Legal
ABS applications to the SRA at 96 and counting
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has today revealed that the number of firms which have officially requested to be licensed as alternative business structures has almost reached the 100 mark.
Irwin Mitchell boosts ABS plans with NED appointment
Irwin Mitchell has stepped up its preparations to become an alternative business structure with the appointment of former KPMG partner Mel Egglenton as a non-executive director and chair of the law firm’s audit committee.
Duke Street snaps up 'significant stake' in Parabis
Duke Street bosses have credited an “opportunity to invest in a fast growing, dynamic and fragmented sector” as reason behind its purchase of a “significant stake” in legal and claims management firm Parabis Group.
Market moves: XL rings the changes
XL led the way in the recruitment space this week, as insurers made a number of key appointments. While XL added four new staff members to its ranks, Liberty Mutual, Canopius, CNA Europe and Axa also had a busy seven days. In comparison, the broking…
Law report: Officer used unreasonable force at demo
This law report has been contributed by national law firm Berrymans Lace Mawer
Law report: Claim for hire appeal denied due to procedural irregularities
This law report has been contributed by national law firm Berrymans Lace Mawer.
Law report: Biker to blame for horse collision
This law report has been contributed by national law firm Berrymans Lace Mawer.
Directors' and officers': Under the spotlight
With boardrooms coming under increasing scrutiny, the potential for expansion in the D&O market is being recognised by savvy insurers, especially in the SME space.
Riot claims: Disorderly conduct
The fallout from last summer’s riot continues to rumble on, with consequential loss claims against the police relying on principles that can be traced back to the age of Robin Hood.
Former Autofocus employees face prison over 'doctored' credit hire evidence
“Flabbergasted” judges have granted Accident Exchange permission to apply to commit seven former Autofocus employees to prison for contempt of court.
Commercial insurers to benefit from 'negative declarations' judgment
The position of commercial insurers defending claims has been strengthened after the Court of Appeal confirmed the power of arbitrators to make ‘negative declarations’.
Arc Legal teams up with Swinton Commercial
Arc Legal Assistance has secured a deal to provide commercial legal expenses and an extended online employment manual service to Swinton Commercial.
Slater & Gordon to enter UK legal market
Australian law firm Slater & Gordon has agreed to acquire the business of UK law firm Russell Jones & Walker for £53.8m subject to the grant of an Alternative Business Structures licence by the UK Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Your say: Compensation needs to change
The allegation that the Association of British Insurers is maintaining an “attack on injury victims” would be laughable if it wasn’t so offensive.
North of the border: Civil Justice Council for Scotland
Lord Gill's recommendations will establish a body to progress procedural changes, says Catriona Stewart.
Credit hire: Two sides to the story
Credit hire organisations and insurers are blaming each other for the cost of credit hire. With the Office of Fair Trading conducting a review, will anyone emerge victorious?
Home Office to tackle anti-metal theft
The Home Office has confirmed it is to take over at least some of the proposed anti-metal theft legislation in the private members bill that failed to get a reading on Friday.
Quindell to add to Silverbeck ABS deal
Quindell is set to announce purchases and partnering arrangements to add to its alternative business structure deal with law firm Silverbeck Rymer.
Legal cover firm creates online broker portal
A motor and family legal cover provider has launched a free online portal which allows brokers to browse policies and documents on 50 types of commercial and personal lines cover.
Product recalls jump 27%
UK product recalls have jumped by 27% from 229 in 2010 to a record 291 in 2011, the second year in a row to see record breaking increases, says City law firm Reynolds Porter Chamberlain.
NHS contractors must have insurance
Baroness Finlay of Llandaff, professor of palliative care at Cardiff University, has warned the government must force private health contractors to have insurance against negligence claims.
DAS recruits first ever COO
The DAS group has appointed Paul Timmins, pictured, to the newly created role of chief operating officer.
Law report: Detrimental treatment of whistleblowers must be influenced by protected disclosure
This law report has been contributed by national law firm Berrymans Lace Mawer.
Law report: Failure to diagnose rheumatic fever contributed to stroke
This law report has been contributed by national law firm errymans Lace Mawer.