Lucas Fear-Segal

Call 2014

"Absolutely ferocious cross examination skills"

Legal 500

Expertise

Lucas acts in a range of matters concerning art, cultural property, and luxury assets including:

  • Recovery and restitution of property following thefts, seizures, insolvencies, etc.
  • Advising institutions and owners in relation to loans of artwork
  • Insurance coverage disputes
  • Claims for damages following the destruction, loss or diminution in value of rare objects
  • Negligence claims arising from misattribution, failure to identify forgeries, etc.

He has two niche practice areas concerning luxury cars, and jewels and jewellery (particularly in relation to their use as collateral for commercial transactions).

In early 2016 Lucas was seconded to the Restitution Department of Sotheby’s, which identifies and deals with potential claims to artworks looted by the Nazis during the Third Reich.

Lucas appears as sole or junior counsel in a range of commercial and contractual disputes, and often in “business critical” litigation where there are major conflicts of evidence.

He has been described in the directories as “fantastic counsel for any commercial dispute”.

Many of his cases include an international element.  He particularly enjoys working in the Middle East, and he is regularly instructed in the DIFC and the ADGM Courts. Legal 500 EMEA notes his “vast knowledge of the entire GCC region”.

Notable Commercial Dispute Resolution cases


European Metal Recycling Ltd v Bulk Haulage (European) Ltd [2022] EWHC 602 (Comm)

Multi-million pound claim concerning the collapse of an industrial tipping ram.


Alsanad v Al Humaidi

A $10m debt guarantee dispute between two prominent Kuwaiti businessmen (led by Bob Moxon Browne KC).


X v Y

Instructed as part of a team of counsel led by Laurence Rabinowitz KC in an arbitration concerning a US$200m grain crop joint venture.


Campbell v Campbell

An account in the ChD following the dissolution of a multi-million US$ international jewellery business (led by Neil Hext KC).

Lucas has fought for, and secured, dozens of findings of dishonesty at trial. 

He is regularly praised in the directories for his ferocious cross examination skills, and relishes appearing in cases in which there are major conflicts of evidence.

His commercial fraud practice overlaps with his insurance and professional negligence practices – in which he is often counsel of choice for insurers facing dishonest or fraudulently exaggerated claims.

Notable Commercial Fraud cases


HRH Prince X v Y Solicitors

Representing a prominent member of a Middle East Royal Family in a €10m claim concerning the fraudulent conduct of purchase arrangements for a series of prestige sports cars.


Sinha v Taylor [2022] EWHC 1096 (Comm)

Represented the successful claimant at a trial, proving deceit, fraudulent misrepresentation, and an unlawful means conspiracy.


X insurers v Y solicitors

An arbitration front of Jeffrey Gruder KC, led by Bob Moxon Browne KC. Successfully proved that a pair of solicitors had dishonestly conducted a series of property transactions.


Campbell v Campbell

An account in the ChD following the dissolution of a multi-million US$ international jewellery business inherited by two brothers, each of whom accused the other of massive frauds on the company (led by Neil Hext KC).

Lucas has been listed in both Chambers UK and Legal 500 for his practice in this area for a number of years. 

He has a diverse insurance practice, covering a broad range of non-marine risks, both in Court and in Arbitration – and is regularly instructed by insurers in cases where policyholder dishonesty is alleged or suspected.

Lucas also has a niche specie insurance practice (concerning fine art, jeweller’s block, exhibition risks, cash in transit, etc.) which overlaps with his Art and Cultural Property practice.

Notable Insurance & Reinsurance cases


Lals v (1) Emirates Insurance (2) Siaci Insurance Brokers [2022] DIFC CFI 073

The first COVID-19 business interruption case to be decided by the DIFC Courts. Led by Neil Hext KC


Global v Global [2023] ADGMCA 0001, [2021] ADGMCFI 0008, and [2021] ADGMCFI 0005

The ADGM’s first substantive appeal, concerning a US$60m insurance claim for damage to a private jet. Led by Charles Dougherty KC.


Emirates Retakaful v Trust International CFI 001/2020

A DIFC claim by a Bahraini reinsurer seeking an indemnity under a retrocession contract with a Saudi Arabian reinsurer. Led by Charles Dougherty KC.


Maccaferri v Zurich [2017] Lloyds Rep IR 200

Leading Court of Appeal authority on notification in public liability insurance.


Bluebon v (1) Ageas (2) Aviva (3) Towergate [2017] EWHC 3301 (Comm)

Preliminary issue as to whether an electrical installation inspection stipulation amounted to a true warranty or a suspensive condition.


Great Lakes v Western Trading [2016] Lloyd’s Rep I.R. 643

Leading Court of Appeal authority on the measure of indemnity following an increase to the value of land as a result of an insured peril.


X insurer v Y insurer

Acted as sole counsel for the successful party in an arbitration before James Drake KC about which insurer was liable to meet a group of claims made against solicitors over an extended period of time.


X insurers v Y solicitors

An arbitration front of Jeffrey Gruder KC, led by Bob Moxon Browne KC. Successfully proved that a pair of solicitors had dishonestly conducted a series of property transactions.


X Medical Malpractice Insurers v Y Public Liability Insurers

Confidential coverage arbitration before Christopher Symons KC concerning whether claims made by victims of sexual assaults by a doctor should be considered under medical malpractice insurance, or by a public liability insurer. Led by Bob Moxon Browne KC, for the successful party.

Lucas’s insurance practice has a particular focus on life and health risks.

In addition to his advisory work, which is principally focused on policy response issues, he often attends inquests on behalf of Life Insurers following the death of a policyholder.

Notable Life & Health cases


Re: X

Representing a premiership footballer in a coverage dispute with his Temporary Total Disablement insurers.


Re: Muhammad Naviede

8 day jury inquest into the light aircraft crash in which the businessman Muhammad Naviede was killed.


Re: Alexander Perepilichnyy and Home Secretary v HM Senior Coroner [2017] 3 All ER 764

Five week Inquest into the sudden death of Russian oligarch and whistleblower Alexander Perepilichnyy in front of the Recorder of London at the Old Bailey. Lucas’ cross examination received significant press coverage.


Re: J QC

Inquest into the death of a well-known barrister on the railway.

Lucas’ Product Liability practice forms a part of his wider Property Damage and Insurance work.

He has appeared in dozens of cases concerning fires and floods caused by white goods. 

He has a particular interest in cases which concern the scope and application of s41 CPA 1987, and claims made by non-consumer claimants.

Notable Product Liability cases


A&B Engineering v Edmundson Electrical [2021] EWHC 1836 (TCC)

Representing an M&E contractor in litigation arising from the Potato Wharf fires.

Lucas has a broad professional negligence practice, and has acted in dozens of cases in which serious allegations of wrongdoing or negligence are made against a variety of professionals.

He usually acts for PI insurers. Most of his cases concern solicitors, accountants, brokers, valuers, or construction professionals.

Notable Professional Negligence cases


X insurers v Y solicitors

An arbitration front of Jeffrey Gruder KC, led by Bob Moxon Browne KC. Successfully proved that a pair of solicitors had dishonestly conducted a series of property transactions.


Bluebon Ltd v (1) Ageas (2) Aviva (3) Towergate Underwriting [2017] EWHC 3301 (Comm)

Representing brokers, alleged to have failed properly to advise as to the requirements of a policy term, at a preliminary issue trial concerning the construction of an electrical installation inspection stipulation, and whether it amounted to a true warranty or a suspensive condition.


Shepherd v Byrne & Partners LLP [2017] EWHC 758 (Ch)

Claim concerning a criminal solicitor’s duty to give tax advice.

Lucas has been ranked in Chambers UK for his practice in this area for a number of years.  He accepts instructions to advise, draft, and appear in all matters concerning property damage.

He has extensive experience of claims concerning property damage caused by:

  • Fires: Arson, incendiary electrical faults, bonfire spread and failures to extinguish, kitchen conflagrations (esp toasters and tumble dyers), defective partitioning and suppression measures, etc.
  • Flood: Burst pipes and bad plumbing, faulty boilers, defective architectural design and prevention systems, water run-off from neighbouring properties, etc.
  • Trees and vegetation: Ingress of roots causing subsidence and direct damage, Japanese knotweed, etc.
  • Contamination: Oil leaks, commercial pollution, etc.
  • Other: escapes of animals, inappropriate crop-spraying chemical selection, spermicidal equine lubricant, “sonic booms” caused by argon fire suppression systems, etc.

Lucas has a particular interest in the legal niceties of property damage claims concerning heritage buildings. Several of his cases have concerned the damage or destruction of listed buildings.

His related insurance and professional negligence practice means that he is ideally placed to advise in cases where questions of policy coverage, or the possibility of a subrogated recovery against a construction or other professional, are anticipated.

Notable Property Damage cases


Bluebon Ltd v (1) Ageas (2) Aviva (3) Towergate Underwriting [2017] EWHC 3301 (Comm)

Preliminary issue trial (High Court).


Great Lakes Reinsurance UK (SE) v Western Trading Ltd [2016] Lloyd’s Rep I.R. 643

Measure of indemnity following burning of a listed building (Court of Appeal).


X v London Borough of Y

£350k claim arising from water damage to a landmark Victorian building in central London.

Privacy Policy

Lucas Fear-Segal Privacy Policy

My contact details:

ICO Reg No: ZA175646
Address: 2 Temple Gardens, London, EC4Y 9AY
Email: clerks@2tg.co.uk
Phone: +44 (0)20 7822 1200

The type of personal information I collect

To enable me to provide you with legal advice and representation in courts, tribunals, arbitrations and mediations, I currently collect and process the following personal information:

Personal identifiers, contacts and characteristics (for example, name, date of birth and contact details), bank and financial details, your background and circumstance and education.

Other personal data relevant to, or included in instructions to provide legal services, including data specific to the instructions in question and data included in documents provided to me as part of instructions or otherwise.

Such information may include personal information relating to family members, associates, agents, employees, shareholders or beneficial owners. By providing such personal information to me, you automatically confirm that you are authorised to do so. It is not reasonably practicable for me to provide the information set out in this Privacy Notice to those individuals. Accordingly, where appropriate, you are responsible for providing this information to any such individuals.

Where necessary, I may also need to process Special Category data about you including

  • racial or ethnic origin;
  • personal data revealing political opinions;
  • personal data revealing religious or philosophical beliefs;
  • personal data revealing trade union membership;
  • genetic data;
  • biometric data (where used for identification purposes);
  • data concerning health;
  • data concerning a person’s sex life; and
  • data concerning a person’s sexual orientation.

How I get the personal information and why I have it

Most of the personal information that I process is provided to me directly by you or via the professional you have instructed such as a solicitor or consultant or other professional adviser who instructs me on your behalf to provide legal services.

I use the information that you have given me in order to

  • provide legal services to you, my client, including the provision of legal advice and
  • representation in courts, tribunals, arbitrations, and mediations
  • keep accounting records and carry out office administration
  • take or defend legal or regulatory proceedings or to exercise a lien
  • respond to potential complaints or make complaints
  • check for potential conflicts of interest in relation to future potential cases
  • promote and market my services
  • carry out anti-money laundering and terrorist financing checks
  • train other barristers and pupils, and when providing work-shadowing opportunities
  • publish legal judgments and decisions of courts and tribunals as required or permitted by law.

I may share this information with

  • other professional advisers such as other legal professionals and consultant experts and other witnesses
  • courts and tribunals
  • the staff in my Chambers
  • prosecution authorities
  • pupils and mini pupils
  • lay clients
  • family and associates of the person whose personal information I am processing
  • in the event of complaints, the Head of Chambers, other individuals nominated by Chambers who deal with complaints, the Bar Standards Board, and the Legal Ombudsman
  • other regulatory authorities
  • current, past or prospective employers
  • education and examining bodies
  • business associates, professional advisers and trade bodies, e.g. the Bar Council
  • professional indemnity insurers or brokers
  • the general public in relation to the publication of legal judgments and decisions of courts and tribunals
  • If you have engaged other professional advisers to instruct me on your behalf on the matters on which I am providing legal services to you, I shall assume that I may disclose your personal information to them unless you tell me otherwise.
  • I may be required to provide your information to regulators, such as the Bar Standards Board, the Financial Conduct Authority or the Information Commissioner’s Office. In the case of the Information Commissioner’s Office, there is a risk that your information may lawfully be disclosed by them for the purpose of any other civil or criminal proceedings, without my consent or yours, which includes privileged information.
  • I may also be required to disclose your information to the police or intelligence services, where, acting in good faith, I consider it required and permitted by law.

Under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the lawful basis I rely on for processing this information is

  • The processing is necessary for a contract I have with you, or because you have asked me to take specific steps before entering into a contract.
  • You are able to remove your consent at any time. You can do this by contacting me.
  • It may be necessary for me to share your personal data to comply with legal obligations to, for example, HMRC.

How I store your personal information

Your information is securely stored in Chambers or at my home. I use reasonable technical and organisational security measures such as password protection and encryption of computer generated data and keeping paper data secure to prevent personal information from being accidentally lost or destroyed, or used or accessed in an unauthorised way.

In this connection, Chambers, as data processor, acting on my behalf, will only process your personal data on my instructions and is subject to a duty of confidentiality.

The data will be held in line with any regulatory obligations and generally be kept for 6 years but may be 12 years, or longer where, for example, the case includes information relating to a minor, from the date of completion of instructions. At this point any further retention will be reviewed and the data will be marked for deletion or marked for retention for a further period.

All data will be securely deleted or securely shredded after this time without reference to you. I will store some of your information which I need to carry out conflict checks for the rest of my career. However, this is likely to be limited only to your name and contact details and the name of the case. It will not include any information that is “sensitive information” for GDPR purposes.

Your data protection rights

Under data protection law, you have rights including:

  • Your right of access – You have the right to ask me for copies of your personal information.
  • Your right to rectification – You have the right to ask me to rectify personal information you think is inaccurate. You also have the right to ask me to complete information you think is incomplete.
  • Your right to erasure – You have the right to ask me to erase your personal information in certain circumstances.
  • Your right to restriction of processing – You have the right to ask me to restrict the processing of your personal information in certain circumstances.
  • Your right to object to processing – You have the the right to object to the processing of your personal information in certain circumstances.
  • Your right to data portability – You have the right to ask that I transfer the personal information you gave us to another organisation, or to you, in certain circumstances.
  • You are not required to pay any charge for exercising your rights. If you make a request, I have one month to respond to you. Please contact me at 2 Temple Gardens, London, EC4Y 9AY or clerks@2tg.co.uk if you wish to make a request.

Transfer of your information outside the European Economic Area (EEA)

This privacy notice is of general application and as such it is not possible to state whether it will be necessary to transfer your information out of the EEA. If I do transfer your personal data I will use safeguards to ensure the data is fully protected as required by the UK Data Protection Regulations.

Changes to my Privacy Policy

From time to time, I may need to make chances to my privacy policy. If so, the changes will appear on my entry on the 2TG website.

Marketing

As above, I may share your personal data with Chambers who may in turn use that data to notify you by email, or post about an invitation to seminars and similar events. You may opt out of receiving any such marketing communications at any time by using the “unsubscribe” link in any emails. In relation to how Chambers uses such data, please see Chambers’ privacy policy. Other than sharing personal data with Chambers as described above, I will not share your information with any other third party for marketing purposes.

How to complain

If you have any concerns about my use of your personal information, you can make a complaint to me or to my Senior Clerk, Lee Tyler at 2 Temple Gardens, London, EC4Y 9AY or clerks@2tg.co.uk. You can also complain to the ICO if you are unhappy with how we have used your data.

The ICO’s address:

Information Commissioner’s Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF

Helpline number: 0303 123 1113
ICO website: https://www.ico.org.uk

© Briefed Ltd 2021. All Rights Reserved.

“One of the best junior advocates at the insurance Bar.”


Legal 500

“Clients love him”


Legal 500

“When the pressure is on, he can deliver”


Chambers UK

“Judges love his ability to dissect the complexities of claims”


Chambers UK

“Fantastic counsel for any commercial dispute”


Legal 500 EMEA

  • Arden Senior Scholarship for pupillage, Gray’s Inn
  • Lord Justice Holker award for BPTC, Gray’s Inn
  • Dame Ann Ebsworth award for GDL, Gray’s Inn
  • QMUL Centre for Commercial Law Studies full scholarship for LLM
  • Titular Scholarship, Robinson College, Cambridge
  • Trevelyan prize for History, Robinson College, Cambridge

  • BPTC (Outstanding), City University
  • LLM (Distinction), Queen Mary
  • GDL (Distinction), City University
  • BA (First Class), Robinson College, Cambridge

Lucas is a fantastic counsel for any commercial dispute and is extremely easy to work with. Lucas has supreme intellect, masterful advocacy and an affable personality to put anyone at ease.”
Legal 500 EMEA 2024

“Lucas Fear-Segal shows time and time again that when the pressure is on, he can deliver. His deft handling of particularly knotty insurance issues has really showcased his wide-ranging knowledge.”
“He is excellent. Lucas is very well prepared. He makes everything simple and straightforward.”
“One of the best juniors I have ever worked with, Lucas is simply outstanding and an all-round complete barrister.”
“Lucas Fear-Segal performs every time. Judges love his ability to dissect the complexities of claims into palatable submissions.”
“He inspires unwavering confidence. His sharp analytical skills are matched by his advocacy.”
“Lucas is a highly impressive advocate – he is quick on his feet and has impeccable cross-examination skills.”
Chambers UK 2024

“Impressive. Very good on paper and analysis. Strong advocacy. Very easy to work with.”
Legal 500 2024

“He demonstrates an ability to digest swathes of information and present it concisely.”
“Lucas is incredibly thorough in preparation and drafting and with his advocacy.”
“He has a mastery of the finer details.”
“Lucas can be relied on for all types of property damage advice and advocacy covering complex policy coverage arguments. He possesses robust drafting skills and strong interpersonal skills.”
“He oozes confidence and is a class act.”
“Lucas has an impeccable academic record which shows itself in legal analysis, at which he excels.”
Chambers UK 2023

“One of the best junior advocates at the insurance Bar. Clients love him.”
Legal 500 2023

“Lucas is excellent”
“He is thorough, concise and robust in his drafting”
“His cross-examination skills are excellent”
“He is thorough, concise and robust on paper”
“He’s also an excellent advocate who is well prepared and well informed on the facts”
“His cross-examination skills are excellent and he is able to deal with twists and turns in a case as it unfolds at trial in a most impressive manner”
Chambers UK 2022

“An excellent advocate combining a forensic mind with formidable advocacy skills”
“He cuts straight to the relevant issues and has demonstrated an encyclopaedic knowledge of the area”
Legal 500 2022

“He truly embraces his files, he’s procedurally astute and is not afraid to get his hands dirty”
“He has an excellent grasp of the facts of the case, his advice is always commercial and practical and he is clearly cognisant of the client’s commercial concerns” “He provides very strategic, cost-effective advice and can draft pleadings on the technical aspects of a claim”
“He is an astute and industrious lawyer with a keen eye for detail”
Chambers UK 2021

“Absolutely ferocious cross examination skills”
“Formidable intellect” and “commanding advocacy”
“Extremely diligent, strategic and commercial, he can handle last-minute complex instructions efficiently and with success”
Legal 500 2021

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