Jackson helps BTE legal expenses grow

Legal expenses company First Assist is crediting the Jackson Review with helping increase before-the-event (BTE) insurance business.

Six months after the Jackson Review was published, it’s recommendations have helped increase business for ‘Before-The-Event’ (BTE) insurance cases, according to FirstAssist Legal Protection.

FirstAssist Legal Protection has seen enquiries on its solicitors legal expenses employment protection product (SLEEP) from SMEs more than double in the first half of 2010, and the BTE provider is anticipating a good second half.

In Lord Justice Jackson's review of litigation funding, published earlier this year, he recommended that positive efforts should be made to encourage the take up of BTE insurance by SMEs in respect of business disputes.

He stated that BTE insurance would enable SMEs to comfortably bring or defend a case, and promote access to justice for small businesses.

First Assist’s SLEEP cover is available to law firms who specialise in employment litigation.

“Jackson has publicised the benefits of BTE insurance," said Andy Glynee, head of product and pricing at FirstAssist Legal Protection.

“The economic environment has seen the number of employment disputes grow as individuals seek advice on issues such as redundancy.

"As businesses start to bear the impact of the recent budget we predict a steady growth in our business as law firms’ wake up to the benefits of these products.”