DWF partner Teasdale elected new FOIL President

DWF partner Nigel Teasdale has been elected as the President of the Forum of Insurance Lawyers (FOIL).

Teasdale, who succeeds Duncan Rutter a partner at DAC Beachcroft, in the role, is also a director of MedCo.

FOIL said that Teasdale will aim to promote FOIL’s role in learning and development – the group launched the FOIL Standard in June last year to set the standard for insurance lawyers. He also hopes to continue the work of FOIL in fostering the next generation of insurance lawyers and engaging with the sector leaders of the future through Tomorrow’s FOIL, the offshoot of FOIL that represents insurance lawyers with less than 5 years of experience in the role.

“I anticipate a year of challenges and opportunities ahead, with the brave new world of Brexit on the horizon,” said Teasdale.

“There was significant delay to reform in the lead up to the referendum and uncertainty remains about its implications for the legal and insurance sectors going forward. In particular, there has been a delay in the reform around whiplash and the small claims track, and we hope there will be progress in the widening of fixed costs in the coming year.

“Brexit comes at a time when technology is presenting new challenges for insurers – for example around autonomous vehicles and telematics, and increasing cyber risk. I am looking forward to embracing this exciting change in my year in office.”

FOIL chief executive Laurence Besemer said: “At a time when great changes for the legal profession, the insurance market and Britain’s relationship with Europe are coming, it is tremendously reassuring to see Nigel, who has worked on the National Committee for four years already, stepping up to the Presidency of FOIL.

“His deep understanding of the market and the respect he commands will be invaluable to FOIL as we all go forward into somewhat uncertain times.”

Mark Dugdale