DAC loses the Norwich Union to Barlow Lyde

DAVIES Arnold Cooper is suffering from a double blow after losing yet another client to Barlow Lyde & Gilbert.

Norwich Union has already transferred over 150 cases, worth a minimum of £100,000 each, to Barlow Lyde which has steadily been taking on lawyers from DAC's common law department since April.

It is believed that the work has followed former head of common law at DAC Malcolm Hencke and a team of seven lawyers to Barlow Lyde.

Commenting on the transfer of work, one source says: "In this field a lot still depends on personal contacts and getting on with people."

It is understood that DAC is still advising Zurich Commercial and on some independent insurance work.

Norwich Union's move to Barlow Lyde coincides with another departure from DAC's common law department.

Kim Alexander, a legal executive in the division who is currently on maternity leave, will not return to DAC, choosing instead to join her colleagues at Barlow Lyde.

It is understood that common law associate Julian Allen is also leaving to join Guernsey firm Carey Langlois as a commercial litigator.

A spokeswoman at Norwich Union says: "We do not comment on our panel.

"I can confirm that we are undertaking a review. But subject to the merger with CGU we do not know what the result of that will be."

DAC refused to comment on the loss of work and lawyers.