FHAM's In-Depth Knowledge of The London Market

FHAM remains committed to the professional development of its attorneys and its relationship with the London insurance market. As recognized by United States’ courts, the Lloyd’s, London insurance market in particular is unique, based on age-old customs that differ from traditional American business practices. E.R. Squibb & Sons, Inc. v. Accident & Cas. Ins. Co., 160 F.3d 925, 928-29 (2d Cir. 1998). “As all know, Lloyd’s is not, in reality, an insurance company in either the English or the American sense. It bears little resemblance to a typical corporate insurer.” Syndicate 420 at Lloyd’s London v. Early American Ins. Co., 796 F.2d 821, 824 (5th Cir. 1986).

For that reason, FHAM prides itself on its specialized knowledge of the London market, which can only be developed through years of practice. FHAM holds regular meetings to examine and discuss the latest developments in the market. As part of its attorney training program, young associates also are taken on market trips to see first-hand how the market works.

Recently, FHAM has started a secondment program with Lloyd's Syndicates. Through this program, FHAM attorneys spend several months living and working in London for the firm’s clients. As a secondee, FHAM lawyers are readily available to meet with clients in person at a moment's notice. In addition to providing the firm with a local representative to handle pressing matters, this enables the firm to stay on the cutting edge of market developments, while providing its attorneys with training and skill that would otherwise take years to develop. The resulting effect is that all FHAM lawyers, not just the partners, are knowledgeable about their clients' workings and concerns.