International law firm DAC Beachcroft has announced the appointment of a four-strong team of public sector liability specialists, including partner John Palmer, from DWF in London. A highly regarded practitioner, John will join DACB in September, while David Weir, a legal director who is joining DACB as a partner, started at the firm this month, along with associate Hazel James and solicitor Sehresh Jan.

John has specialised in employers’ and public liability claims, including social services claims, on behalf of local authorities for over 25 years. David’s expertise includes advising on complex historical abuse claims as well as handling clinical negligence claims, particularly claims relating to pharmacists’ negligence and drug errors.

“Acquiring a team of this calibre marks a significant boost to DACB’s already highly-regarded public sector liability practice and further consolidates our position as leading legal advisors on liability to this sector,” comments Craig Dickson, CEO of DAC Beachcroft’s Claims Solutions Group. “We’re delighted to welcome the team on board.

“The further investment in our Claims Solutions business demonstrates our on-going commitment to delivering the bespoke solutions that our insurer, commercial and public sector clients are increasingly requesting.”

Top ranked in the major legal directories, DACB has the largest defendant public sector liability practice in the UK, and advises local authorities, housing associations, educational institutions, charities and other third sector organisations, as well as blue light services.

This latest team hire in London follows the firm’s expansion in Scotland in April 2020, with the launch of a litigation unit to handle England & Wales motor litigation claims led by newly appointed partner Keith Mathews. In November 2019, five complex and catastrophic injury partners joined DACB’s Glasgow office from BLM. Also in 2019, the firm opened an office in Belfast, after joining forces with Northern Irish firm, McKinty & Wright.