Howard Dean, Partner at Keoghs, has been named President of the Forum of Insurance Lawyers (FOIL), an organisation representing 8,000 lawyers and paralegals across 61 corporate firms, for 2025, succeeding Pete Allchorne, Partner at DAC Beachcroft.
Dean has been an active member of FOIL’s Costs and CPR & Protocols Specialist Focus Teams (SFTs) and has over 25 years of experience in Civil Justice Reform. His work focuses on civil procedure rules, litigation funding, and the digital evolution of civil claims.
He commented: “I am honoured to be appointed as President of FOIL and look forward to serving the organisation as it navigates the issues facing the insurance industry at present.
“Insurers and their lawyers are currently having to grapple with many headwinds, including claims inflation, emerging markets and regulatory change. FOIL will continue to provide a leading voice on the pressing issues impacting our members and their clients.”
Dean’s presidency begins at a critical time for the insurance industry, as it faces mounting challenges. With the Labour government now in power, significant legal and economic shifts are expected, requiring swift adaptation by the industry.
The ongoing geopolitical crises, inflation, and the rise of ESG concerns will also have a substantial impact on the frequency, nature, and volume of claims. FOIL’s role will be to offer continued support and guidance, providing a voice of reason to its members as they navigate these pressures.
FOIL’s membership spans across seven jurisdictions—England and Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, and Gibraltar—facilitating the exchange of ideas and legal proposals to help steer the insurance industry through these turbulent times. The collaboration between members is crucial in driving meaningful change and fostering a proactive response to emerging challenges.
Under Dean’s leadership, FOIL will continue to focus on key civil justice reforms, such as the review of the Personal Injury Discount Rate, updates to the Pre-Action Protocol, and the ongoing analysis of the Civil Liability Act.
In Scotland, FOIL is advocating for the introduction of Qualified One-Way Cost Shifting in Personal Injury cases, along with other procedural reforms. These reforms are expected to have lasting consequences on the defendant insurance sector, and FOIL is committed to representing its members’ interests in these matters.
Additionally, FOIL is dedicated to providing a platform for members to engage in discussions about key industry issues such as Diversity & Inclusion, Climate Change, and the role of Artificial Intelligence in the legal landscape.
Throughout his term, Dean will also work to foster the next generation of lawyers, alongside Tomorrow’s FOIL, to highlight the opportunities and excitement in the field of insurance law.
FOIL CEO Laurence Besemer said: “Howard is an accomplished insurance lawyer who has been a member of the FOIL
Executive Committee for several years already. He is an excellent choice to lead FOIL into 2025.”
“With many changes afoot, FOIL continues to represent the defendant insurance legal community and the reality of the challenges insurers and their lawyers face.
“FOIL members work collaboratively to drive change, both with one another and with other representative organisations, setting the agenda through participation in government consultations and lobbying for reforms. Howard, myself and the rest of the Executive Committee will ensure this is continued into the next year and beyond.”
Dean’s broad experience as a solicitor allows him to showcase the diverse career paths within the insurance sector, and he is committed to addressing a range of sector-specific issues, including e-scooter regulation, stricter rules for young drivers, and litigation surrounding fixed recoverable costs.
Bridget Tatham, Partner at Browne Jacobson, will step into the role of Vice-President, supporting Howard as FOIL continues to drive its agenda and support its members through these evolving challenges.
