David Strahan
David.Strahan@kennedyslaw.com
+353 1 670 6553
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Profile
David is a partner in our Dublin office and specialises in insurance and commercial disputes.
He has a significant profile in the contentious insurance market and his practice is split between complex insurance and coverage disputes, high-volume insurance defence work and standalone commercial disputes for policyholders.
David, who qualified at the Irish Bar before his admission as a solicitor, acts predominantly for domestic and international insurers, and their insureds.
He also has considerable experience in managing large scale commercial and financial disputes before the Irish Commercial Court and in international arbitrations under the International Chamber of Commerce.
David also represents a number of insurance companies in hearings before the Financial Services Ombudsman.
David contributed to the fourth edition of Kennedys’ Global Legal Handbook, one of our most popular guides, which outlines the main legal and procedural issues that case handlers may encounter when dealing with claims across 53 jurisdictions globally.
David also contributed to the Claims inflation and personal injury claims: a global review report, published in June 2023.
He adopts a pragmatic approach and is outcome oriented whilst understanding our objectives in respect of each individual case as we look to achieve the optimum result from a cost and reputation perspective.
Market recognition
- Recommended lawyer for 'Insurance (Ireland)'
"David Strahan’s professionalism, knowledge, accessibility and pragmatism are key strengths that we very much appreciate. He adopts a pragmatic approach and is outcome oriented whilst understanding our objectives in respect of each individual case as we look to achieve the optimum result from a cost and reputation perspective. It is reassuring and comforting that we can pick up a phone and speak with David or any of his colleagues regarding any aspect of our cases".
"We value the service provided by David and Kennedys, which we believe is first-in-class. David has a strong understanding of our business and our values which is critically important when trying to settle litigation cases. David delivers a first-in-class service, ensuring we are receiving a value add service proposition from Kennedys, which is attributable to David’s service delivery. Not aware of any obvious weaknesses that we would highlight during our time working with David and rest of the team".
The Legal 500 EMEA 2024 - Recommended Lawyer for 'Insurance (Ireland)'
The Legal 500 EMEA 2023 - Recommended Lawyer for 'Dispute Resolution (Ireland)'
The Legal 500 EMEA 2023 - Notable Practitioner for 'Insurance: Dispute Resolution (Ireland)'
"David Strahan has a broad practice assisting clients with product liability, employers' liability and public liability claims, as well as advising on motor insurance claims and coverage issues."
"David Strahan's knowledge, accessibility and pragmatism are key strengths. He adopts a pragmatic approach and is outcome-oriented."
Chambers Europe 2023 - Up and Coming Lawyer for 'Insurance: Dispute Resolution (Ireland)'
He has "a strong understanding of our business and our values, which is critically important when trying to settle litigation cases".
Chambers Europe 2022 - Recommended Lawyer for 'Dispute Resolution (Ireland)'
The Legal 500 EMEA 2021 - Recommended Lawyer for 'Insurance (Ireland)'
"David Strahan’s professionalism, knowledge, accessibility and pragmatism are key strengths that we very much appreciate. He adopts a pragmatic approach and is outcome oriented whilst understanding our objectives in respect of each individual case as we look to achieve the optimum result from a cost and reputational perspective. It is reassuring and comforting that we can pick up a phone and speak with David or any of his colleagues regarding any aspect of our cases."
The Legal 500 EMEA 2021 - Notable Practitioner and Up and Coming Lawyer for 'Insurance: Dispute Resolution (Ireland)
Chambers & Partners Europe 2021
"David Strahan 'adopts a pragmatic approach and is outcome-oriented.' 'He hits all the milestones we look for in a good solicitor,' says another interviewee, explaining: 'He offers follow-up phone calls and communication, and he advises on the strategy to get the file to a conclusion.'" - Recommended Lawyer for 'Insurance (Ireland)'
"David Strahan is noted for his professionalism and meticulous attention to detail"
The Legal 500 Europe 2019
Awards
Work highlights
- Matthew Kirby v Friends First Life Assurance [2018]. Successfully defending an eight day High Court trial challenging a life insurers’ repudiation of an income protection policy on the grounds of non-disclosure and misrepresentation
- Acting for a policyholder in a high value property damage claim concerning one of the largest construction sites in Dublin
- Advising a leading casualty and property insurer on coverage issues arising from the Belfast Primark Fire
- Defending product liability claims for a leading medical devices manufacturer
Insurance and reinsurance