It’s London Market FOIL Now, as Rebrand Helps Define Collective Voice

London Market FOIL (previously London FOIL), is offering a new standalone membership built to address the specific needs of lawyers in the London and Lloyd’s insurance markets who have less need for the wider FOIL proposition.

“FOIL has always offered a valuable forum for peer discussion, training and lobbying support for the insurance industry” says Laurence Besemer, FOIL CEO.  “But since the launch of our London division, engagement from the London Market has far exceeded expectations.”

The original London FOIL was launched as a subdivision of FOIL in 2018, designed to support the insurance and reinsurance law firms and lawyers working in the London and Lloyd’s Markets – in the same way the existing FOIL membership, which comprises 95% of the insurance law firms that work in the UK domestic market, supports their clients.

“In other words”, says Laurence Besemer, FOIL CEO, “it was a membership add-on aimed at addressing the unique and specific issues facing the London Market”.

Now, the newly relaunched London Market FOIL is introducing a revised membership structure and subscription that enables law firms to join the London Market specific division at a reduced rate, separate from the general FOIL membership. This model reflects the distinct nature of the London Market and its specific legal, regulatory, and operational challenges.

“With an exclusively London Market-focused agenda, London Market FOIL provides a bespoke platform for lobbying, education and networking to demonstrate support for the London and international insurance and reinsurance markets” says Laurence. “This could be helping the industry modernise, lobbying on behalf of the industry over Brexit, or tackling talent and diversity challenges. London Market FOIL gives firms a stronger collective voice – we’ve developed close relationships with insurers, reinsurers and trade bodies, whilst maintaining our independent stance on key market issues.”

Fleur Rochester, London Market FOIL President, adds:

“We’re excited to take London Market FOIL to the next level. London is the global hub for major, complex risk – and the partnership between reinsurers, insurers, brokers and legal representatives is essential to its continued success. London Market FOIL will ensure these interests are best represented by the same experts who provide day-to-day guidance across claims, contracts and compliance. Our core commitments are to lobby, educate and network on behalf of the sector – not just as lawyers, but as a fully engaged part of the Market. That means listening closely, providing clear and pragmatic advice, collaborating with other experts, and helping the Market maintain its preeminent professional standing, both in the UK and internationally.”

London Market FOIL comprises sector focus teams – small groups of specialist expert lawyers from different firms collaborating to address some of the larger thematic issues the industry faces, across areas such as marine, reinsurance, energy, construction and six other key areas, with three additional areas under consideration.

Fleur says: “Law firms supporting this market are encouraged to apply to join the new London Market FOIL, and take their place in a collaborative network of legal experts at the centre of the (re)insurance industry.”