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Michael Turnbull

Michael Turnbull

Senior Consultant
About

Michael Turnbull has broad experience both in contentious and non-contentious insurance-related matters with a focus on insurance commercial litigation, for reinsurers, insurers, brokers, loss adjusters and insured’s in various legal jurisdictions (including the People Republic of China) on a wide and varied range of claims-related issues arising from policy disputes, high-stake inter-insurance commercial disputes, and mediation of insurance-related disputes.

He has advised brokers on regulatory issues in doing business throughout Asia and provided assistance to international insurers in establishing their business in various jurisdictions.

Prior to joining DLA Piper, Michael held a consultancy with AON (UK) Limited advising on numerous claims.

In addition, Michael was engaged in the dual role as CEO of Shipowners P&I Club which arose from a regulatory necessity; the currency of tenure was part time and finished in July 2015. The duties of this role involved the setting up of the Club in Hong Kong, licensing and regulatory issues and reporting on activities engaged by the Club which are extensive in the insurance of brown water vessels.

Michael is recognised by the 2013 edition of Chambers Asia-Pacific, with market sources as “an impressive lawyer who provides significant skill and know-how in his advice.” He is listed as one of the world’s leading insurance and reinsurance lawyers by The International Who’s Who of Insurance & Reinsurance Lawyers, published by Law Business Research.

Professional QualificationsSolicitor of the High Court of Hong KongSolicitor of the High Court of New ZealandSolicitor of the Senior Courts of England and Wales

EXPERIENCE

  • General commercial insurance advice on policy terms, drafting, advising on inter insurance programs, broker service agreements, agency agreements, legislative compliance and regulatory requirements and amendments.
  • Advising Ship Owners P&I on regulatory matters involving HK insurance authorities; and acting as Chief Executive Officer of Shipowners P&I club attending on all Insurance regulatory and compliance issues arising in the administration of the Hong Kong branch.
  • Establishing an insurance company and obtaining license for Allied World Insurance Co.,Ltd and extending license to cover Accident and Health.
  • Acting on Lloyd’s start up in People Republic of China (PRC); and acting for Lloyd’s China as claims handling agent (on retainer) from start up to 2011 and advising on issues involving regulatory issues in People Republic of China (PRC).
  • Advising brokers on regulatory and compliance issues on entry into Brunei, Laos, Myanmar and Bangladesh in conjunction with experts in those jurisdictions; and advising insurers, brokers and insured’s on legal issues arising in Thailand, Myanmar and Vietnam.
  • Advising on Health & Benefits coverage, title insurance and compliance within the Asia region.
  • Assisting on life insurance portfolio transfer.
  • Defending numerous actions against Defendants and Insurers (Personal injury, employers liability, products liability, hospital and Doctors.
  • Acting for reinsurers on claims by their insurer insureds, in particular of political violence cover and All Risk policies.
  • Advising corporates on insurance coverage and acting on their litigation against insurers; and acting for brokers in claims brought against them.
Education
  • Victoria University, Wellington, New Zealand, LL.B., 1972

Awards

  • Ranked as a leading individual in the area of Insurance: Contentious - China (International Firms), Chambers Asia Pacific 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014.
  • Recognised as one of the world’s leading insurance and reinsurance lawyers by The International Who’s Who of Insurance & Reinsurance Lawyers, published by Law Business Research.

Current Positions Held

  • Senior Consultant - DLA Piper Hong Kong
  • Independent Non Executive Director roles - St. James's Place International (Hong Kong) Limited
  • Independent Non Executive Director roles - Aetna Insurance (Hong Kong) Limited

Memberships And Affiliations

  • Solicitor of the High Court of Ireland, 2017
  • Law Society of Hong Kong
  • Law Society of England & Wales
  • Law Society of New Zealand
  • Law Society of Ireland
  • LEADER Accredited Mediator
  • American Chamber of Commerce, China

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