John joins from DLA Piper and brings more than a decade of experience advising clients across the aviation, insurance and travel sectors. He has acted for airlines, general and private aviation organisations, handling agents, manufacturers, maintenance providers and their respective insurers and reinsurers on a full spectrum of contentious and advisory mandates. John speaks fluent French and Spanish which has provided him with extensive opportunities to work closely with clients across Europe, West Africa and Latin America.
John's appointment supports the continued development of DWF's aviation insurance capability, working with the firm's established Insurance and Government, Trade and Transport market groups to advise insurers and reinsurers on regulatory, commercial and advisory matters.
His arrival builds on DWF's continued investment in its Global Risks practice, including the recruitment of a significant marine insurance team from Kennedys in May 2025, further broadening the firm's expertise across the global insurance and transportation markets.
Commenting on his appointment, John Gilfedder said: “I am delighted to be joining DWF and to have the opportunity to build on the firm's strong insurance platform and market presence by developing its aviation capability. DWF’s appetite for growth, innovation and disruption in the market appealed to me and we look forward to working with existing and new clients on that journey.”
David Abbott, Managing Partner of Insurance Services and Head of Global Risks at DWF, said: “John is a highly regarded lawyer with extensive experience across the aviation insurance market and a strong network of longstanding client relationships. His expertise complements our existing Global Risks capability and strengthens our ability to support clients operating across this complex and evolving sector.
“We are delighted to welcome John to DWF and look forward to working with him as we continue to develop our aviation insurance offering and deliver innovative, commercially focused solutions for clients.”
