Experience
Claire is Head of Major Injury and Casualty at DWF, leading the firm's largest global practice area of almost 700 professionals across 17 different locations. With more than 25 years' experience spanning catastrophic injury litigation, international claims, insurance leadership and client management, she brings a distinctive combination of technical expertise, commercial acumen and strategic leadership.
A recognised leader in the insurance market, Claire is responsible for driving growth, financial performance and the strategic direction of the practice, while ensuring exceptional service delivery for major insurers and corporate clients handling some of the most complex and high-profile claims in the market. She is passionate about building high-performing teams, developing future talent and creating innovative solutions that deliver meaningful value for clients.
Claire's career demonstrates a proven ability to lead at scale, strengthen client relationships and drive sustainable growth. One of two founding partners of DWF's London office in 2008, she has played a pivotal role in its development and has held a number of senior leadership positions, including leading DWF's International Claims Team for 14 years, Head of the Insurance Sector for six years and sitting on the firm's Strategic Board. She currently serves on DWF's Global Insurance Board.
Known for her collaborative and entrepreneurial approach, Claire is committed to continuously improving the way legal services are delivered. From technology, analytics and AI-driven solutions to specialist projects, product development and talent initiatives, she seeks opportunities to help clients make better decisions, enhance performance and navigate an increasingly complex risk landscape.
Claire has been recognised as a Leading Partner in the major legal directories since 2006 and has received numerous industry accolades, including Insurance Lawyer of the Year (Women in Insurance Awards 2019) and the Insurance Woman of Achievement Award (Women in the City Awards 2011). She has also received the Highly Commended award for the prestigious Insurance Woman of the Year at the Women in Insurance Awards 2026.
Under Claire's leadership, DWF's Major Injury and Casualty practice continues to achieve sustained double-digit growth and industry-leading recognition for its work in major loss litigation, innovation, data analytics and technology.
Testimonials
Claire has been listed as a leading insurance lawyer in the major legal directories since 2006. Comments include:
“Claire has vast experience and knowledge", is "first rate", "tactically adept", "has a real passion, commitment and drive" and "is a delight to work with".
Claire is noted to be a lawyer who is "proactive and offers solutions to difficult matters", and is "lauded by clients for her sensible approach". In addition, she is said to be “a skilful operator and negotiator" and "is always looking for ways she can add value". “Claire is a very good lawyer”.
“Claire Bowler has great knowledge of the complex law applying to cross border and high value claims; a brilliant communicator and tactician who runs her cases exceptionally well”.
“Clients really appreciate her and value instructing her. She runs her team superbly”.
“Claire Bowler is an exceptionally gifted lawyer in high value cross-border claims, and leads a team who provide superb service to their clients”.
Awards
In 2011 Claire won the 'Woman of Achievement Award' for the Insurance category in the Women in the City Awards. In 2019 Claire won 'Insurance Lawyer of the Year' at the inaugural Women in Insurance Awards in London. She received the Highly Commended award for the prestigious Insurance Woman of the Year at the Women in Insurance Awards 2026.
Claire is also a Freeman of the City of London.