DAC Beachcroft announces new partner Will Sefton

International law firm DAC Beachcroft has announced the addition of Will Sefton, a well-respected leader in lawyers' liability and professional indemnity, as a partner based in Bristol. Sefton transitions to DACB after serving as a partner at RPC, bringing along legal director Anna Murley and associate Richard Seymour. With over 20 years of experience in solicitors' negligence, regulatory issues, and complex professional indemnity matters, he has established a prominent reputation as an innovator in dispute resolution, having introduced blind bidding negotiation through mediators. This cost-effective Alternative Dispute Resolution method is now utilised by prominent organisations such as IPOS and Independent Mediators.

Sefton has also played a vital role in developing the PNBA Adjudication Scheme, working to protect professional indemnity practices following the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012, known as LASPO. Previously, he was a founding partner of RPC's Bristol office and led the Lawyers Liability and Regulatory Group there, contributing significantly to its growth. Sefton’s earlier career included roles at notable firms including Clifford Chance and CMS.

Suzanne Wharton, head of DACB's Professional & Commercial Risk team, stated, "Our strategic goal is to be the global insurance industry's adviser of choice, and Will's arrival, together with his colleagues, substantially reinforces our professional indemnity offering regionally and, in particular, our Lawyers’ Liability service line nationally." She praised him not only for his technical expertise but also for his commitment to nurturing talent within the firm, underscoring his dedication to supporting the success of future leaders across various levels.

In response to his new role, Sefton shared, "DACB offers a strong platform with a genuinely global insurance presence that aligns with the direction of my practice. I've known a number of people at DACB for many years and have always admired the firm's leadership, its thoughtful expansion across regional and international offices and, importantly, its people-focused culture. I'm looking forward to seizing the opportunities that platform will provide to grow my practice, and I'm very much looking forward to working with the team and contributing to the continued success of the firm."

Sefton's hiring follows the recent appointments of partner Tim Barr from Womble Bond Dickinson and Ben Parks's team from Clyde & Co, strengthening DACB's presence in the Lawyers' Liability domain. With offices throughout the UK, DACB's Lawyers' Liability team represents legal professionals across large City firms, regional practices, and specialist partnerships, reflecting its prominent position in the legal landscape.