The Policyholder Podcast: Presented by Fenchurch Law

Dru is joined by Will Bennett, a Partner in SDV’s West Coast office, to discuss his career, the firm’s evolution, and the shared mission underpinning SDV’s partnership with Fenchurch Law.Will reflects on SDV’s remarkable growth, what initially drew him to insurance coverage work, how U.S. courts approach policy interpretation, and the procedural contrasts between U.S. and UK litigation—topics he recently explored in greater depth with Joanna Grant during their comparative webinar.The conversation also covers Will’s recent travels to Scandinavia, his impressions of London, and the distinctive quirks of Lloyd’s drafting and bespoke policies. To round things off, Will offers a glimpse into life in Southern California, from surfing and hiking to playing the mandolin.

In this special episode, we sit down with Jeremiah M. Welch, Managing Partner of SDV’s West Coast office, to discuss the growing partnership between Fenchurch Law and Saxe Doernberger & Vita, P.C. (SDV)—one of the leading U.S. firms dedicated exclusively to policyholder insurance coverage.Jeremiah shares how our firms first connected, why the partnership felt “eerily aligned” from day one, and how cross‑jurisdiction collaboration is strengthening support for policyholders globally. He also reflects on his own path into coverage law, offers insights into Builders Risk, his military background and provides a U.S. perspective on Lloyd’s of London.Throughout the conversation, we explore how international knowledge‑sharing can drive better outcomes for policyholders everywhere.

In this special episode, we’re joined by someone who played a defining role in Fenchurch Law’s early story: Rob Fink, co‑founder of the firm alongside David Pryce back in 2010. Rob reflects on the early days of building a specialist policyholder firm, the values that shaped its culture, and the lessons learned during nearly a decade helping establish Fenchurch Law as a trusted name in the sector.Listeners will also hear the remarkable story behind Rob’s bold career pivot in 2018, when he stepped away from legal practice to focus full‑time on his new venture: Big Drop Brewing Co., now a globally recognised pioneer in award‑winning alcohol‑free beer. 

Meet Chris Ives, a Partner in Fenchurch Law’s Leeds office.Chris discusses joining Fenchurch Law in 2024, his background in financial lines, D&O and coverage work, and his expertise in Warranty & Indemnity (W&I) insurance—explaining why it’s a growing and exciting area. He also reflects on his experience working on both insurer and policyholder matters, and what ultimately drew him to Fenchurch Law.The conversation then turns to life in the Leeds office and the importance of building a strong presence beyond London. Outside of work, listeners will enjoy hearing about Chris’ love of the countryside, cycling, family life, Italy, the Scottish Highlands, and the annual festival he hosts at his home.

In this episode, Dru talks to Michael Robin, Partner in the London office, to reflect on a career that spans nearly five decades at the forefront of insurance and professional liability law.Michael looks back on his journey founding Robin Simon, one of the most respected niche insurance firms in the market. He shares the remarkable story of how his insurance practice began with a small office in Lloyd’s during the early 90s – and how a chance encounter helped shape the path that followed.The conversation also covers Michael’s move to Fenchurch Law in 2023, his shift from acting for insurers to representing policyholders, and why the human impact of claims work matters more than ever when a company’s survival is on the line.

In this episode, we introduce Emily Clarke, our Operations and Business Development Assistant based in the Leeds office. Emily offers a behind-the-scenes look at her diverse role, her journey to joining Fenchurch Law, and her key contributions to organising major firm events, including the Symposia and wine tastings. Along the way, listeners can enjoy quick-fire questions and a love of Yorkshire.

In the latest episode of Fenchurch Law’s Meet the Team podcast, Dru sits down with someone who’s been part of the firm’s story since day one: Donna Baldwin, our much-loved Practice Manager.Donna reflects on her journey from office junior to becoming an indispensable part of Fenchurch Law’s growth—from early days of planning the firm in a coffee shop, to navigating international expansion and the evolution into an EOT. She shares what she loves most about the firm, the values that continue to guide us, and the pride she takes in leading a thriving operations team.

Meet Alex Rosenfield, Partner and long-standing member of the Fenchurch Law team.Alex reflects on his journey through the firm, from Associate to Partner, and how the nature of his day-to-day work has evolved. He shares insights into the realities of law firm partnership, the art of networking, and why building relationships has become a key part of his role.Of course, no conversation with Alex would be complete without touching on his two great passions: films and football.Warm, witty, and filled with insights, this episode offers a brilliant glimpse into Alex’s career journey, personality, and life at Fenchurch Law.

Meet Natalie Sulma, London’s PA & Operations Assistant. In this episode, Natalie gives an energetic peek behind the scenes at how she helps keep the firm running: leading daily bookkeeping as Head of UK Accounts, supporting Senior Partner David Pryce and acting as London office manager. She shares the biggest lesson learned from Practice Manager Donna Baldwin—unwavering dedication to the firm—and why working across all practice groups is the most rewarding part of her role.

In the first episode of Season 2, our host Dru Corfield welcomes Çağlar Kaçar, the newest member of the firm and the driving force behind Fenchurch Law’s recently opened Istanbul office. Caglar shares insights into his background in insurance and commercial litigation, life in turkey, and why working exclusively for policyholders aligns with his values. He also talks about the Turkish legal system, his love of family time, music production, and his impressions of London during his recent visit. 

Meet Dan Robin, the Deputy Managing Partner of Fenchurch Law and leader of the firm’s Financial and Professional Lines Practice Group.Dan shares his journey from starting out at his father’s professional indemnity firm, through secondments as a broker and claims handler, to joining Fenchurch Law in 2018 and helping establish the Leeds office. Along the way, he reflects on the mentors and turning points that shaped his career, the lessons he wishes he had known as a junior lawyer, and why staying calm under pressure is key.

Meet Pawinder Manak, a trainee solicitor who joined Fenchurch Law’s London office in 2024. In this episode, Pawinder talks about her journey from studying law at UCL to securing a training contract with the firm, shares insights from her time in the FinPro team, and looks ahead to the opportunities of her next seat in the International Risks team.

Meet Jessica Chappell, a Senior Associate in Fenchurch Law’s FinPro team. Jess shares her journey from general commercial litigation to specialising in coverage disputes, reflects on the highlights of her first year at Fenchurch Law, and talks about teamwork, memorable cases, and how she switches off outside the office.

Meet Eugene Lee, a Senior Associate at Fenchurch APAC. In this episode, Eugene shares his journey from studying history and completing military service to building a career in law. He reflects on his experiences within Singapore’s legal profession and reveals what excites him most about being part of Fenchurch Law’s dynamic and growing team.

Meet Joanna Grant, Fenchurch Law UK's Managing Partner and head of the Construction and Property Risks team.In this episode Joanna shares highlights from her career, her path to becoming one of the UK’s top policyholder lawyers, and her passion for leadership, collaboration, and championing women in the insurance industry.She also reflects on the firm’s culture, her unique ‘Grant Goblet’ tradition, and the exciting future ahead for Fenchurch Law.

Meet Matt King, the newest Associate in Fenchurch Law’s Singapore office.In this episode, Matt shares his career journey from training at a global firm to embracing the world of insurance coverage disputes, reflects on his experiences at Fenchurch Law so far, and reveals his favourite Southeast Asian travel experience.

Meet Simran Matharu, who joins us to share her journey as Fenchurch Law’s first-ever Solicitor Apprentice.Simran walks us through the structure of her six-year apprenticeship, a comprehensive programme that blends academic study with hands-on experience. By qualification, Simran will have spent six years immersed in the inner workings of a law firm, making her "worth her weight in gold" compared to traditional trainees just starting their professional journey.Simran represents a new generation of legal professionals entering the field, whether you're considering alternative pathways to qualification or simply curious about evolving approaches to legal training, Simran's insights offer a compelling glimpse into the future of legal education.

Meet Abi Smith, the newest member of our London team. Having joined Fenchurch Law in January 2025, Abi reflects on what inspired her move and shares her first impressions after six months at the firm.She shares insights into our unique culture, where top-tier legal work meets a refreshingly flat hierarchy. It’s a balance that enables us to tackle complex, high-stakes matters while preserving the friendly, collaborative spirit of a boutique practice.We also get to know Abi beyond the legal world. She reveals her strong opinions on brewing the perfect cup of Yorkshire Tea, her deep pride in her Bolton roots, and the invaluable lessons she’s learned from colleagues — particularly the art of turning technical detail into clear, commercially focused client advice.Listen now to get to know Abi.

In this episode, our host Dru Corfield is joined by special guest Ed Pocock, Head of Cyber Security at Gallagher Re, to discuss perspectives on AI from the cyber security point of view.Topics discussed include:What are the challenges with insuring against cyber security risks? What does AI coverage within insurance policies entail?How can companies protect themselves against the growing threat of AI-generated deepfake fraud?Do policyholders see AI as posing a greater risk or a greater benefit?

In this episode, our host Dru Corfield has a conversation with Alexandra Matthews, Underwriter for AI Performance Risks at Munich Re, about its Insure AI product.  Topics discussed include:Insure AI, Munich Re’s AI Insurance offeringHow companies can effectively safeguard against recurring issues, such as algorithmic bias, when using Generative AIThe biggest challenges companies face when implementing AI solutionsA look towards the future of AI, and the opportunities for growth and innovation

Our host Dru Corfield is joined by special guest Dr Joanne Cracknell, Director of Risk at WTW, to discuss perspectives on AI from a risk and compliance point of view.This episode covers:Recent Advances in AI RegulationHow can international companies cope with the evolving regulations around AI in different jurisdictions?Advice for law firms on safeguarding against privacy violations of their client’s data when deploying generative AI.Addressing Algorithmic Bias: Practical suggestions to reduce bias and avoid unintentional breaches of the Equality Act 2010.Unpacking the AI “Black Box”Examining whether overreliance on generative AI could undermine trust in the legal profession or the broking communityThe Government’s Stance on AI

In this episode, Associate Dru Corfield is joined by special guest Shannan Fort, International Cyber Product Leader at Marsh to discuss perspectives on AI from the cyber insurance market point of view.Topics discussed include:What are policyholders asking about in terms of AI coverage in their cyber policies?  What are policyholders main concerns?  Thoughts on AI losses being covered by cyber policiesWhat might an ‘AI loss’ look like?  How is the insurance market defining AI in policies?  

Our host Dru Corfield talks to special guest George Hilton, a Barrister at Monckton Chambers about perspectives on AI from the legal and professional negligence point of view. This episode covers:The intersection of AI, law and professional indemnity insurance.How and why might a professional be held responsible for acting upon erroneous advice given by GenAI? The Bolam Test and how it might apply to a professional using AIWould the test for standard of care change if AI was being used by an insurance broker?In the future would it be negligent for lawyers and brokers to not use AI in the course of their work?AI Judges

Our host Alex Rosenfield talks to Paul Mills, Product Development Manager of WTW Networks, about how to get property claims paid.

Our host Jonathan Corman talks to guests HH Judge Davis-White QC and Hugh Evans, Barrister at 4 New Square, about why litigants lose cases they expect to win.In this episode we cover the following: Whether litigants ever fight cases to trial for reasons other than that seeming the least bad option.  To what extent cases get to trial because solicitors/counsel want that, rather than the client.To what extent can you tell in advance that the outcome of a particular trial would depend on the identity of the trial judge (e.g. “pro-claimant” or “pro-defendant” judges; or judges who are more deferential to precedent than others).What recent insurance developments have been Good, Bad or Ugly for policyholders 

Our host Daniel Robin talks to special guest Will Healy, Senior Associate at Kennedys about perspectives from the policyholder and insurer sides of the market.In this episode we cover the following:Does the Insurance market operate effectively and fairly for policyholders?How the Insurance market can be improved for the benefit of both Insurers and policyholders?BI claimsWhat Will thinks is Good, Bad or Ugly for policyholders in relation to Covid BI litigation

In this episode, our host David Pryce welcomes special guest Rob Jacobs, Partner at Blank Rome to discuss hot insurance issues from the US.Rob represents policyholders in a wide array of insurance recovery disputes arising from product liabilities, toxic torts, first-party property loss, business interruption, advertising liability, professional liability, kidnap and ransom losses, and various directors and officers-related liabilities, to name a few.

This week, our host David Pryce welcomes one of the US’ preeminent mediators, Jeff Kichaven, to discuss Mediating Coverage Disputes.Jeff has a widely known and respected mediation practice and regularly assists parties in coming to a settlement in complex insurance disputes. His unique approach to mediation guides lawyers and clients toward the clear, focused decision-making, from which settlements naturally follow. Jeff is an Honors Graduate of Harvard Law School and a Phi Beta Kappa Graduate of the University of California, Berkeley.

This week, our host David Pryce welcomes OvationXL’s Managing Director, Robin Johnson for a special edition to discuss lessons from 20 years of working with law firm leaders.Robin is global leadership coach and currently supports business leaders in nine countries. Most of his clients are focused on increasing efficiency, team building and business expansion. 50% of Robin’s clients work in professional services, including law firms and financial services, with the remainder coming from independent schools, charities, manufacturing, retail and the public sector.In this episode we cover the following:What does coaching involve, and how does it help those being coached to improve and grow?What are the similarities and differences between law firms and other professional service firms, such as insurance brokerages?What do the leaders of professional service firms tend to do well, and what do they tend to do less well?What makes a healthy culture?In our Good, Bad, or Ugly segment find out why Robin thinks convergent and divergent thinking is good for those working in professional services, and why doing deals over "liquid lunches” can be ugly.

Partners Aaron Le Marquer and David Pryce are joined by special guest Tets Ishikawa to discuss funding for insurance coverage disputes.Tets is the Managing Director at LionFish, a specialist litigation funder based in London, that offers intelligent pricing and focuses on financing commercial litigation risks. In this episode we cover:Where litigation funding currently stands – where has it come from, and what’s the direction of travel?Recent developments and trends in litigation funding.Do funders like insurance disputes, or are there difficulties with funding cases against insurers? In our Good, Bad, or Ugly segment, find out why Tets thinks that new entrants into the litigation funding market is good for policyholders.

Managing Partner David Pryce is joined By Airmic CEO, Julia Graham, and Insurance Manager of Compass Group, Scott Feltham, to discuss what policyholders want from the insurance market.In this episode we cover the following:What do policyholders want from the insurance market?Is the insurance market delivering what policyholders want?What are the challenges in terms of how the market is meeting the needs of policyholders, and what are the solutions?In our “Good, Bad, or Ugly” segment, find out why Scott thinks the prevalence of intangible risks in the modern world is Ugly for policyholders, and why Julia thinks a move to a better understanding of data is Good for the whole insurance industry.

Managing Partner David Pryce is joined by Partner, Jonathan Corman and special guest David Hertzell to discuss the Insurance Act and if it achieved what the Law Commissions intended. David Hertzell was appointed the Law Commissioner in 2007 until 2014. As Law Commissioner he was responsible for various commercial and common law reform projects, including the recent major reforms of insurance contract law, the law relating to the supply of goods and services, unjustified threats in intellectual property litigation and the fiduciary duties of investment intermediaries. In this episode we cover the following:Problems that the Law Commissions were trying to fixThe behaviours the Commissions were trying to changeThe extent to which the introductions of the Insurance Act and the Enterprise Act has had the desired effectIn our The Good, the Bad & the Ugly segment for policyholders find out why David thinks the regulators involvement in the Aon-Willis merger is good for policyholders and why the market’s response to Covid was bad.