LMA launches Emerging Litigation Forum to replace previous environment-focused committee

The Lloyd’s Market Association (LMA) has announced the launch of a new forum – the Emerging Litigation Forum (ELF) – which will replace the association’s previous Environment and Climate Change Litigation Committee (ECLIC).

The LMA said the ELF will maintain its predecessor’s focus on climate and environmental cases, but will also expand the scope of its remit to cover a wider range of insurance-related emerging litigation trends.

It reported that the decision to replace ECLIC was due both to the “slow-moving nature of climate litigation” and to its members’ “growing interest in broader emerging litigation risks”.

The LMA said this move followed the existing practice for new working groups to be established within the forum’s structure if sufficient member interest had developed in those areas.

Held on 28 October 2025, the first ELF meeting covered the topic of surging litigation surrounding Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) – colloquially known as forever-chemicals – in the US, notably in comparison to similar asbestos claims.

Insight and expertise

Developments in PFAS trends outside the US, as well as a history of water pollution litigation in the UK, were also discussed.

John Levett, head of regulatory affairs at the LMA, said: “The establishment of the ELF reflects the growing need for the market to engage with a wider set of litigation risks.

“This group will enable LMA members to share insight and expertise, helping the market remain informed and prepared for developments in an increasingly complex litigation landscape.”