Latest Newsletter from Howden May 2022

Posted on31 May 2022

In this edition of Premium Matters our leading article addresses the situation when your firm is instructed part-way through a matter by a client who is unhappy with the advice or service they are receiving from their current solicitor. We have seen a number of negligence claims arise in this scenario so we highlight some of the issues you need to look out for.

It's “Mental Health Awareness Week” so we want to take the opportunity to remind all law firms that PII underwriters are placing more importance on your attention to the mental health and wellbeing of fee earners. Our Employee and Benefits Team outline six tips to help deal with work-related stress which we would encourage you to share with your teams.

We continue to focus on cyber issues. Our cyber team walk you through a cyber-incident, detailing the steps to take in the event your firm becomes the subject of a cyber attack. 'Forewarned is forearmed' as the saying goes - we recommend you familiarise yourself with what to expect and what to do should you experience this all too frequent scenario.

Our guest publication comes from law firm RPC. It addresses the question of file ownership - a topic that many firms grapple with when a file request is made, particularly if the request is received in the context of a PII claim.

For those of you who missed it, we have included our recent review of the 1 April 2022 renewal which we published recently and we finish off with an important update on the latest developments and next steps in relation to post six-year run-off cover (PSYROC).

In the current hard market it has never been more important for law firms to engage with their broker. At Howden we understand the importance of keeping law firms informed on the issues relating to PII, risk and legal practice.

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