Contact number
+44 844 9800400About
Provided by DAC Beachcroft LLP
The Newport Professional and Commercial Risks' team is the only defendant professional negligence team in Wales.
The team forms part of our South team (see separate entry for Bristol team) and has a national reputation, acting for Insurers and their professionals on a nationwide basis.
Whilst the team has wide experience of claims against a number of professionals, it is best known for its work in defending solicitors in respect of professional negligence claims, and also now regularly acts for large national firms of solicitors in relation to SRA investigations and in the defence of professional disciplinary proceedings against partners in those firms. This work is extremely sensitive and requires specialist expertise in view of the considerable reputational risks to both the solicitor concerned and their firm.
The team strives to respond to the changing needs of their clients and the risks they face. For example, the team has established an excellent reputation for advising professional clients and their Insurers on issues relating to cyber crime and data breaches (such as the "Friday afternoon" scams targeting conveyancing firms).
The team regularly advises Insurers in respect of policy coverage issues in the context of which Clare Hughes-Williams has a national profile.
The team partners are proud of the breadth of experience that the team has, particularly in the area of solicitors' PI insurance where we are seen as trusted advisers by Insurers.
Chambers Review
DAC Beachcroft LLP has a highly respected defendant-focused practice with outstanding skills in handling claims against solicitors and insurance coverage matters. The firm is adept in cases concerning the mishandling of personal injury claims. It is regularly seen acting for large firms of solicitors in relation to SRA investigations. The team is known to also provide advice for insurers with respect to policy coverage and offer training events for the local market.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The DAC team has good experience and clear connections with relevant parties in the market."
"The DAC lawyers are extremely professional at all times, communicate in a timely fashion, and give sound advice."
"DAC provides consistently high-quality legal advice and is a trusted pair of hands. The awareness of the commercial and reporting needs is what distinguishes the team from its competitors."
"The DAC team has good experience and clear connections with relevant parties in the market."
"The DAC lawyers are extremely professional at all times, communicate in a timely fashion, and give sound advice."
"DAC provides consistently high-quality legal advice and is a trusted pair of hands. The awareness of the commercial and reporting needs is what distinguishes the team from its competitors."
Notable Practitioners
Clare Hughes-Williams is renowned for her experience in defending solicitors in regulatory investigations and disciplinary proceedings.
"Clare is excellent in both professional negligence defence and regulatory matters. A reliable and trusted lawyer."
"Clare has an excellent reputation as a professional negligence lawyer."
Catrin Davies is experienced in defending a wide range of claims against solicitors involving regulatory and disciplinary proceedings.
"Catrin is an excellent insurance lawyer with considerable expertise in professional negligence defence work."
"Catrin is really quick to respond to emails providing practical advice."
"Catrin is exceptionally responsive and provides sound, timely advice. She is empathetic in her approach and is robust with defensive points, which are put across clearly."
Tom Bedford is known for his work representing solicitors in a wide range of claims as well as investigations and SRA proceedings.
Ranked Lawyers at
DAC Beachcroft LLP
Wales
Clients
Provided by DAC Beachcroft LLP
AmTrust
Libra
Munich Re
QBE
Travelers
W R Berkley
XL Catlin
Zurich
Industries
Provided by DAC Beachcroft LLP
Insurance