The Forum of Insurance Lawyers (FOIL) has elected Clyde & Co partner Jennette Newman (pictured) as its president for 2021.
To be supported by BLM partner and FOIL’s new vice president Stuart Hardy, Newman is succeeding Plexus Law partner Anthony Baker – who is credited for having steered the trade body through a year of significant change – and will lead FOIL into what is described as a “new era” and operating environment. A former London FOIL president, she currently chairs the professional standards committee at the Chartered Insurance Institute.
“I am delighted to be appointed president of FOIL at a pivotal moment for the industry as the need for resilience in the face of change is more important than ever,” commented Newman, who brings more than two decades of legal experience in UK and international casualty claims to the post.
“Over the next year, customer focus is going to be key. The industry needs to embrace better communication and more efficient distribution by making smarter use of technology. Advanced tech will play an important role in helping build better relationships and alignments with customers’ needs. For this reason, improved protection of customer data needs to be a key industry priority.”
What this means, she explained, is that lawyers will have to stand ready to support closer and more transparent interaction in the form of clearer wordings, better product descriptions, and improved efficiency in claims processing.
For FOIL chief executive Laurence Besemer, the new president is “well positioned” to help lead the member organisation through 2021 by highlighting the sector’s resilience and adaptability. Citing Newman’s depth of experience and passion for promoting talent, Besemer believes she will be instrumental in driving the transition towards greater transparency and social change.
Meanwhile Newman added: “Now more than ever, we need the right people in the insurance and legal professions to manage the challenges we face. Given the unprecedented level of challenge and change 2021 is sure to bring, we need to attract people from other industries into the market – people who can bring experience and fresh perspectives.”
