Legal
Judges can be trusted to find 'fundamental dishonesty', claims Lord Faulks
The "fundamental dishonesty" clause proposed in the Criminal Justice and Courts Bill will lead to “more realistic claims being brought”, according Minister of State for Civil Justice Lord Faulks.
BLM beefs up Irish presence by joining forces with CFS
BLM is to incorporate Northern Irish risk and insurance law firm Campbell Fitzpatrick Solicitors in a move that will result in the combined operation being bolstered by 21 legal experts, including eight partners.
Legal Update: Application of QOCS to Part 20 claims
A personal injury claim over a skiing accident was heard at the Court of Appeal and has clarified issues around qualified one-way costs shifting. Nicholas Thorne explains the ruling.
ABI offers staunch defence of application fraud figures following criticism
The Association of British Insurers has moved to defend the process by which it calculated that 180 675 motorists attempted fraudulent insurance applications last year, following criticism by a claimant law firm.
DAS' Weekes promoted to UK broker sales manager
Legal expenses insurer, DAS, has promoted Darren Weekes, its broker sales manager for the southern region to the newly created position of UK broker sales manager.
Sarah Bill’s worth called into question by claimant and defendant lawyers
‘Ambiguous wording’ cited among major qualms with draft legislation
Legal Update - Heading down a slippery slope
James Harvey explains how insurers could face additional burdens if other UK courts follow Scotland’s lead when it comes to apportioning liability for trips and falls on public highways
DAC Beachcroft cuts 62 roles in UK as Manchester office closes
DAC Beachcroft has cut 62 jobs in the UK, including fee-earners and support roles as the result of a redundancy consultation which began in May.
Chancery PII plans ‘steady and stable growth' in solicitors' PI
Chancery PII has gained valuable experience from its first year in the solicitors' professional indemnity market and wants to make rated capacity available to a wider range of firms, according to director Tim Norman.
DWF 'to double' London headcount following Walkie Talkie move
Insurance law firm DWF has moved into the “Walkie Talkie” building at 20 Fenchurch Street amid plans to broaden its City capability.
Ageas Law awarded Lexcel accreditation
Ageas Law, the alternative business structure established by Ageas in April 2013, has been awarded Lexcel status by the Law Society.
BLM appoints new PI partner
BLM has added, commercial lawyer Jagdeep Singh Hayre, formerly of Birmingham City Council, to its public sector team.
Blog: Five ways - from telematics redundancy to cyber terrorism - that driverless cars will impact insurers
Driverless cars are set to be the biggest disruptive innovation of the early 21st century.
ABI welcomes LSB delay on 'misguided' PI cover reduction
The Association of British Insurers has described the decision by the Legal Services Board to prevent a reduction in the minimum terms for solicitors’ professional indemnity insurance ahead of the October renewal period as “a victory for common sense”.
SRA fails to gain approval for PI cover change ahead of renewals
A reduction in the limit for mandatory professional indemnity cover will not take place before the October renewals after the Legal Services Board issued a warning notice delaying its decision on the change by up to twelve months.
Legal Update: Cyber Essentials - a major step forward for insurers
Nick Gibbons explains why the government’s recently launched Cyber Essentials Scheme – aimed at improving protection against cyber attacks – is so significant for the insurance industry.
Cyber Insurance: Variety in cyber
With cyber insurance a relatively new market, issues are arising in various areas – many from the non-standard wordings in policies themselves.
North of the Border: Time limit ruling overturned
Supreme Court overturns 30 years of rulings over commencement date of prescriptive period.
C-Suite - Insurer: Still much more to do
Whiplash reforms can – and should – be broadened to other types of injury.
Global insurance law alliance Insuralex unveils Connelly as new president
Insuralex, the global insurance lawyers group, has elected Michael Connelly, a partner of Connelly Baker Wotring, as president.
SRA's minimum terms change in doubt after LSB delays approval decision
The Solicitors Regulation Authority’s plan to cut the mandatory professional indemnity limit for solicitors in time for the October renewal season looks in doubt after the Legal Services Board extended the time-frame for making a decision on the change.
Meso claims don't justify special treatment, say defendant lawers
Defendant lawyers have criticised the Justice Select Committee's recommendation that the government launch a further consultation into the treatment of mesothelioma claims under the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012.
ABI slams 'excessive' claimant lawyer costs following meso report
The Association of British Insurers has said claimant lawyers have “difficult questions to answer” about why they do not support lower legal costs following the publication of the Justice Select committee’s report on mesothelioma claims.