Clifford Chance’s (CC’s) bid for a quick recovery of millions of pounds in costs from its dispute with former Brobeck Phleger & Harrison partners has hit a snag after the US courts denied its motion for summary justice.

CC is looking to reclaim the money from its insurer, Indian Harbor Insurance, which has already paid out $4.4m (£2.2m). However, the Manhattan Supreme Court denied CC’s claim that the insurance company had no case. CC can appeal against the decision.