Legal
Legal Market: Joining forces
Mergers and acquisitions in legal markets show no sign of abating. But what is behind the desire to consolidate law firms, and what does it mean for the insurance industry?
Majority of law firms obtain PI cover with rated insurer
A survey of nearly 500 law firms has found 13% sought professional indemnity cover with an unrated insurer before the end of the renewal period on 1 October.
Industry backs extension of squatting ban despite lack of claims in 2013
Property landlords liable for damage and personal injury as a result of squatters.
Pressure mounts on government to close referral fee ban loophole
Apil boss reminds insurers of responsibility not to profit from schemes.
Court of Appeal upholds legality of basis clauses
The court of appeal has confirmed the legality of basis of contract clauses in a case involving Liberty Syndicate.
Legal update: Health: An injection of guidance on cosmetic treatments will minimise insurance risk
Euan Milne looks at the lack of regulation in the cosmetic treatment sector and the recommendations proposed for training professionals.
Claims management: Crackdown
Do new measures aimed at snuffing out poor practice by claims management companies go far enough?
SRA receives 185 requests to enter EIP
A total of 185 law firms have applied to the Solicitors Regulation Authority to enter the extended indemnity period for solicitor’s professional indemnity insurance having failed to secure cover by 1 October.
Three insurance clients of rogue private eyes investigated by ICO
The Information Commissioner’s Office has asked the Commons Home Affairs select committee not to publish the names of 19 clients of rogue private eyes that it is investigating.
Claimant lawyers warn against rushing into review of Jackson’s ‘problem areas’
Justice Ramsey’s review of reforms due for completion in April 2014.
Solicitors' PI: Taking a gamble
While their low prices make unrated carriers an attractive option for solicitors seeking professional indemnity insurance, are they worth the risk? And do small law firms have any alternative?
Roundtable: Fraud: Seeking a knockout blow
How are recent changes to the legal landscape and calls for a more collaborative approach impacting the insurance industry’s fight against fraud?
Opinion: Treatment key to whiplash woes
Studies suggest early treatment of claimants could bring down the costs associated with whiplash.
Judge to review Jackson reforms’ problem areas
The judge charged with implementing the Jackson reforms has revealed he will review parts of the legislation causing problems for lawyers.
Philip named SRA chief
General Medical Council chief operating officer Paul Philip has been appointed chief executive of the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Four crash-for-cash scammers convicted of fraud
Four people involved in a crash-for-cash scam worth nearly £500 000 were found guilty of conspiracy to defraud insurance companies yesterday at the Sheffield Crown Court.
Fraud: Breaking the habit
From holidaymakers to corporates, exaggerating or fabricating an insurance claim could become common practice – so what can insurers do to combat this culture By Ruth Lawrence
Hill Dickinson Fraud Unit gains access to Met Police data set
The Metropolitan Police Service Amberhill is going to provide Hill Dickinson Fraud Unit with false identity data secured from illegal “identity and counterfeiting factories”.
Legal Update: Fraud: Following Irish fraud law could help UK insurers fight fabricated claims
Sarah Hill looks at the legal issues affecting insurers’ battle against fraud, including the Irish approach to ‘tainted’ claims and the incoming regulation of private investigators
C-Suite: Rewriting the law on fraud
Looking to France may help bring down claim numbers and prevent fraudsters escaping detection, says John O'Roarke.
Europe: The cost of Concordia
What has the Costa Concordia disaster meant for the European marine market?
Market Moves: Lockton among the major movers as new hires are made across the sector
Recruitment activity was spread across all sectors of the insurance industry this week. Busy among brokers was Lockton, with two appointments coming in the form of a new business development executive and an incoming senior yacht consultant. Loss…
EC3/Legal expands insurance expertise with new recruit
EC3/Legal has appointed Ian D’Castro to the role of legal director, as part of the city law firm’s plans to continue the expansion on its commercial legal practice for brokers, Lloyd’s agencies, MGAs and other support providers.
Scottish civil litigation costs review not a repeat of Jackson reforms
Taylor review’s key proposals include QOCS and referral fee approval