A look back on 2023

December is a perfect time to assess everything achieved in the year and, for Auston Legal, 2023 has been an incredibly productive year. It has also been the company’s 10th year! 

 

The legal insurance market has gone through a period of rapid and very significant change within the last 10 years, with the number of specialist insurance teams reducing in size due to mergers or going into administration. We were shocked, although not altogether surprised, to see the downfall of Plexus and Ince this year. Similarly, we were somewhat surprised to see Clyde & Co merge with BLM in July 2022, as the two firms were notably different in several ways. 

 

2023 has been an interesting year recruitment-wise. Recruitment across all lines of insurance remained consistently strong in both London and the regions in the first three quarters of the year, slowing across commercial lines in the late summer. Many partners have echoed the view that this was likely a result of over-recruiting in anticipation of a wave of claims that has not yet hit. There is now a feeling that insurers are nearing the eye of a storm, as several firms are planning to launch new recruitment initiatives early in the New Year. 

 

Overall, 2023 has followed similar trends to recent years with a consistent level of recruitment; we have assisted with placements across the UK at all levels of seniority from NQ to Equity Partner, and a few team moves, in both London and the regions. We were also successful in helping a number of relocating lawyers relocate from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, securing positions at a range of leading insurance firms. 

 

The start of 2024 is already looking busy, with several new projects in the pipeline in both insurer and policyholder practices, and we are looking forward to sharing them with you in January. 

 

If you are thinking about exploring new career opportunities in 2024, our knowledge base means that we can help you to choose the right role/team/firm. We understand what all insurance lawyers do, and can match your expertise and future plans with those firms best suited to you. 

 

The support of our clients and the lawyers whom we have worked with means a great deal to us. We couldn’t do what we do without it, so thank you! We are looking forward to working with you all throughout 2024. 

 

We wish you all a wonderful festive season and a very happy New Year!