Rebecca Heyes (pictured) has been appointed as president of Tomorrow’s FOIL, the Forum of Insurance Lawyers’ division for lawyers with under five years of post-qualification experience.
Heyes, who is a solicitor and senior costs advisor at DWF, succeeds Megan Lafferty, senior associate at Clyde & Co.
Previously, Heyes was TFOIL’s education officer. She trained as a solicitor at Horwich Farrelly beginning 2017, before joining DWF’s costs team in October 2020.
According to a statement by FOIL, Heyes will work on empowering younger lawyers in the profession as COVID-19 continues to impact working life. Despite the challenges brought by the pandemic, the organisation will provide support for their careers, such as by helping them network and make meaningful connections across the insurance sector.
Heyes will also lead the organisation as it looks to expand its membership in the London Market and Republic of Ireland.
Read more: London FOIL names president for 2021
“I am looking forward to working with the committee to continue to raise the profile of membership, initiatives and networking opportunities available,” said Heyes. “The COVID-19 pandemic has dominated both the insurance industry and the working lives of young lawyers – with many young lawyers living alone, I will work with the TFOIL membership to ensure that each member feels supported and connected with each other during this difficult time.”
“It’s no secret that young lawyers starting their legal careers have been dealt a difficult hand in the current working landscape, and I have full confidence that Rebecca will make strides in promoting the welfare and professional development of our next generation of lawyers,” added Laurence Besemer, FOIL chief executive. “TFOIL is committed to ensuring that networking opportunities between lawyers and insurers remains strong for its membership, resulting in career-long relationships being forged despite the pandemic’s impact.”
