Beazley Enhances Risk Management Advisory Capabilities

LONDON, Feb. 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Beazley, a leading insurer of lawyers' professional liability risks, has enlisted Brian Toohey, one of America's foremost experts in law firm risk management and lawyers' liability, to provide advice to Beazley clients.

Mr Toohey retired from Jones Day in December 2012, where his practice focused on the defense of attorney malpractice claims and advising lawyers and law firms on risk management.  He now serves on the advisory board of the Miller-Becker Center for Professional Responsibility. He is a frequent seminar speaker and writer on the subjects of lawyer liability, legal ethics and professionalism.

Mr Toohey is the past Chair of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association's Ethics and Professionalism Committee and is a regular contributor to the "Ethics Perspectives" column in the Association's Journal.  He also was instrumental in the development of the treatise "Ohio Ethics Law Under the Rules of Professional Conduct" that is available through LexisNexis.  He is a member of the American Bar Association (Litigation Section) and is co-chair of the multijurisdictional practice subcommittee of the Section's Ethics and Professionalism Committee.  He also is a member of the New York State, the Ohio State and the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Associations.

Ian Rose, head of Beazley's lawyers professional liability team, said: 

"In 27 years of underwriting professional liability insurance for U.S. law firms, we have seen many changes in firms' risk profiles.  Among the most significant changes relate to the size and complexity of law firms, which can exacerbate the risks they run. 

This is an area in which Brian's vast experience and expertise can be enormously valuable to our clients.  Jones Day is not only one of the largest and best regarded law firms in the world; it also globalized very early through its merger with Surrey & Morse in 1986.  I am delighted that the wealth of experience that Brian has accumulated over more than 40 years will be available to our clients going forward."

Mr Toohey said:

"Beazley's reputation as an insurer of law firms, large and small, is extremely strong, with a client roster that includes 39 of the AmLaw 100.  But, even the best insurers can offer only a partial indemnity for the heavy costs, including reputation costs, that a malpractice lawsuit can bring.  Beazley's underwriters believe that, in this area, prevention is far better than cure.  I look forward to helping their clients strengthen their risk management capabilities."   

Note to editors:

Beazley plc (BEZ.L), is the parent company of specialist insurance businesses with operations in Europe, the US, Asia and Australia.  Beazley manages five Lloyd's syndicates and, in 2012, underwrote gross premiums worldwide of $1,895.9 million.  All Lloyd's syndicates are rated A by A.M. Best. 

Beazley's underwriters in the United States focus on writing a range of specialist insurance products.  In the admitted market, coverage is provided by Beazley Insurance Company, Inc., an A.M. Best A rated carrier licensed in all 50 states.  In the surplus lines market, coverage is provided by the Beazley syndicates at Lloyd's.

Beazley is a market leader in many of its chosen lines, which include professional indemnity, property, marine, reinsurance, accident and life, and political risks and contingency business.

For more information please go to: www.beazley.com

SOURCE Beazley plc