HFW's origins trace back to the early 19th century with the Holman family's maritime ventures in Topsham, England. They established key marine insurance and protection associations from 1832 to 1870. In 1883, Frank Holman began practicing law in London, founding what would become HFW.
The firm evolved through several partnerships and relocations, adopting the name Holman Fenwick & Willan in 1916. HFW expanded to meet clients' needs, diversifying into aerospace, commodities, construction, energy, insurance, and shipping. Today, it operates 21 offices across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific, making it a leading global law firm.
HFW was among the first UK firms to internationalize, opening offices in Paris (1977) and Hong Kong (1978). Subsequent expansions included Singapore, Piraeus, Shanghai, Dubai, Melbourne, Brussels, Sydney, Geneva, Perth, Houston, Abu Dhabi, Monaco, the BVI, and Shenzhen. HFW also collaborates with Brazil’s top insurance and aviation law firm, CAR.
Some local estimates of Hurricane Harvey losses (insured and uninsured) now exceed US$200bn. HFW's Houston office is now up and running again after a short closure.
United States
Some local estimates of Hurricane Harvey losses (insured and
uninsured) now exceed US$200bn. HFW's Houston office is now up
and running again after a short closure. Thankfully, our staff have
sustained no injuries, although several have suffered property
damage and all have experienced distress and inconvenience.
Hurricane Irma, the most powerful Atlantic storm in a decade, is
estimated by some to have caused losses of US$300bn. Irma appears
to now be finally weakening, having caused devastation to Florida
and several Caribbean islands.
HFW's Houston office is no stranger to catastrophic weather
events. Over the last 15 years, we have handled up to 10,000
insurance claims arising out of hurricane, tornado, flood, hail and
storm events in the US South West. We are therefore very well
placed to deal with all the issues (marine and non-marine) arising
from Harvey and Irma, and we are currently considering issues
including the following: property damage, business interruption,
contingent business interruption, concurrent causation, flood
exclusions, NFIP cover, property condemnation, relocation expenses,
wide area damage, loss of attraction, denial of access cover and
debris removal cover.
Contributor
HFW's origins trace back to the early 19th century with the Holman family's maritime ventures in Topsham, England. They established key marine insurance and protection associations from 1832 to 1870. In 1883, Frank Holman began practicing law in London, founding what would become HFW.
The firm evolved through several partnerships and relocations, adopting the name Holman Fenwick & Willan in 1916. HFW expanded to meet clients' needs, diversifying into aerospace, commodities, construction, energy, insurance, and shipping. Today, it operates 21 offices across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific, making it a leading global law firm.
HFW was among the first UK firms to internationalize, opening offices in Paris (1977) and Hong Kong (1978). Subsequent expansions included Singapore, Piraeus, Shanghai, Dubai, Melbourne, Brussels, Sydney, Geneva, Perth, Houston, Abu Dhabi, Monaco, the BVI, and Shenzhen. HFW also collaborates with Brazil’s top insurance and aviation law firm, CAR.
