500 UK directories of lawyers:
“[Patrick Foss] is credited as the driving force behind the firm's increasing success in wet shipping and clients have "absolute faith in his capability to handle our needs."
“Patrick Foss has an exceptional degree of experience in energy insurance, and advises on both onshore and offshore matters. He is also the ideal choice for those pursuing or defending marine piracy claims.”
“[Chris Zavos] has been involved in a series of multimillion-dollar marine casualty actions on behalf of the underwriters. Clients praise his understanding of the insurance market and his ability to answer any questions within tight timelines.”
- Chambers UK 2011
“Patrick Foss and Chris Zavos are ‘fully aware of the commercial implications facing insurers, as well as the technical legal aspects’.”
- Legal 500 UK 2011
“Patrick Foss and Chris Zavos are singled out as ‘problem solvers’ who ‘understand the relationship issues that clients need to factor into their decisions’.”
- Legal 500 UK 2010
For further information please contact:
Charles Dalton-Holmes, Interim PR Manager, Norton Rose LLP
Tel: +44 (0)20 7444 3215
charles.dalton-holmes@nortonrose.com
Gavin Collins, PR Manager, Norton Rose LLP
Tel: +44 (0)20 7444 2466
gavin.collins@nortonrose.com