FOIL president joins law firm

Law firm Horwich Farrelly has announced the appointment of Anthony Hughes as chief executive.

Hughes, who will join the firm in July 2009, leaves his current position as head of defendant personal injury at DWF to take on the new role.

Hughes, who is current president of leading lobby organisation the Forum of Insurance Lawyers (FOIL), is a key figure in the world of insurance law and boasts a wealth of experience ranging from high value personal injury matters to charges brought by the Health & Safety Executive.

ughes will guide the firm through changes resulting from the Legal Services Act and the Ministry of Justice’s Personal Injury Claims Process Proposals.

Hughes will take over from Nigel Yates, current managing partner, when he retires from the firm in March 2010.

Anthony Hughes said: “This is a great opportunity to take a leading role in a firm that really plays to my strengths. There are a number of changes that will affect both the way that legal services are utilised, as well as the way that personal injury claims are processed, and as a consequence I do think that it is important for firms to focus on their ‘niche’ area of expertise. Horwich Farrelly is in a position to grasp the opportunities posed by Legal Services Act and Process Review, and I am looking forward to the challenges ahead. Watch this space.”

Nigel Yates added:”I have complete faith in Anthony to take on the role of chief executive. He has a wealth of experience, and I’m excited at the prospects of where he plans to take the firm.”