In the second US foray into Taylor Wessing’s partner pool this month, the top 20 firm has lost its former head of international insurance & reinsurance James Crabtree, who joins Amlaw 100 firm Edwards Wildman’s London office as a partner.
The insurance disputes lawyer joins Wildman’s 15-strong insurance team in the City. Prior to joining Taylor Wessing almost eight years ago, Crabtree served as head of insurance and reinsurance disputes at Pinsent Masons, and was also previously a partner at Stephenson Harwood.
Crabtree specialises in disputes concerning marine and energy market claims, asbestos, environmental pollution and health hazard losses, and financial institutions claims.
Wildman’s co-chair of insurance & reinsurance, David Kendall said: ‘[James] brings a good client following and has strong experience in a number of areas, including many specific areas where the firm has considerable strength including international claims, run-off portfolios and arbitration.’
A spokesperson for Taylor Wessing said: ‘We all wish James the very best of luck in his new role.’
Crabtree’s departure follows that of private equity and investment funds partner Tom Cartwright, who earlier this month joined Morgan Lewis & Bockius’ London business and finance practice.
Cartwright, who joined Taylor Wessing in 2007 from legacy Hammonds, where he became a partner in 2004, advises private equity and hedge funds based in London and New York.
Christopher Harrison, co-managing partner of Morgan Lewis’s London office said: ‘Tom’s addition continues the expansion and meaningful transformation that our London office has undergone in recent years as part of an effort to provide UK and international clients counsel across a broad range of matters.’
sarah.downey@legalease.co.uk
