Simon Isgar is a Partner and the Co-Head of the Insurance/Reinsurance Practice at BLK Partners, based in Dubai.
With over two decades of experience advocating for international insurers/reinsurers and insurance intermediaries across global markets, Simon possesses extensive knowledge of the insurance industry and has served on the Board of an overseas Captive Insurer for several years.
Simon specializes in both contentious and non-contentious insurance and reinsurance matters, focusing on large loss claims in cross-jurisdictional disputes related to Middle East ceded risks in overseas insurance markets. His expertise covers various lines including property, professional liability, E&O, FI, D&O, and political risk. Additionally, he advises on all aspects of claims, coverage issues, and subrogated recoveries in the Middle East. Simon also provides niche expertise in advising international private medical insurance companies (IPMIs) on compliance with global health insurance regulations and Middle Eastern health laws and regulations for overseas investors.
Consistently recognized for his exceptional legal acumen, Simon has played a pivotal role in negotiating and settling complex regional insurance claims, including a recent $85 million settlement arising from a large fire loss in the region. Recent instructions include successful coverage defenses and settlements for overseas market Reinsurers in large loss claims valued at $130 million. Simon has experience managing Middle East litigation related to insurance disputes and is often instructed by large reinsurance companies, the London market, and overseas leading law firms specializing in insurance disputes.
Moreover, Simon spearheads our firm's Middle East Cyber Response Team in collaboration with Global Reinsurers and various cedent insurers. Highly regarded within the legal community, he is frequently sought after by prominent law firms in the UK and Europe to serve as regional counsel.
Simon is ranked in Chambers & Partners and Legal 500 as a leading regional (re)insurance lawyer and often appears as a speaker at many of the leading insurance conferences. He has contributed to several publications related to both contentious and non-contentious (re)insurance laws.
Simon holds a BA (Hons) in Politics from the University of Sheffield, an LL.B. (Hons) from the University of Hertfordshire, completed his Barrister at Law qualification at the Inns of Court School of Law, London (ICSL), and was called to the Bar in the Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn in 1998. He is admitted and licensed as a Barrister (England & Wales). Additionally, Simon maintains active memberships in esteemed organizations such as the DIFC Insurance Association, the British Insurance Lawyers Association (BILA), and the International Bar Association.