Bridget Tatham, partner at Browne Jacobson, has been elected president of the Forum of Insurance Lawyers (FOIL) for 2026, succeeding Howard Dean of Keoghs. An employer’s liability and public liability specialist with more than 30 years’ experience, she will draw on her background in complex claims–from occupational disease to life-changing injuries–and her current role as chair of FOIL’s diversity, equity and inclusion committee. Her presidency comes as the insurance sector faces geopolitical instability, inflationary pressures and mounting environmental and technological risks.
Tatham will champion FOIL’s DEI agenda, focusing on the practical business benefits of more inclusive workplaces. FOIL’s programmes, including its events and DEI toolkit, will continue promoting the advantages of diverse teams. She said she is ‘honoured to take on the role’, noting that insurers and their legal teams face ‘significant pressures’ from claims inflation, emerging markets and regulatory developments. ‘Building an inclusive and equitable environment remains central to our work,’ she said, adding that inclusive collaboration ‘strengthens innovation’ and broadens representation and leadership opportunities.
A key priority for her presidency will be supporting the next generation of insurance lawyers. FOIL’s sector focus teams already provide dedicated seats for Tomorrow’s FOIL members to ensure junior lawyers have a voice. The organisation will also continue monitoring the impact of the Mazur judgment, which raises issues around access to justice and legal careers. Tatham said FOIL will provide ‘insight, support, and a strong voice’ on matters affecting members while fostering a safe space for open discussion.
FOIL CEO Laurence Besemer said Tatham is an ‘excellent choice’ to lead the organisation into 2026, praising her contribution as chair of the DEI subcommittee. FOIL continues to shape policy through consultation responses and lobbying on issues such as ADR and the privatisation of justice across seven jurisdictions. Tatham’s chosen charities for her presidential year are The Solicitor’s Charity and the African Caribbean Community Initiative, and she will be supported by David Mayor of Forbes, who becomes vice-president.
