2019 has been a strong year for DAC Beachcroft’s insurance practice, with eight Norton Rose Fulbright lawyers jumping ship in the first eight months of the year.

Following the lead of Liam O’Connell, who arrived in March to head DAC’s London insurance practice, a team of insurance experts from Norton Rose joined him at a firm well known for, among other things, its healthy work-life balance. The move is expected to be completed by next month.

Kirsty Hick, who has deep experience in advising national and global insurers on defence and coverage matters and has niche specialisms in W&I claims and high-value negligence claims against accountants, was the only partner to join. Alongside her are legal directors Rebecca Bailey and Sarah O’Connell, and senior associates Jack Holling, Natasha Marshall and Cathryn Teverson.

O’Connell was formerly the head of Norton Rose’s EMEA insurance claims practice; his gaze will most likely turn more towards the UK, for despite its international client base and slew of offices abroad, DAC remains primarily a national firm with 11 UK offices (compared to Norton Rose’s single UK office) – albeit an increasingly international one.

“Liam has one of the foremost reputations in the London insurance market and we are thrilled to welcome him to the partnership,” said DAC’s managing partner David Pollitt when O’Connell joined. “His outstanding track record in building an international business, combined with his exceptional connections across the London and international insurance market, makes him a perfect fit for the firm as we continue to strengthen our market-leading global offering.”