DWF enhances Global Risks team significantly

DWF, the global provider of integrated legal and business services, is making significant strides in its Global Risks practice with the strategic hire of John Gilfedder as a partner in London. Moving from DLA Piper, John brings over a decade of extensive experience in the aviation, insurance, and travel sectors. His comprehensive portfolio includes acting for airlines, various aviation organisations, handling agents, manufacturers, maintenance providers, and their insurers and reinsurers on a broad spectrum of contentious and advisory mandates.

Fluency in French and Spanish enables John to engage effectively with clients across Europe, West Africa, and Latin America, thereby enhancing DWF's international reach. His appointment aligns with DWF's ongoing commitment to develop its aviation insurance capabilities, working collaboratively with established teams in Insurance and Government, Trade, and Transport market groups. This will allow DWF to offer informed advice to insurers and reinsurers on regulatory, commercial, and advisory matters.

The addition of John Gilfedder is part of DWF’s broader strategy to invest in its Global Risks practice, which notably includes the recruitment of a significant marine insurance team from Kennedys earlier in May 2025. This step further diversifies the firm’s expertise within global insurance and transportation markets.

Commenting on his appointment, John Gilfedder expressed his enthusiasm: “I am delighted to be joining DWF and to have the opportunity to build on the firm's strong insurance platform and market presence by developing its aviation capability. DWF’s appetite for growth, innovation and disruption in the market appealed to me and we look forward to working with existing and new clients on that journey.”

David Abbott, Managing Partner of Insurance Services and Head of Global Risks at DWF, also noted the impact of John's expertise: “John is a highly regarded lawyer with extensive experience across the aviation insurance market and a strong network of longstanding client relationships. His expertise complements our existing Global Risks capability and strengthens our ability to support clients operating across this complex and evolving sector. We are delighted to welcome John to DWF and look forward to working with him as we continue to develop our aviation insurance offering and deliver innovative, commercially focused solutions for clients.”