The Forum of Insurance Lawyers (FOIL) has rebranded and relaunched its London division as London Market FOIL, introducing a new standalone membership model designed for legal professionals working in the London and Lloyd’s insurance markets.
Originally launched in 2018 as a subdivision of FOIL, the London division was set up to support law firms advising insurers and reinsurers in the London Market. The new structure allows firms to join London Market FOIL independently of the wider FOIL membership.
Laurence Besemer, chief executive of FOIL, said engagement from the London Market had grown steadily since the division’s initial launch, prompting the decision to revise the membership offering. The changes are intended to provide a more focused platform for firms with limited overlap with FOIL’s broader UK-based activities.
Under the new structure, firms can subscribe to London Market FOIL at a reduced rate, gaining access to a programme focused on legal, regulatory and operational issues relevant to the London Market. The division will continue to offer lobbying, education and networking opportunities for member firms, with a particular focus on developments affecting the international re/insurance sector.
Besemer said the division has maintained relationships with insurers, reinsurers and trade bodies while taking an independent position on market-wide issues. London Market FOIL is expected to address matters such as regulatory change, market modernisation, and workforce-related topics including talent and diversity.
Fleur Rochester, president of London Market FOIL, said the relaunch aims to provide a platform that reflects the central role legal professionals play in the London Market. She noted that collaboration between legal advisers, insurers, brokers and other stakeholders is essential to the market’s ongoing operation.
The division will continue to support member firms through its sector focus teams—groups of lawyers from different firms working together on themes relevant to specific areas such as marine, energy, reinsurance and construction. Additional focus areas are under consideration.
