Legal
View from the Top: The punchline? ABS is no joke
An insurance salesman and a lawyer walk into a bar – it certainly sounds like the beginning of a joke, but the new alternative business solution world is no laughing matter. What it is, in our view, is a major opportunity.
North West law firms feeling Laspo pinch, states report
More than 70% of the North West’s personal injury law firms claim that civil litigation reforms introduced in April are having a negative impact on their businesses, accrosing to a survey carried out by Liverpool-based firm O’Connors.
Parabis Scotland hires McNaught as Edinburgh-based partner
Parabis Scotland has appointed defendant insurance lawyer Cameron McNaught as a partner in its newly-opened Edinburgh office.
Direct Line Group reaches settlement over Bethany Probert compensation claim
Direct Line Group has confirmed that it has reached a settlement in the high profile Bethany Probert case.
US could freeze foreign insurer assets new Iran sanction rules
US authorities could freeze any local assets of foreign insurers if they contravene new sanctions on Iran which came into force at the start of this week.
Insurers risk US asset freezing under new Iran sanction rules
Insurers could be subject to freezing of any US assets if they contravene new US sanctions on Iran which came into force at the start of this week.
Courts take tough stance on deadlines post-Jackson
Claimants have been warned that an entire defence or claim could be struck out due to the failure to meet court deadlines after two recent High Court decisions reiterated a lack of procedural compliance will no longer be tolerated.
Law Society’s motive behind new PI scheme called into question
Brokers doubtful scheme will mitigate threat posed by unrated insurers.
DAS and Broker Network launch commercial legal expenses scheme
Legal expenses insurer DAS and Broker Network have launched a new commercial legal expenses scheme for Broker Network and Countrywide ‘Complete’ members.
Interview: Anne McIntosh: Making waves
As chair of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee, MP Anne McIntosh has been at the forefront of the struggle to find a flood risk solution. Despite success on that front looking within reach, she tells Post the hard work is not over…
Law report: Bus depot lessons arrive all at once
This law report was contributed by Berrymans Lace Mawer.
Law report: Claimant whose Spanish dream turned to nightmare finds solace against the FSCS
This law report was contributed by Berrymans Lace Mawer.
Law report: Dilly-dallying and judge’s error reminds insurers – be prompt
This law report was contributed by law firm Berrymans Lace Mawer.
Ex-DAC Beachcroft partner joins BLM fraud team
Berrymans Lace Mawer has appointed new partner Joanna Keogh to its national fraud team.
Tribunal upholds FCA ban and £150 000 fine on broker Jeffery Flanders
The Upper Tribunal has upheld the decision of the Financial Conduct Authority to ban Andrew Jeffery, director of Jeffery Flanders (Consulting), and fine him £150 000 – one of the largest fines imposed on a broker for insurance fraud.
Unrated insurer problems force SRA to reinvestigate stance on financial stability vetting
The Solicitors Regulation Authority is to re-investigate if it should introduce financial eligibility criteria following recent problems with unrated insurers including Quinn, Lemma and more recently Balva.
Golf clubs face ‘worrying times’ following injury liability settlement
Niddry course avoids Supreme Court with golf injury settlement.
Tax-avoidance crackdown could see PI insurers hit with third-party claims
HMRC tax workaround enquiries focusing on individuals as well as corporations.
Market Moves: MGAs make a raft of recruitments as broking is unusually placid
Exits and entries were once again high on the agenda this week as a number of managing general agents, including Argenta and UK General, unveiled a host of high-profile appointments. While the broking sector was uncharacteristically quiet, Mitsui…
Bluefin and Wentworth Alexander case settles
Axa-owned broker Bluefin has reached a settlement in a case against Wentworth Alexander, a Northamptonshire broker started by two ex-Bluefin employees.
Clausen Miller recruits Drake as non-contentious specialist from Ashurst
Insurance law firm Clausen Miller has appointed a non-contentious insurance specialist Jonathan Drake from Ashurst.
ABI hits back at Law Society over PI campaign
The Association of British Insurers has criticised the Law Society’s advertising campaign for personal injury, which features the strapline “Don’t get mugged by an insurer – use a solicitor.”
JLT Speciality extends PI relationship with AmTrust Europe
JLT Specialty and AmTrust Europe have renewed and extended their professional indemnity relationship offering both sole traders and partner firms PI cover for the 2013 renewals.
Keoghs appoints seven partners and promotes 23 associates
Keogh’s has appointed seven new partners and promoted 23 individuals to an associate position, taking the number of staff at the law firm’s seven UK offices up to almost 1200.