Clare Brennan discusses why protecting talent has become a legal priority for insurers in City AM
Clare’s comments were published in City AM, 15 January 2026, and can be seen here.
Clare Brennan, Partner in our Corporate and Commercial department, discuss the growing trend of litigation in the insurance sector as firms fight back against aggressive team poaching.
In a market where specialist knowledge and client relationships are critical, the departure of an entire team can devastate a business overnight. This has led to heightened awareness of restrictive covenants and their enforcement as a strategic tool.
Clare highlights recent High Court cases involving major brokers, including Howden, Guy Carpenter, and Aon, which show how firms are increasingly willing to sue competitors over mass defections. These disputes often involve senior executives and niche teams whose expertise commands significant value. Settlements and injunctions have become common, with businesses seeking urgent legal remedies to prevent breaches and protect their client base.
The shift reflects the premium placed on technical skillsets and the cost of losing them. Historically, restrictive covenants were seen as difficult to enforce, but the stakes in specialist areas have changed that perception. Litigation is now viewed as an investment cheaper than the potential loss of revenue and market share when a team departs with clients in tow.
However, pursuing legal action is expensive and complex, involving injunctions, damages, and profit claims. With employment law reforms and tighter contractual terms on the horizon, litigation is increasingly used not only to address breaches but also as a deterrent. For insurers, the message is clear: protecting talent and client relationships is no longer just an HR issue it’s a legal and strategic priority.
Read the full article on the City AM website [external link].