Law firm Stephenson Harwood LLP has strengthened its Middle East insurance disputes practice with the relocation of partner Richard Hugg to Dubai

Stephenson Harwood is building its Middle East insurance litigation capability as Partner Richard Hugg joins the Dubai team, offering expertise across a wide range of business classes. His deep experience focusing on hull and machinery, war, yacht, liability and professional indemnity disputes has made him a sought-after advisor to clients for their most complex claims.

Richard provides comprehensive legal support, extending beyond coverage disputes in both marine and non-marine spaces, to related issues including policy wording, recoveries and subrogation, ensuring that his clients successfully navigate the full lifecycle of a dispute.

"In recent years we have built a powerful client offering across our five focus sectors, including Transportation & Trade, and Richard’s move to Dubai will significantly strengthen our services in shipping and insurance litigation,” said Rania Tadros, Middle East Managing Partner, Stephenson Harwood. “Richard’s arrival will also support the firm’s recent expansion into Saudi Arabia, where his insurance expertise will form part of our offering across the Middle East region.”

“Our global team has grown significantly, with our London group more than doubling in size in the last five years, with more to come,” said Alex Davis, Stephenson Harwood’s insurance practice leader. “With Richard moving to Dubai, we are ensuring that our reach and resources match our clients’ global profile and needs. Our insurance disputes team continues to win important market mandates, particularly in the marine sector, and is focused on building on this momentum.”

The insurance sector is a core business area for Stephenson Harwood, and we are recognised as the go-to advisers for complex commercial insurance and reinsurance matters. Our team brings specialist knowledge and a reputation for excellence across highly technical coverage issues, advising on everything from our traditional marine focus to property, casualty and professional indemnity, as well as financial lines and specialty risks. We offer a full-service approach—supporting clients with policy drafting, regulatory and compliance advice, risk assessment, and dispute resolution, both in the UK and internationally.

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