The Forum of Insurance Lawyers (FOIL) has announced that Nicola Critchley, Partner at DWF, has been elected as President, taking over from Stuart Hardy, Partner at BLM Law.
Critchley sits on FOIL’s Costs SFT and was also Treasurer of FOIL, and has worked with insurers and self-insureds for more than 20 years. Her strategic focus is on civil justice reform.
Moreover, Peter Allchorne, Partner at DAC Beachcroft will take up the position of Vice-President of FOIL, supporting Nicola on all of the organisation’s activities.
FOIL stated that Critchley’s appointment comes amidst 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.
Commenting on her appointment, Critchley, said: “I am very much looking forward to steering FOIL over the next year, helping the organisation to support our member firms and, in turn, their own clients.
“In 2022, we have rather gone from ‘great expectations’ to ‘uncertain times’. Globally, we managed to recover well from the pandemic only to be met with new challenges. 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. I will ensure that our organisation, and its member firms, continue to honour their commitments as set out in the Climate Charter FOIL signed in 2021, and continue to give ESG issues our full attention.”
FOIL CEO, 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.
“One of FOIL’s real strengths has always been its ability to look behind the headlines, and using the combined experience of its members to develop innovative ideas and proposals. With so much change happening so quickly, more than ever decisions for the future need to be grounded in analysis and evidence: a clear view of what is working and should be retained, and what needs further change. Nicola, alongside myself and others on the Executive Committee, will make sure this evidence-based approach remains a key tenet of the organisation over next year and beyond.”
