Geraldine Bourke

Background

About Geraldine Bourke

I have handled numerous contentious insurance and reinsurance matters, many with an international element. I am experienced in advising insurers in relation to policy coverage issues, as well as defending policyholders against third party claims. My main experience is focused towards financial lines, political risk and product liability. As a qualified Solicitor-Advocate I have handled court hearings as an advocate. In addition to litigation, I have experience of both arbitrations and mediations. I spent five months on secondment with the Financial Lines claims team at AIG. Financial lines: I advise insurers on policy coverage issues relating to third party claims against financial institutions, notably in connection with large mis-selling type issues, claims arising from the Madoff fraud and the collapse of the Icelandic banking system. I also advise professional indemnity and D&O insurers with regard to allegations of dishonesty and breach of fiduciary duty in multi-national organisations, most recently in Russia and the Ukraine. Political risk: I advise political risk insurers in relation to the adjustment and defence of claims involving political risk policies, including confiscation (CEND), contract frustration and contingency (change of law) policies, and have considered countless private international law and arbitration issues in connections with the same. Recent matters include: advising on a non-honouring of an arbitration award policy and a claim for constructive total loss of three vessels under a war risks policy. Product Liability/Recall: I have experience advising insurers in relation to coverage aspects of Product Liability, Product Recall and General, Commercial and Public Liability Policies. Recent matters include advising London Market insurers in connection with claims relating to: defective plastics; contaminated biscuits; an automotive recall in France; defective washing machines and defective hydraulic machinery on vessels.