Phil is an expert in helping clients resolve complex disputes. He leads Osborne Clarke's Insurance Disputes practice and also has extensive experience in cyber incident response and technology disputes.
Phil has over 20 years’ experience in advising policyholders, international insurers, and intermediaries on complex insurance and reinsurance coverage matters across all classes of business. Phil also has extensive experience advising clients on noncontentious coverage matters and insurance related regulatory issues.
Phil has been involved in cyber insurance since its emergence has a product and has extensive experience in the management of cyber incidents, follow-on investigations and litigation and coverage issues. He has also acted for a number of well-known technology and telecoms companies in relation to a variety of high value disputes, particularly matters arising from delayed and failed software implementation, IT infrastructure and outsourcing projects.
He is a Solicitor Advocate, a member of the Society for Computers and Law. He is ranked in Legal 500 for Insurance Litigation.
Helping you succeed in tomorrow's world
My focus is on helping clients navigate complex problems and disputes to arrive at the right solution, commercially as well as legally. Whilst I will fight their corner tenaciously, my approach is to help clients reduce quickly reduce complex problems down to what really matters and get them to the right outcome as quickly and efficiently as possible.
"highly experienced, able and dedicated [with a] proven ability to overcome challenges where others have not been successful."
"Philip Tansley…delivered a first-rate service. [His] approach is pragmatic and efficient. Focussed very much on getting the right result."
"Philip Tansley has excellent technical ability and level of experience within his industry sector, which is an added benefit when faced with challenges."
Zurich Plc and Scor SE
Acting in coverage proceedings relating to the insurability of fines and penalties, aggregation and the application of policy exclusions to claims arising from a large data breach and series of US class actions.
Consumer Finance Company
Advising in relation to large data breach, mass data subject notification and a large number of subsequent consumer data protection claims.
UK Software company
Representing software provider in relation to ICC arbitration arising from the termination of a contract to provide an enterprise ERP system to a major French publishing house.
Insurance Company
Advising on a dispute regarding the implementation of an air traffic management system.
Data Centre Provider and Insurers
Advising on liability, quantum and insurance coverage issues arising from a significant outage occasioning loss of data, claims and litigation by customers.
US Hosting Company
Acting in relation to significant data breach and subsequent investigation resulting in the apprehension of a suspect in the UK and recovery of assets.
Life Sciences Company
Acting in relation to a significant data breach affecting patient data involving complex cross border regulatory issues.
Alstom/international insurers
Advising the rail manufacturer Bombardier (now Alstom) and their insurers in relation to liability issues arising from the Sandilands tram disaster, including representing Bombardier at the Coroner’s inquest in 2021.
Bermuda Form arbitration
Advising an international corporation on a very significant Bermuda Form arbitration regarding environmental pollution and health hazard exposures.
Private Equity house
Advising a Private Equity house on a very significant Warranty and Indemnity insurance claim
Transactional insurance
Advising transactional insurance aspects of a $500m corporate transaction.
Complex coverage dispute
Acting in a complex coverage dispute arising from the collapse of a trade finance company.
Avoidance dispute
Representing the insured in a policy avoidance dispute regarding a tax liability policy.
Technology Professional Indemnity
Acting in a coverage dispute regarding a Technology Professional Indemnity policy.
Unfair prejudice allegations
Acting in a shareholders dispute involving allegations of unfair prejudice allegations arising from the breach of Russian sanctions.
