Weightmans LLP

Law firm Weightmans has made five new appointments to its insurance practice, bringing specialist expertise across fraud, intelligence, professional indemnity and media. It comes as the team reports 10% revenue growth year-on-year, following strong growth in 2025. Ian McConkey joins as a partner in the firm's Specialty Department in Manchester. Previously a partner and Manchester Location Head at DAC Beachcroft, Ian specialises in disputes, litigation, and professional indemnity claims. He is a recognised expert in media cases and has acted for a major media organisation for over 25 years, including in many high-profile and sensitive matters. Ian has recently been appointed President of Manchester Law Society. James Stevens also joins as a partner in the firm's fraud team. Previously a partner at Kennedys Law, James brings 21 years' experience specialising exclusively in insurance fraud. He has particular expertise in defending high-value organised fraud operations and strategic insurance fraud initiatives across motor, casualty and property claims. James is recognised as a Key Practitioner for Crime and Fraud in the Legal 500 2025. Strategic intelligence investment Weightmans made significant investment in its Intelligence team during early 2026. Ann Dallaway joins from DAC Beachcroft as Fraud and Intelligence Technical Lead, bringing over 22 years' experience as an intelligence specialist. She is joined by two Intelligence Researchers, including Harriet Roman, who also joins from DAC Beachcroft. The appointments build on the 2025 hire of specialist consultant Kate Abrahams, who focuses on intelligence management and ECCTA compliance. Together, they strengthen Weightmans' integrated approach to fraud and intelligence services for insurer clients. Ann will lead the continued development of the firm's fraud and Know Your Opponent (KYO) technology and processes, enhancing the intelligence capability that underpins legal services across the practice. Building on 2025 momentum The appointments follow significant growth during 2025, when the insurance practice made six senior appointments. The team welcomed five partners across Large Loss, Casualty, Clinical Negligence and Motor specialisms, with five internal promotions to senior associate level further strengthening capabilities. Kieran Jones, Head of Insurance at Weightmans, said: "These appointments represent a clear statement of intent about where we're investing. Fraud and intelligence are strategic priorities for us, and we're building capabilities that go well beyond traditional legal services. "Ian's appointment adds significant weight to our Specialty team. With his professional indemnity and media expertise, combined with his role as President of Manchester Law Society, he brings real profile and experience. James strengthens our fraud litigation capability at a time when regulatory changes like ECCTA are creating new challenges for insurers. "The intelligence team expansion is particularly important. Ann's technical expertise and the calibre of people joining demonstrates the ambition we have in this space. We're building an intelligence function that supports not just fraud work but provides valuable insight across all areas of our insurance practice. "These hires give us real momentum as we continue into 2026 with continued focus on expanding international desks and supporting clients through regulatory challenges including Martyn's Law.” ENDS Editor’s Notes Weightmans is a leading law firm with a truly global reach. From FTSE-100 companies to family-owned businesses, from public sector organisations to individuals - we believe in the power of people, innovation and partnership to provide strategic business insight and deep expertise to our clients across the UK and beyond. Weightmans, with 1,700 staff across England, Scotland, and Wales, was named a Top Employer for the 18th time in January 2026, earning a top five spot from the Top Employers Institute. In September 2025, it received EcoVadis’ Gold rating, placing it among the top 5% of law and accounting firms worldwide for ESG and sustainability. In October 2025, it also achieved its highest-ever ranking on the 2025 Social Mobility Employer Index, reaching 15th place in the list. Our purpose is to See the Possibility – in our business, our people and our clients. At Weightmans, we believe thinking differently allows us to see the possibilities others don't. For further information please contact Richard Lackey, PR Manager on 0151 243 3328 or email [email protected]

Firm secures eighth position in prestigious national ranking, reaffirming commitment to people and workplace excellence Law firm Weightmans has once again been recognised for its outstanding workplace culture, securing a place among the UK’s Top 10 Employers for the 19th consecutive year. The accolade, awarded by the Top Employers Institute, sees Weightmans achieve eighth position in the 2026 rankings. Active in 131 countries/regions, Top Employers Institute is the global authority in HR certification, benchmarking and advisory. Its programme celebrates organisations worldwide that demonstrate exceptional people-centric policies and practice, creating positive work environments that enable employees to thrive professionally and personally. Top Employers Institute CEO, Adrian Seligman commented: “Achieving a UK Top Employer Certification for 2026 reflects Weightmans’ dedication to building an outstanding workplace that enables sustained business performance. Its strong alignment between people strategy and organisational goals, combined with a commitment to continuous improvement, demonstrates the impact of its transformative practices. We are proud to recognise Weightmans for its meaningful contribution to a better world of work in the UK.” Sarah Walton, Managing Partner at Weightmans, commented: “This award holds particular significance for Weightmans, as it reflects our commitment to nurturing and developing our remarkable people, who truly are the beating heart of the firm. The ongoing enhancements to our workplace culture continue to create an environment where colleagues can thrive and deliver outstanding outcomes for our clients both in the UK and internationally.” Helen Taylor, HR Director, added: “It’s a fantastic achievement and a strong endorsement of our people policies, reinforcing Weightmans as a great place to work. We are really proud.” This recognition follows a series of significant achievements for Weightmans, including being awarded an EcoVadis Gold rating, which places the firm among the top 5% of law and accounting firms globally for ESG and sustainability performance. Additionally, the firm reached its highest-ever position on the 2025 Social Mobility Employer Index, securing 15th place. Ends. Editor’s Notes Weightmans is a leading law firm with a truly global reach. From FTSE-100 companies to family-owned businesses, from public sector organisations to individuals - we believe in the power of people, innovation and partnership to provide strategic business insight and deep expertise to our clients across the UK and beyond. Weightmans, with 1,700 staff across England, Scotland, and Wales, was named a UK Top Employer for the 19th time in January 2026, earning a top ten spot from the Top Employers Institute. In September 2025, it received EcoVadis’ Gold rating, placing it among the top 5% of law and accounting firms worldwide for ESG and sustainability. In October 2025, it also achieved its highest-ever ranking on the 2025 Social Mobility Employer Index, reaching 15th place in the list. Our purpose is to See the Possibility – in our business, our people and our clients. At Weightmans, we believe thinking differently allows us to see the possibilities others don't. For further information please contact Richard Lackey, PR Manager on 0151 243 3328 or email [email protected] About Top Employers Institute Top Employers Institute is the global authority on recognising excellence in people practices. It helps accelerate these practices to enrich the world of work. Through the Top Employers Programme, participating companies can be certified and recognised as an employer of choice. The certification is awarded to organisations based on the participation and results of the HR Best Practices Survey covering six HR domains consisting of 20 topics such as People Strategy, Work Environment, Talent Acquisition, Learning, Diversity & Inclusion, and Wellbeing. In 2025, Top Employers Institute certified nearly 2,500 organisations in 131 countries/regions. These certified Top Employers positively impact the lives of over 14 million employees globally.