DAC Beachcroft

DAC Beachcroft is to add significant expertise to its market-leading insurance capability in Newcastle and across the UK with the acquisition of a seven-partner casualty claims team from DWF. 

The team, which comprises 11 fee earners in total, is led by Rod Searl, who heads up DWF's Occupational Health and Casualty team in Newcastle. The other partners joining DAC Beachcroft this summer are: David Drewe, Andrea Ward, Sue Howes, Shaun O’Neill and Nicola Hyam.  Mark Douglas, director, will also join the firm as a partner, along with several members of professional support staff.

This experienced group acts for various general insurers, with specific public sector and major corporate expertise in personal injury, abuse and fraud.  Their arrival will add significant depth to DAC Beachcroft's existing offering in the North and support its key insurance clients and brokers.

Based in Newcastle and working within DAC Beachcroft's claims solutions group, they will benefit from the firm's extensive network, which will enable them to service clients on a local, regional, national and international level.  

Craig Dickson, CEO of DAC Beachcroft claims solutions group, says: “The arrival of our new colleagues is a great addition for us and a clear example of the way that our claims business continues to build its capability to meet client and market demands.  We have a market-leading platform in casualty claims, working with major insurers, corporates and public sector bodies. The team brings with it a wealth of experience, a stellar reputation with clients in our key markets and will also benefit from the clear synergies with our industry-leading health and social care practice."  

David Weatherburn, regional senior partner for DAC Beachcroft in Newcastle, adds: "We are delighted to be bringing the two largest and highest-ranked defendant teams in the North East together under one roof, which underlines the rude health of our Newcastle office.  This move represents a perfect fit in terms of our clients and we anticipate creating yet more sustainable jobs in this space as our business in Newcastle continues to grow from strength to strength."

DAC Beachcroft managing partner, David Pollitt, says: "This is a terrific move all round and one that will bring significant benefits to our business in Newcastle and beyond.  We have an enviable reputation for making strategic team acquisitions like this work well for us and, specifically, for our clients and I fully expect this move to be no different."

"The skills and market experience of our new colleagues complement perfectly our existing business both regionally and nationally.  With access to the deep knowledge and national network available at DAC Beachcroft, this will provide our clients with the opportunity to tap into the very best legal talent available in the North East."