By: 18 June 2020
DAC Beachcroft strengthens public sector liability expertise

Law firm DAC Beachcroft has appointed a four-strong team of public sector liability specialists, including partner John Palmer, from DWF in London.

Palmer will join DAC Beachcroft in September, while David Weir, a legal director who is joining the firm as a partner, started this month, along with associate Hazel James and solicitor Sehresh Jan. 

Palmer has specialised in employers’ and public liability claims, including social services claims, on behalf of local authorities for more than 25 years.

His expertise includes advising on complex historical abuse, as well as handling clinical negligence claims, particularly those relating to pharmacists’ negligence and drug errors.

Craig Dickson, chief executive officer of DAC Beachcroft’s claims solutions group, said: “Acquiring a team of this calibre marks a significant boost to DAC Beachcroft’s already highly-regarded public sector liability practice and further consolidates our position as leading legal advisors on liability to this sector. We’re delighted to welcome the team on board.”

“The further investment in our claims solutions business demonstrates our ongoing commitment to delivering the bespoke solutions that our insurer, commercial and public sector clients are increasingly requesting.”

This latest team hire in London follows the firm’s expansion in Scotland in April, with the launch of a litigation unit to handle England and Wales motor litigation claims led by newly appointed partner Keith Mathews.

In February, DAC Beachcroft appointed catastrophic injury claims specialist Kate Oldroyd as a partner in its national claims solutions group.

Five complex and catastrophic injury partners joined DAC Beachcroft’s Glasgow office from BLM in November 2019. Also in 2019, the firm opened an office in Belfast, after joining forces with Northern Irish firm McKinty & Wright.