036: Behind the Curtain: Lessons from a Lifetime Shaping Insurance Law with Michael Payton

Insurance law is rarely front-page news until someone like Michael Peyton enters the room. In this energetic, wide-ranging conversation, Clyde & Co's long-standing chairman unpacks stories from the Shergar mystery and Piper Alpha, right through to the AI ‘hallucinations’ haunting today’s legal work. Expect sharp takes on AI’s real risks (for insurers and claimants), why regulation’s tougher stance might actually be paying off, and the secret to inspiring the next generation of industry talent. Whether you’re a claims leader, underwriter or future market shaper, don’t miss the insights (or the racing tips). Key Quotes: “The thing that strikes me most is what hasn't changed... the need to have trust and respect." "It is absolutely unforgivable for a lawyer to rely on what AI tells you without checking it yourself." "We've got great stories to tell... insurance is actually such an interesting career to have, as against banking." "People would ask what sort of law I did. I'd say, 'Insurance,' and they'd just turn and talk to someone else." "Insurance is so much more interesting than banking." Resources: https://www.clydeco.com/en https://www.linkedin.com/company/clydeco About the Guest: Michael Payton Michael is the Chairman of Clyde & Co, having served as the firm's Senior Partner for 30 years, during which period Clyde & Co progressed from a niche shipping firm of 20 Partners to a more broadly based, global world trade practice with approx. 300 Partners. Michael has acted for Underwriters and Insurers worldwide on most of the major international insurance problems of recent years. Michael helped to establish and was Chairman of the Solicitors Indemnity Mutual Insurance Association from 1986 until 2007. He has been Chairman of the British Maritime Law Association since 1996. He holds various Non-Executive Directorships, in the insurance industry. He is Chairman of the International Disputes Resolution Centre, in London. Michael was voted Senior Partner of the Year at the Legal Business Awards, 2004 and again at the British Legal Awards 2011. In Chambers 2007 he is recorded as 'a true leader of the insurance industry in London, Europe and Asia'. He was a member of the UK Judicial Delegation to India in 2008 for discussions with the President and Judges of the Indian Supreme Court. Michael was also listed as a leading individual in the 2009 Global Arbitration Review, in which the firm was ranked 11 out of the top 100 global arbitration practices. In 2011 Michael was awarded the title of Honorary QC.