Having been the principal Costs Draftsman for the Solicitors Indemnity Fund before and after they entered into run-off in 2000, Simon has worked for most of the following professional indemnity insurance market including (but not limited to) AIG Europe, Zurich Insurance, Travelers, QBE Insurance, AXA, RSA Insurance, Hiscox Insurance, AXIS, Sompo International, AMTrust & CNA Hardy. Simon is also regularly instructed by the Bar Mutual Indemnity Fund regarding detailed assessment proceedings arising out of claims for negligence against barristers.
In the course of working with the Solicitors Indemnity Fund Simon had involvement in three sets of case managed litigation where the Solicitors Indemnity Fund were faced with seven figure claims for costs from respectively, The Bristol & West Building Society, The Nationwide Building Society and Paragon Finance PLC. Since then Simon has also acted for 5 Insurers in relation to the TAG & CLE litigation and other insurers in relation to claims for costs arising out of the PPP investors’ litigation and property transactions in the North of England.
In the course of his career Simon has attended numerous detailed assessment hearings and at CCMCs. Simon has had involvement in a number of important and reported cases involving the interpretation of the indemnity principle, conduct, in-house legal fees and the level of success fees. He has also acted as an expert witness and has had articles published online.
Following the advent of the Jackson Reforms in 2013, Simon has been able to develop other markets, such as advising D&O insurers in relation to claims for costs arising out of civil and criminal investigations including cases overseas. Furthermore, Simon now provides services to insurers and media organisations in relation to case managed litigation where their Solicitors’ invoices are sent to Simon in draft for his assessment before final invoices are rendered. This service enables the insurers and media organisations to identify early any problems with billing structures.
Simon has also seen his client base grow in recent years in relation to media work having acted for many of the national newspapers & media organisations in detailed assessment proceedings arising out of privacy, defamation, and libel claims, including: