Sam is an English qualified lawyer and Head of Insurance and reinsurance for HFW in the Middle East.

He has been based in the Dubai office since 2005 and has advised on some of the region's largest energy, marine, property, liability, construction and PI insurance/reinsurance claims as well as complex treaty reinsurance disputes covering a range of risks including motor, medical and life. Sam also advises on commercial disputes within the insurance industry and generally, including broker E&O, TPA, shareholder, JV and other commercial disputes. His work involves general advisory work, all forms arbitration, supervising local court litigation, DIFC / ADGM court work, English High Court work and mediation.

Sam is a registered practitioner with rights of audience before the DIFC Courts (Part II), and ADGM Courts. He is also listed with DIAC as a qualified arbitrator.

What he does best

• Insurance and reinsurance claims, advisory, and disputes
• Dispute Resolution (mediation, arbitration and court litigation)

What the market says about Sam

Ranked as a Leading Individual – Legal 500 UAE 2022

"Sam is very articulate and a very pleasant personality." – Chambers Global UAE 2022

"Very knowledgeable and detail-oriented. He makes sure to address all queries at the earliest opportunity." – Chambers Global UAE 2022

"Sam is one of the most highly regarded insurance lawyers in the region. He is knowledgeable and concise with his advice, and always takes a balanced approach to the advice he is providing - with clear direction in terms of the options available." – Chambers Global UAE 2022

Ranked as a Leading Individual  – Legal 500 UAE 2021

Sam Wakerley is well recognised as a leading insurance practitioner in the jurisdiction, and he has gained prominence advising insurers and reinsurers regarding high-profile building fires. One client said: "If I have a big thing he'll always be very responsive. It's great to have someone like him who can get the job done very quickly." – Chambers Global UAE 2018

"HFW's disputes team is 'personable, clear and responsive, with an understanding of commercial risk and how to manage it' – Legal 500 UAE 2018

Sam Wakerley is well recognised as a leading insurance practitioner in the jurisdiction, and he has gained prominence advising insurers and reinsurers regarding high-profile building fires. One client said: "If I have a big thing he'll always be very responsive. It's great to have someone like him who can get the job done very quickly." – Chambers Global UAE 2018

"HFW's disputes team is 'personable, clear and responsive, with an understanding of commercial risk and how to manage it' – Legal 500 UAE 2018

"Clients describe Sam Wakerley as "clear, concise and very tactical; he can see the bigger picture without omitting the details." His work often involves cross-border litigation, arbitration and mediation. He also has a strong focus on insurance and reinsurance matters" – Chambers Global UAE 2017

"insurance expert Samuel Wakerley is efficient and forward-thinking" – Legal 500 UAE 2017