Legal
BLM launches PI and fraud offerings in Dublin office
Law firm Berrymans Lace Mawer’s Dublin office is to launch professional indemnity and fraud offerings which will be led by two new appointees.
Hong Kong partner moves to law firm in Bangkok
Former Deacons Hong Kong partner Michael Turnbull has joined Tilleke & Gibbins as senior counsel in the insurance group at the firm's Bangkok office.
Willis hails 30% increase in solicitors' PI market share
The UK legal services practice of Willis Group has grown its market share of the solicitors’ professional indemnity insurance market by around 30%.
Caravan Guard appoints Arc Legal for specialist schemes
Arc Legal Assistance has been appointed by broker Caravan Guard to provide legal expenses insurance schemes for its touring caravans, holiday caravans, park homes and holiday homes business.
DAS calls for transparency on add-ons in response to CC report
Legal expenses provider DAS has called for greater transparency of the value for money add-on products can offer customers in the wake of the Competition Commission report into private motor insurance released this month.
Allianz and Covéa subrogation appeal against RSA dismissed
An appeal from Allianz and Covéa against last year’s High Court RSA subrogation verdict has been dismissed by the Court of Appeal this morning.
AIG appoints Bond Dickinson for contract work
AIG has appointed law firm Bond Dickinson to handle its high-volume contract work.
SRA threatens disciplinary against firms without PI cover
The SRA has warned that it may take disciplinary action against solicitors continuing to operate despite having failed to renew their professional indemnity cover.
Legal Update: Mesothelioma Claims: Ministry of Justice’s mesothelioma reforms only complete half the job
Nick Pargeter says the government is failing both claimants and insurers by abandoning fixed costs.
DAS UK welcomes clarification on freedom of choice
Legal expenses insurer, DAS, has welcomed the ruling of the Court of Justice of the European Union clarifying freedom of choice, both regarding the appointment of solicitor and funding.
Quindell CMC files counterclaim to £5m contract termination suit
A Quindell-owned claims management company has filed a counterclaim after two firms accused the business of breaking a contract early in a £5m suit.
Kennedys and Simpson & Marwick axe merger plans
Law firms Kennedys and Simpson & Marwick have cancelled plans to merge citing “complex reasons”.
SRA mulls enforcement action for firms in PI breach
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has warned it is considering enforcement action after “a substantial number of solicitors” failed to declare their insurance position regarding professional indemnity cover.
Review of the Year: Legal: A year of change
2013 was a huge year for the legal sector, with both positive and negative changes coming thick and fast. How have key figures in the industry reacted to such a period of change?
MoJ to strengthen CMC complaints service
Legal changes announced by the Ministry of Justice will see consumers receiving compensation should they be mistreated by claims management companies.
C-Suite: The spotlight keeps shining
The industry must keep doing the right thing for consumers under the glare of government, says Paul Geddes, chief executive, Direct line Group.
L&G accused of infringement of Travelers' 'iconic' red umbrella logo
Travelers has filed a lawsuit against Legal & General in the United States following a long-running dispute over the UK-based firm’s use of its multi-coloured umbrella logo in the US.
Legal video: BLM partner Matthew Ford discusses the Jackson reforms and MoJ portal impact
Taken together, Lord Justice Jackson’s reforms of civil litigation costs - and the extension of the Ministry of Justice claims portal - have certainly shaken up the litigation landscape.
Legal Update: Credit Hire: Ongoing hire case reaches £220 000 as documentary evidence is not disclosed
Liane Atcheson looks at the new philosophy being enforced by judges in the post-Jackson era.
SRA urged for clarity on successor practices
Personal injury firm SGI Legal has called on the Solicitors Regulation Authority and professional indemnity insurers to issue ‘proper’ guidance on when those buying work-in-progress will be considered a successor practice.
DAC Beachcroft opens local Columbian office
Law firm DAC Beachcroft has established a local presence in the Columbian market, following its merger with insurance practice, De La Torre & Monroy Abogados Asociados.
Minster Law unveils new London office
BGL-owned Minster Law is launching a City-based team, in a bid to enhance its geographical reach.
Scottish QOCS recommendation 'agitating' insurers’ solicitors
Solicitors with insurer clients have been agitated by a recommendation to introduce qualified one way costs shifting in Scotland,according to the author of the report suggesting the change.
Foil boss expects 'plebgate' ruling to spark influx of satellite litigation
The Court of Appeal’s decision to refuse relief from sanctions to lawyers representing Andrew Mitchell MP in his libel action over The Sun’s ‘plebgate’ story could trigger a wave of satellite professional negligence cases, a leading insurance lawyer has…