BLG seals top award after boosting reinsurance teamInsurance: Pinsent Curtis and Row & Maw also commendedBarlow Lyde & Gilbert - the 'quintessential insurance firm' - has been named insurance law firm of the year.According to the Insider's Guide on insurance and reinsurance, Barlows earned the accolade by 'covering the bases more extensively than any other UK law firm'.

Although the firm's 'strongest suit' remains reinsurance, its general liability team - boosted by the arrival of Malcolm Henke and his team from Davies Arnold Cooper - has been 'impressive of late', guide editor Matthew Lyons concluded.

Commended firms were Pinsent Curtis for 'moving in the right direction', and Rowe & Maw, which has 'carved out an enviable reputation for itself'.Client service law firm of the year was Ince & Co, which was praised for its 'impressive depth of knowledge and a really client-orientated approach'.

A flexible approach appeared to make the firm extremely popular in client feedback interviews.Peter Rogan, senior partner of Ince & Co, said: 'Our whole approach is based on working as a team with our clients and this includes being flexible and open on fees.

This award reflects our efforts not only in the insurance and reinsurance sectors, but in all our other fields of expertise.'Commended firms in the client service section were CMS Cameron McKenna, Denton Wilde Sapte, Hay & Kilner, Scottish firm Henderson Boyd Jackson and Norton Rose.Sue Allen