The firm, which trades on the New York stock exchange, has been granted a licence by the Solicitors Regulation Authority to practise as an alternative business structure, making it one of the first US firms to take advantage of more liberal regulations on non-lawyer ownership.

Integrated offering

Crawford has not confirmed how big its UK operation will be, but intends to offer solutions that integrate legal services with insurance claims and consultancy in conjunction with its UK subsidiary, Milton Keynes-based Broadspire UK.

Clive Nicholls, Crawford CEO for the UK and Ireland, said the firm’s core legal services will cover ‘everything from litigation and technical support in handling niche, complex or high value claims, to all aspects of volume motor and transport claims, liability, and property claims.’

‘Steady demand’
 
Jason Spencer, managing director of the firm’s legal subsidiary Crawford Legal Services, said that there has been a steady demand from clients for an expanded service: ‘Brokers, insurers and corporate clients from across Crawford & Company UK have frequently called for a more expansive claims solution that encompasses legal support at the appropriate stage.’

Sources: Australasian Lawyer; Law Society Gazette