DLA partner and former Apil president boost numbers at Ely Place Chambers

Evans, a defendant insurance expert with a niche practice dealing with chest disease claims, formerly practised as a barrister in the 1970s, before joining Irwin Mitchell and then DLA.

He decided to return to the Bar to pursue advocacy work and also to develop his ideas, which were implemented by DLA to improve the efficiency of its insurance department. Evans' ultimate aim is to reduce the time it takes to finish cases and thus reduce clients' costs. He says firms acting for major insurers are under more pressure to "do greater quantities of work for fewer clients" because of the reduction in panel sizes.

In chambers, Evans is free to hawk these ideas to insurance companies and other firms of solicitors.

Former Apil president Harmer was first called to the Bar in the 1970s, but has not practised until now. She has spent much of her career as a lecturer and is also a member of the Law Society's civil litigation committee.

Junior barrister Simon Butler is also joining Ely Place from Claudius Algar's 10 King's Bench Walk. His civil practice encompasses local government, property and personal injury.