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Petr Beneš is a counsel at CMS Czech Republic and a key member of its Commercial, Regulatory & Disputes team, focusing on complex litigation. With over 15 years of experience, he has played a leading role in many of the firm’s highest-profile cases, often coordinating large teams and managing intricate technical disputes. His expertise spans commercial and (re)insurance litigation, where he frequently represents major international clients, including those from the London insurance market, in high-stakes proceedings before Czech courts and regulatory bodies.

Petr’s dispute resolution practice covers a wide range of industries, including financial services, energy, construction, aviation, telecommunications, and public procurement. He was recognised by The Legal 500 EMEA 2025 as one of the Leading Associates in Dispute Resolution in the Czech Republic. He regularly lectures and presents on litigation topics at professional and academic forums, and contributes to leading publications such as the CMS Arbitration Guide and CMS Class Action Guide. His deep sector knowledge and strategic approach make him a trusted advisor in resolving complex, cross-border disputes.

Awards & Recognitions
01
  • Quote
    "Very talented and committed with outstanding customer orientation and distinguished legal skills."
    Legal 500

Relevant experience

  • The Austrian and Slovak subsidiaries of Siemens in a major cross-border dispute over alleged pre-tender contractual liabilities linked to an important bidding process for railway security equipment. 
  • A German commercial bank on a claim against a European credit insurance group regarding the insurance of promissory notes in international maritime transport and in a related criminal law matter. 
  • A German luxury car maker on a commercial and competition with Czech distributor.
  • A leading global manufacturer of planes and trains on the software implementation of ETCS security systems in its locomotives.
  • A global IT company in several court proceedings, mostly related to breach of contractual obligations by its business partners, including entering into settlement agreements and other out-of-court negotiations.
  • A major real estate investment fund on a dispute involving construction work defects and a consequent draw down request under a bank guarantee.
  • Representing a Czech nuclear energy engineering company, as the defendant, in highly complex court proceedings regarding damages for allegedly defective repair and maintenance services.
  • Vodafone in the first stand-alone competition dispute with a competitor regarding a margin squeeze concerning the provision and access to broadband xDSL internet.     
  • Representing an aircraft manufacturer as one of three defendants in a dispute for damages sought by a Russian insurance company for an alleged breach of legal obligations.

Education

  • 2008 – Master degree, Charles University in Prague, Faculty of law, Prague, Czech Republic 

Petr Beneš is a counsel at CMS Czech Republic and a key member of its Commercial, Regulatory & Disputes team, focusing on insurance and reinsurance law. With over 15 years of experience, Petr advises clients in the insurance and insurance distribution sector, including assisting foreign insurers on the Czech market with day-to-day regulatory matters, product and policy advice, claims & coverage, client-facing documentation, and high-profile insurance litigation. Petr is active on the London insurance market and advises insurers, cover-holders, and loss adjustors on a wide range of Czech-related matters. Petr works closely with the CMS CEE Insurance sector group, supporting clients across the region in navigating evolving insurance regulations and market trends.

Petr is also active in knowledge sharing within the insurance community, regularly speaking at industry events and contributing to CMS publications such as 10 Things Every Insurer Should Know. In recognition of his expertise, Petr Beneš was ranked among the Leading Associates by Legal500 2025.

Awards & Recognitions
01
  • Quote
    "Very talented and committed with outstanding customer orientation and distinguished legal skills."
    Legal 500

Relevant experience

  • Siemens (Czech Republic) and its insurers in major multimillion euro damage claims regarding the delivery and use of faulty electrical devices. The devices caused a fire in one of Prague’s main shopping galleries and damaged office space in the city centre.
  • Fidelity National Financial in an insurance dispute regarding USD 150m title to the Radio Free HQ building in Prague.
  • An aircraft manufacturer, as one of three defendants, in a dispute for damages sought by a Russian insurance company for an alleged breach of legal obligations.
  • Allianz/Daimler on a car warranty and insurance plan.
  • MetLife on various matters, including policy drafting and the MetLife/Amcico restructuring project.
  • Prudential on corporate and regulatory issues related to running an insurance business in the Czech Republic.
  • AXA/luxury car manufacturer on its distribution strategy and insurance of assistance services.
  • ACE/Chubb on various distribution and regulatory issues, and a cyber insurance incident response facility.
  • AIG/Colonnade on day-to-day support and a cyber insurance incident response facility.
  • FM Global on large industrial damage.
  • London retrocessionaires on retrocession treaties and Covid claim aggregation disputes.

Education

  • 2008 – Master degree, Charles University in Prague, Faculty of law, Prague, Czech Republic 

Further reading

  • CMS Guide to Anti-Bribery and Corruption Laws

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