Howard Dean, a partner at Keoghs, has been elected the new president of the Forum of Insurance Lawyers.

Dean currently sits on both FOIL’s Costs and CPR and Protocols SFTs, and has been involved in Civil Justice Reform for over 25 years, with a particular focus on the impact of civil procedure rules, litigation funding and the digitisation of civil claims.

His focus on civil justice reform issues include the review of the Personal Injury Discount Rate; recommended changes to the Pre-Action Protocol; the post-implementation review of the Civil Liability Act and the publication of the Whiplash Tariff review; potential changes to the Civil Courts Claims Track and the review of Fixed Recoverable Costs; the Privatisation of Justice; and the ongoing digitisation of the court service.

In Scotland, FOIL is also focusing on proposals to introduce Qualified One-Way Cost Shifting to Personal Injury cases, amongst other procedural reform. The organisation has made clear its intent to make its voice heard on these ongoing issues, all of which will have significant implications for the defendant insurance sector in the years ahead.

Commenting on his appointment, Dean said: “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 will take over from Pete Allchorne, a partner at DAC Beachcroft.

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