header-logo header-logo

14 January 2022 / Stuart Hardy
Issue: 7962 / Categories: Features , Profession , Insurance surgery , Insurance / reinsurance
printer mail-detail

Insurance matters in 2022

68409
Stuart Hardy, the new president of the Forum of Insurance Lawyers, shares his reflections & predictions on the effect of the pandemic, civil justice reform & Brexit
  • The effects of COVID-19 on the insurance sector.
  • How FOIL plans to work closely with the insurance industry.
  • Predictions for 2022, including the use of the Official Injury Claim portal.

At the start of the year, it’s hard not to reflect upon events over the past two years. Turmoil such as we have seen leaves behind uncertainty, the need for adjustment, and continued challenges. The insurance sector is no different, and we are all left grappling with the practicalities of life, from where we work, how we maintain and strengthen our client relationships, how we mentor, motivate and train staff, and how we conduct litigation.

At the same time the culture of business life is under close scrutiny, particularly regarding issues around climate change and diversity and inclusion, with a pressing need for a new approach. Brexit continues to create political and

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Cripps—Radius Law

Cripps—Radius Law

Commercial and technology practice boosted by team hire

Switalskis—Grimsby

Switalskis—Grimsby

Firm expands with new Grimsby office to serve North East Lincolnshire

Slater Heelis—Will Newman & Lucy Spilsbury

Slater Heelis—Will Newman & Lucy Spilsbury

Property team boosted by two solicitor appointments

NEWS
The Supreme Court has delivered a decisive ruling on termination under the JCT Design & Build form. Writing in NLJ this week, Andrew Singer KC and Jonathan Ward, of Kings Chambers, analyse Providence Building Services v Hexagon Housing Association [2026] UKSC 1, which restores the first-instance decision and curbs contractors’ termination rights for repeated late payment
Secondments, disciplinary procedures and appeal chaos all feature in a quartet of recent rulings. Writing in NLJ this week, Ian Smith, barrister and emeritus professor of employment law at UEA, examines how established principles are being tested in modern disputes
The AI revolution is no longer a distant murmur—it’s at the client’s desk. Writing in NLJ this week, Peter Ambrose, CEO of The Partnership and Legalito, warns that the ‘AI chickens’ have ‘come home to roost’, transforming not just legal practice but the lawyer–client relationship itself
A High Court ruling involving the Longleat estate has exposed the fault line between modern family building and historic trust drafting. Writing in NLJ this week, Charlotte Coyle, director and family law expert at Freeths, examines Cator v Thynn [2026] EWHC 209 (Ch), where trustees sought approval to modernise trusts that retain pre-1970 definitions of ‘child’, ‘grandchild’ and ‘issue’
Fresh proposals to criminalise ‘nudification’ apps, prioritise cyberflashing and non-consensual intimate images, and even ban under-16s from social media have reignited debate over whether the Online Safety Act 2023 (OSA 2023) is fit for purpose. Writing in NLJ this week, Alexander Brown, head of technology, media and telecommunications, and Alexandra Webster, managing associate, Simmons & Simmons, caution against reactive law-making that could undermine the Act’s ‘risk-based and outcomes-focused’ design
back-to-top-scroll