The Institute, in collaboration with the English Law Commission, recently (3 July 2008) hosted a Symposium at Lloyd’s of London on the Law Commissions’ Reform Proposals on Marine and Commercial Insurance. This highly successful event, attracting more than a hundred delegates from the legal profession, insurance market and academia, provided a forum to debate the proposals put forward by English and Scottish Law Commissions with the object of reforming marine and commercial insurance law.
Several distinguished speakers gave papers at the Symposium which was regarded as one of the most thought provoking events held on the subject. Dr Baris Soyer, the principal convenor of the event, indicated that the event had provided a useful platform for the market and academics to express their observations and concerns pertaining to the reform proposals put forward. Dr Soyer also paid tribute to the English Law Commission, speakers and members of the Institute for their support.
From left to right: Mark Templeman, QC (Essex Court Chambers), Mr Alan Weir (Partner, Ince & Co), Mr Martin Bakes (Partner, Herbert Smith LLP), Professor Rob Merkin (Southampton University), Mr Derrick Cole (Past BILA Chairman, Broker).
The following speakers presented papers:
The Hon Mr Justice Aikens (High Court of Justice); Mr Martin Bakes (Partner, Herbert Smith LLP); Professor Howard Bennett (Nottingham University); Mr Derrick Cole (Past BILA Chairman, Broker); Mr Peter MacDonald Eggers (7 King’s Bench Walk and Visiting Fellow, Swansea University); Mr David Hertzell (Law Commissioner, English Law Commission); Professor Rob Merkin (Southampton University); Dr Baris Soyer (Institute of International Shipping and Trade Law, Swansea University); Mr Mark Templeman, QC (Essex Court Chambers) and Mr Alan Weir (Partner, Ince & Co).
Some of the delegates at the Symposium
The papers submitted at the event were published by Informa Publishing in a book entitled "Reforming Marine and Commercial Insurance Law" (edited by Dr. Baris Soyer). It is anticipated that the book will contribute to the ongoing reform process.
First published in 2008.