Zurich claims director Bill Paton today spoke about the results of a three-month review of the claims legal panel.
Paton said Zurich were to cut the number of solicitors from 28 to 14 in England, from five to two in Scotland, with the number in Northern Ireland remaining at three, all changes effective from 1 January 2004.
The purpose of the review was to consolidate the panels serving separate business areas, such as Zurich London, Zurich Commercial, Zurich Municipal and the company's Retail Financial Services business, into one panel for the entire business.
Paton said the result of the consolidation would be a much better relationship with their solicitors. "Managing 28 different solicitors is simply too difficult," he said. The reduction in numbers would let them communicate Zurich's business needs more effectively and help create a "club-type feel", said Paton.
He was unable to confirm the names of those firms shortlisted for the board, or those who had been unsuccessful, as some negotiations were ongoing, but details are expected shortly.
Paton said the review was mainly prompted by difficulty of liasing with such a large number of firms. He continued: "Cost was not the main reason for this decision."
Paton went on to say he hoped to maintain good relationships with those companies leaving the legal board: "We don't ever want to close the door to firms." He added that the needs of Zurich could well change in the future, leading to possible further reviews.
Work will continue with the unsuccessful firms while any unresolved claims are dealt with, which in some cases could take months or years to complete.
