Forum of Insurance Lawyers elects DWF Law partner as new president

The Forum of Insurance Lawyers (Foil) has elected DWF Law partner Nicola Critchley to the position of president.

Announced today (14 November 2022), Critchley will succeed BLM Law partner Stuart Hardy, who previously held the position.

DAC Beachcroft partner Peter Allchorne has also been elected to the position of vice president at Foil and will support Critchley on all activities.

Foil is a member organisation representing defendant lawyers operating in all areas of the insurance sector.

Critchley was previously treasurer of Foil and has 20 years of experience working with insurers and self-insured clients.

A statement from Foil said that her appointment came during “considerable political and business uncertainty” and “at a time when insurers and insurance lawyers must focus on thought leadership and finding more adaptable ways of doing business”.

It added that it would continue to support the wider insurance industry on “the most pressing issues of the next year”, including civil justice reform and “considerable economic uncertainty”.

New challenges

Commenting on her appointment, Critchley said: “My presidency will focus on helping our member firms to solve the most pressing problems for their clients and making sure that we – as an organisation – are providing the fresh thinking that the sector needs if it is to weather the coming storm.

“As we look to solve these sizeable challenges, it is also vital that we do not lose sight of our pre-existing commitments on the environment, social issues and governance.

Foil chief executive Laurence Besemer added: “Nicola is a long-standing member of Foil’s executive committee and is the perfect candidate to head up the organisation as we move into what will no doubt be a particularly challenging 2023.”