News
Former AGCS Head of Claims Andreas Shell joins WILHELM to advise policyholders
The long-term Global Head of Claims with Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS) will advise reinsurers and insured companies to improve cooperation with insurers.
“The opposed interests between the insurance industry and commercial clients have made claim settlement increasingly difficult recently. False and insufficient communication significantly contributed to this development“, explains Shell. "Already during underwriting, diffuse or false expectations arise. This leads to disappointment in an insured event." By cooperating, Wilhelm and Shell want to build a bridge between insurers and their clients.
Shell will advise insured companies particularly in the pre-contractual phase and on how to cooperate with insurers during claim settlement to reach the best possible results. Reinsurers will be assisted by Shell as Claims Control Counsel in the settlement of large and medium-sized claims. In disputed cases, he acts as a party representative in arbitration proceedings.
“From our own experience with him representing our clients’ opponents, we know how knowledgeable and persistent Andreas Shell fights for the interests of his party”, says Dr. Mark Wilhelm, founder of the law firm Wilhelm. “Our clients will benefit from that now. We look forward to working together.”
Shell, who settled corporate claims in the field of property insurance as Global Head of Claims of AGCS since 2006, has more than 25 years of experience in the insurance industry. He was responsible for the claims settlement after 9/11 across all lines at Allianz. At Wilhelm, Shell completes the team of meanwhile 18 lawyers who deal with critical issues in the fields of insurance, liability, corporate and commercial criminal law.
Please find the full press release for download below. In case of any queries please contact:
Christoph Manke (Head of PR), +49 211 687746 54, christoph.manke@wilhelm-rae.de
Wilhelm a leading insurance firm, says Legal 500
In its new Germany edition, the researchers praise Wilhelm's "constantly good team" and highlight the firm's expertise in major losses, in D&O insurance as well as in product liability. According to the directory, the firm has specific industry experience i.a. in energy, chemicals and pharma, as well as in construction and real estate.
The recommendation is based on interviews with clients and competitors.
Please find the latest rankings online on www.legal500.de. An English version will be released in early 2017.
"Highly recommended in Insurance Law": JUVE Handbook 2017
"This highly recommended firm in insurance is clearly positioned at the side of insurance policyholders in a way that few of its competitors are. With this focus on industrial instructions, the insurance and liability boutique is at the vanguard of a trend that competitors such as White & Case and other large firms are increasingly pursuing. One client praises the team around Wilhelm for its entrepreneurial thinking: “brilliant minds who are very engaged and act strategically”. Much attention was also brought to the firm on the basis of a success before the Federal Court of Justice (Bundesgerichtshof): Wilhelm and Winkler won a precedent dispute for two clients on assignment of claims and the conditions for a claim on the part of the D&O insurer. [...]"
The full ranking and appreciation of our firm can be found online on juve.de.
"Current situation of some companies does not correspond with paid manager bonuses"
Please find the full article (German language only) online on faz.net
FOCUS magazine: Wilhelm one of Germany's leading business law firms
Together with the renowned research institute Statista, the editors of FOCUS identified 301 firms in 24 practice areas. The list is based on recommendations by 2,600 lawyers and general counsels.
The special edition can be ordered online on www.focus-magazin.de
"This argumentation turns the idea of fidelity insurance upside down"
Please find the full article released 13 July 2016 on www.versicherungsmonitor.de (German language only).
"Federal Court of Justice has put a stop to the strategy of some insurers"
Please find the full article released 28 June 2016 by Handelsblatt (page 17) online (German language only).
Chambers Europe 2016 recommends Wilhelm Rechtsanwälte
"[...] A growing German insurance boutique with expertise in industrial damages claims and D&O matters. Widely recognised for its specialism in representing policyholders in litigation cases, while also acting for re-insurers and brokers. Additional areas of focus range from underwriting assistance and the structuring of insurance programs. [...]"
The full review and ranking is published online at chambersandpartners.com