Legal
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.
Justice Committee condemns Government meso claims review
The Justice Select Committee has called on the UK Government to undertake a fresh consultation into the way mesothelioma claims are handled under the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012.
Biggest changes in Scotland for a generation offer a mixed outcome for insurers
Plexus Law's Cameron McNaught discusses the potential impact of Scottish government proposals for court reform
Legal bodies slam SRA minimum terms manoeuvre
Several members of the legal fraternity have written to the Legal Services Board urging it to reject the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s proposal to cut to the minimum limit for solicitors' professional indemnity cover to £500 000.
Legal update: Medical Innovation Bill: Criticisms over impact of Bill remain
The Medical Innovation Bill could lead to an increase in litigation, despite its attempts to reduce it, with the potential to confuse rather than clarify the law. Gary Allison and Judith Davison report.
Trade Voice: What’s changed since 1886?
As we approach the third anniversary of the London riots, the British Insurance Brokers’ Association is submitting its response to the consultation Reform of the Riot Damages Act 1886.
Insurers adopt watch-and-wait approach to India ahead of proposed FDI changes
The proposed increase in the foreign direct investment cap in Indian insurers from 26% to 49% may not have the desired effect if the conditions for investment are too stringent, according to market commentators.
Aviva calls for rehab-only compensation for minor road accident injuries
Aviva is pushing for changes to motor insurance compensation including cutting cash compensation for minor whiplash injuries and restricting personal injury lawyers to cases where their expertise is needed.
Mactavish calls for contract legislation to clarify broker role
Insurance contracts legislation should include guidance on the role of brokers in overcoming contracting issues between insurers and their customers, insurance governance firm Mactavish has said.
Post Blog: A welcome injection of common sense
The Government's move to allow parties to agree short extensions to court timetables between themselves is a welcome injection of common sense - and could encourage more early dispute resolution.