DWF held a briefing event in Dublin recently for key stakeholders, with experts in indemnity insurance to identify and explore recent trends in the types of claims solicitors face and where future claims are anticipated. 

Insurers, brokers and solicitors were briefed on the latest developments in professional indemnity insurance.

Strategies

Sinead Ryan, a director at DWF in Dublin, was joined by Julie Brennan, managing director of the Institute of Legal Research and Standards who examined good risk management practices and how these strategies can assist in avoiding complaints and claims.

Insurers, brokers and solicitors were briefed on the latest developments in professional indemnity insurance.

Aidan Leonard, claims director and special purpose fund manager at DWF, moderated the event, which also heard from Brian Doherty, chief executive of the Legal Service Regulatory Authority (LSRA).

Brian Doherty also provided an update on the current role of the LSRA – in particular the Authority's approach to the handling of complaints against legal practitioners. 

Manage risks

Sinead Ryan of DWF Dublin said: “Given the current hardening market, it is more important than ever for solicitors to manage their risks and anticipate where complaints and claims could arise.

“By paying attention to the recent trends and taking the steps outlined in our seminar – including regular auditing of litigation files to ensure there is no unreasonable delay and exercising caution when it comes to taking on claims or clients – insurers can reduce their claims exposure and solicitors can improve their ability to get professional indemnity insurance before renewal on 1 December 2019.”