Directors and officers (D&O) insurance

Expert guidance on directors and officers policies

We provide specialist advice to directors, companies, insurers, intermediaries and reinsurers on the interpretation and application of Directors and Officers policy wordings and the resolution of associated claims.

The need for D&O insurance is increasing, not only in the US and UK but throughout continental Europe and the emerging markets.

US sub-prime losses, the global credit crunch and high-profile cases such as Worldcom, Enron, the Independent, the 'Natwest Three', Société Générale, Northern Rock, Madoff and Stanford have shone a spotlight on the actions — and inactions — of those sitting in boardrooms.

With increased legislation and regulation in the UK, increases in the number of companies failing due to the recession and the arrival on these shores of US law firms specialising in class actions, this trend is likely to intensify over the next few years. Cases such as RSA v Dornoch and AIG v Faraday have also highlighted some reinsurance issues arising out of D&O coverage.

Weightmans' team advises directors, companies, insurers, intermediaries and reinsurers on the drafting, interpretation and application of D&O wordings at both an insurance and reinsurance level. We provide sound, practical advice designed to protect your position and to minimise your risk, whether as an individual director or organisation.

We can advise on the increasing numbers of claims brought by shareholders against UK companies; claims by UK companies against their former directors; insurance and indemnification issues, and recovery under outwards reinsurance contracts.

Our service is supportive, proactive and designed to help you deal effectively with the issues arising from this constantly evolving area.

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Accolades

Weightmans offers an established and market-leading national public sector team with real strength in depth. It acts for more than 250 local authorities as well as emergency services and all public sector insurers. It has an acute understanding of the full breadth of their client's legal needs. .hey are reputationally astute and are always mindful of the need to protect the public purse. Weightmans continues to be a leading light in the development of public sector jurisprudence.
Legal 500 2025
Weightmans are an all-round great firm, they are very friendly, professional, and have a wealth of knowledge. We use them for a variety of casualty claims and always receive exceptional service.
Legal 500 2025
They have a wealth of knowledge of the legal system as well as our own business history which can be considerably complicated. We have an excellent working relationship and communicate regularly to ensure all strategies are understood and agreed.
Legal 500 2025
A firm with national coverage with a very strong presence in London. Attention to detail combined with a calm manner when dealing with challenging matters is the hallmark of this firm.
Legal 500 2025
The team at Weightmans are extremely experienced, have brilliant relationships with the Trusts and NHSR and are very efficient. Always a pleasure to be instructed by solicitors at the top of their game. .onia Morgan and Rosalind Bird are standout individuals. Both are very thoughtful and analytical in terms of the law and medicine but combine that with an appreciation of the practicalities of clinical negligence litigation.
Legal 500 2025
This is a great team undertaking high-quality defendant work. It is noteworthy that they have been engaged for the most challenging of claims against the NHS involving complex and technically difficult matters. They are hardworking, efficient and clear thinking.
Legal 500 2025
Weightmans is a firm than understands the needs of my business and offers an almost bespoke service.
Legal 500 2025
They are very strong all round outfit with strength in depth across all areas. Very much a one stop shop for serious injury matters of all types.
Legal 500 2025
They are very approachable, knowledgeable and I feel one of the best defendant insurance firms in the market. They are willing to go the extra mile in terms of service and added value.
Legal 500 2025
I have worked with Weightmans for many years. They quickly familiarised themselves with our business and seamlessly adapted their services to suit our needs. On an individual or team level, we have enjoyed a friendly, efficient and competitive service based on a considerable breadth of knowledge and experience. Clients requiring front-line legal claims services and complementary management support will find that Weightmans will enhance their business.
Legal 500 2025
The Weightmans team are a real heavy-weight in the defendant clinical negligence market. All of the individuals there are impressive litigators. I am always amazed at how well they prepare cases.
Legal 500 2025
They really stand out for their quality of work. .They are true experts in Defendant clinical negligence work with experience across the full spectrum of such cases.
Legal 500 2025
Weightmans are a formidable defendant firm, with heavy-hitting partners and associates.
Legal 500 2025
Weightmans are an excellent choice for Defendants in a crowded market place. They remain on top of new developments in order to ensure high quality service and great value for clients. They seem to have an uncanny ability to produce lawyers who are calm under pressure and skilled in making the complex look straightforward.
Legal 500 2025
Weightmans' team is top-notch, right down to the most junior members. I always have full confidence that the cases are prepared to a high standard and their lawyers are over all relevant detail.
Legal 500 2025
Weightmans are prompt and efficient whilst also being extremely knowledgeable and supportive. Weightmans treat clients respectfully and explain claims procedures and prospects clearly.
Legal 500 2025
There is a great depth of knowledge and ability. Attention to detail is very important and a close eye is kept by Weightmans on tactics and legal timescales. All staff are highly competent and personable. I can trust them to get on with the management of a claim without worrying.
Legal 500 2025
Weightmans have a good balance of skillsets and they work collaboratively on legal matters.
Chambers 2025
Weightmans have a very strong knowledge of the sector and offer practical advice. They are proactive, available and always on hand.
Chambers 2025
Weightmans has the ability to analyse and advise on very complex matters when there is immense pressure on all parties.
Chambers 2025
The team is always very professional and balanced in their approach.
Chambers 2025
Weightmans' lawyers are always prompt and efficient, while remaining extremely knowledgeable and supportive.
Chambers 2025
Weightmans is consistently outstanding; a more capable and talented team would be hard to find.
Chambers 2025
Weightmans has a wealth of talented legal staff who collectively can represent clients across all manner of legal issues, while paying close attention to deadlines, costs and claim outcomes.
Chambers 2025