By: 2 July 2021
DAC Beachcroft partners with Markel on innovative mentoring initiative

International law firm DAC Beachcroft has partnered with global insurer Markel Insurance to launch an innovative joint mentoring initiative called Mentoring The Market (MTM). 

The aim of the initiative is to build a network in the ‘claims sphere’ where professionals involved in the insurance claims process, including claims handlers, underwriters, brokers, lawyers, barristers and loss adjusters, can share their skills, knowledge and experience with others. 

“What is different about the MTM initiative is that we’ve moved away the standard junior mentee/senior mentor arrangement,” explained Tom Bedford, insurance partner at DAC Beachcroft, who, together with senior associate William Naylor and Markel senior claims adjusters Rachel Ansell and Natalie Hall, jointly devised and set up the MTM initiative. 

Bedford continued: “We’re encouraging individuals with all levels of experience of the insurance market to consider joining as a mentee. There is always more to learn about insurance, and discovering this shouldn’t be limited to those who are newer to it.

“Mentees might, for example, want a deeper understanding of the role of brokers, greater insight into the underwriting process, advice on career progression or clarity on the implications of a recent legal ruling or development.”   

Ansell said: “Insurance has tended to focus on those in underwriting roles. We see claims as the counterpart to underwriting and are pleased to provide an offering to those working in or with claims, enabling them to connect with others outside their organisation, expanding their knowledge, perspectives and reach. The feedback we’ve received has been overwhelmingly positive. I’m excited to see where we’ll be in a year’s time.”

Hall added: “MTM isn’t solely about mentoring. We’re keen to offer the market with insightful seminars and events on topics beyond technical subject matters. While some will be connected to our work and/or insurance, they will be aimed at everyone wishing to know more about that subject. For example, we hosted a talk on 15 June 2021 on oceans and sustainability. This is an increasingly important topic and one many people wished to know more about.”

While MTM is aimed at insurance professionals involved in the claims process, anyone working in insurance and wishing to learn more about claims is welcome to join. MTM is also keen to hear from those who are happy to volunteer their experience and wisdom as mentors.

For further information on the MTM initiative, contact mentoringthemarket@dacbeachcroft.com.