Legal
SRA issues ABS guidance ahead of 2012 licences
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has published a guide to help prospective owners of alternative business structures (ABS) understand what steps they will need to take to earn an operating licence.
Marsh's new PI offering targets cover issues for small law firms
As another challenging renewal season for solicitors’ professional indemnity (PI) approaches, Marsh has launched a service designed to cater for smaller practices.
SRA to close ARP loophole
The Solicitors’ Regulation Authority (SRA) has confirmed it is to amend parts of the Qualifying Insurer's Agreement (QIA) 2011.
CCV director takes on legal head role at Towergate
Towergate Insurance has appointed Sam Clark to the role of head of legal and secretariat.
Aviva fraudster jailed after pocketing staff bonuses
The head of key accounts management at Aviva’s York offices has been jailed for expenses fraud.
Periodical payments for PI compensation set to rise following appeal case
A landmark court ruling may change the way in which the insurance industry pays out compensation to personal injury claimants.
Riots covered but claim extension unlikely, says Questgates
QuestGates has said that the local police authority has a legal responsibility to reimburse persons who sustain damage to property as the result of a riot under the Riot Damages Act 1886.
Concern as to whether industry will foot the bill for riots
Concern has been raised by brokers as to whether the events over the last few days in London, Liverpool, Birmingham and Bristol will be officially classed as riots under the Riot (Damages) Act 1886.
Further law firms announce merger plans
The partners of Clyde & Co and Barlow Lyde & Gilbert (BLG) have voted for a merger between the two law firms.
See you in court?
The demise of no-win no-fee could leave many SMEs unable to pursue claims in court
Fighting for justice
It is time for the insurance industry to show some courage and take a moral stand against referral fees, says Tony Cornell
New player enters solicitors' PI arena
First Title Insurance has joined forces with Ink Underwriting Agencies to offer professional indemnity insurance (PII) to law firms, for the first time.
Beachcroft and Davies Arnold Cooper merge
Insurance law firms, Beachcroft and Davies Arnold Cooper (DAC), have confirmed that they will merge.
ABS deadline delayed
The 6 October deadline for licensing alternative business structures (ABS) has been delayed until 2012 Insurance Age’s sister title Post has revealed.
Brokers warned to take heed of corporate manslaughter case
Recent charges made under the Corporate Manslaughter Act should serve as a reminder to brokers of the need to advise clients appropriately, Allianz Commercial has warned.
RSA relaunches into legal indemnity market
RSA has announced a strategic partnership with independent broker Litigation Protection to focus on legal indemnity with solicitors and licensed conveyancers as it seeks “a dominant position in the market”.
L&G warns of increase in burglaries
Legal & General (L&G) has queried the findings of the British Crime Survey which reported a 14% increase in burglaries in England and Wales but found “no evidence” that the recession is having an impact on overall crime figures.
Flaxman appointed to CEDR commercial mediation service panel
Roger Flaxman has been appointed as a member at the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution’s (CEDR) commercial mediation service, CEDR Solve, as one of 18 insurance specialists on the 120-strong panel.
Slow down in car insurance price rises
The average price of a comprehensive car insurance policy rose by 2.7% in the second quarter of 2011, according to the Confused.com and Towers Watson Car Insurance Price Index.
SRA says ARP is working
Despite criticism from the insurance industry, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has said its new enforcement measures for the Assigned Risks Pool (ARP), have started to show signs of success.
Lack of resources could hinder Bribery Act
As the 2010 Bribery Act comes into force on the 1 July, anti-corruption watchdog Transparency International UK has warned that its enforcement could be undermined by a lack of resource.
Solicitor responds to Jack Straw on referral fees
Des Collins, senior partner of Collins Solicitors, has welcomed Jack Straw’s comments on the need to clamp down on claims management companies and ban referral fees.
Jack Straw attacks referral fee system
Former Secretary of State for Justice, Jack Straw MP, has called for referral fees to be banned in an article published in The Times.
Government says yes to referral fees
As part of its new Justice Bill, unveiled today, the government has confirmed its intention to spare referral fees.