Article: Heath & Nutrition manages Solicitors PI risk by Howden

Posted on06 September 2024

Health and wellbeing are significant issues when it comes to solicitors’ PII. Underwriters are becoming increasingly aware of the link between claims and the health and wellbeing of individuals working within law firms.

When people are unwell, stressed or just tired, mistakes can happen. While a claim might present as a practice-related issue such as a missed time limit or failure to properly advise a client, if you delve a little deeper you often find a fee earner who is unwell, stressed or struggling to cope.

Fortunately, more and more law firms are starting to take this issue seriously and are focusing on initiatives to promote health and wellbeing within their firms. Underwriters are interested in this whole area, and it is useful to highlight what your firm is doing in any supplementary information you provide alongside your PII proposal form.

When planning a recent event for women in the legal sector we came across a former corporate lawyer now operating as a nutritional therapist - Gill Grassie of GiCa Nutritional Therapy. Intrigued as to why Gill had made such a radical career change, and interested as to what she might be able to contribute to our event, we engaged in an initial discussion. We were fascinated to learn just how key nutrition is to health and wellbeing. We were already aware of many health and wellness initiatives in law firms, but these typically focus on encouraging lifestyle changes such as mindfulness, helplines, and menopause championing, as opposed to nutrition. Subsequently Gill came our event and gave an inspiring talk on nutrition and wellness in the workplace.

At Howden we want to help our clients to mitigate the risks of PII claims and this area of nutrition could be a low-lying fruit (apologies for the analogy) and so we are keen to draw attention to it.

Gill is very aware of the challenges of legal practice and the adverse impact of busy professionals “not eating properly.” She has lots of ideas as to how this might be addressed, and we encourage you to share our discussion with Gill on this very important subject within your firm.

Read the rest of the interview here: Health and nutrition manages solicitors PI risk (howdengroup.com)

Burges Salmon has been an enthusiastic supporter of BLS for many years. BLS provides a valuable role in uniting and promoting the whole of the legal sector across Bristol to benefit both its members and the city. It facilitates collaboration across the sector to ensure that we can all make a difference. Whether that is driving important initiatives in, for example, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and the use of new technologies, liaising with stakeholders and charities in our wider community or providing training to generations of lawyers, the service and support provided by BLS is invaluable. More recently BLS has taken a lead on promoting Bristol’s legal brand, encouraging legal and business services talent to come to the city, which in turn attracts clients and inward investment to our thriving and vibrant commercial community. BLS breaks down barriers and brings those in the profession together for the greater good. We are proud of our long-standing association with BLS.
Roger Bull - Managing Partner, Burges Salmon
Three things to say about my experience of working with Bristol Law Society. Their central team, council members and general hangers-on are just about the nicest, most generous group of people working in the legal sector today. The numerous events, awards, socials and conferences I’ve had the pleasure to attend over the years have been, without exception, top quality and supremely organised. And, thirdly, they consistently exceed and challenge the boundaries of what lawyers might assume a regional Law Society will restrict activities to – from a hugely successful charitable school meals drive to corporate social responsibility and diversity campaigns to being joint architects and coordinators of the region’s unique Bristol+BathLegalTech group, which it has been my privilege to co-chair for the last five years.
Chris Bull - Principal, Edge International
As one of the leading Insurance brokers for law firms in the UK and with a large presence in Bristol it seemed only natural for us to support the Bristol Law Society. Bristol Law Society is one of the oldest and most vibrant of the Law Societies in England and Wales. We are pleased to be working with them on important matters relating to law firms’ liability insurances and Risk Management. From Sole Practitioner to Top 20 law firms we are sure our two organisations can provide excellent support and assistance for the challenges faced by the legal profession.
Matthew Baker - Financial Lines Group, Howden Insurance Brokers Ltd
Joining BLS in 2013 and becoming President in 2018/19 has created many longstanding friendships and business relationships, whilst also unlocking doors to other opportunities in the City. BLS enabled a perfect balance of professional development and also opportunities to give back to the legal and wider community. I am pleased that my Firm has supported BLS in many capacities since 2013 and continues to do so.
Nicholas Lee- Managing Director of Paragon Costs Solutions and Past President of BLS