International law firm DAC Beachcroft has appointed highly experienced professional risks specialist Julian Smart as a partner in its national Professional & Commercial Risk practice.

Julian joins from Clyde & Co where he had been a partner since July 2022. Prior to this, Julian was a partner for 19 years at BLM, where he led its Professional & Financial Lines team, served two terms on BLM’s Executive Board and two terms on its Partnership Board. He was also a board director of BLM's international network (Global Insurance Law Connect Limited).

Widely respected across the professional indemnity (PI) insurance market, Julian's practice focuses on large, complex liability claims against professionals, in particular solicitors, accountants and surveyors, as well as insurance broker E&O claims. He has a particular interest in claims against professionals where fraud and dishonesty are alleged and has built a niche in commercial crime recovery claims, with several significant recovery actions currently underway for insurer clients.

We are delighted to welcome Julian to DACB, commented Suzanne Wharton, partner and head of DACB's national Professional Risk practice.  His considerable leadership and management expertise, long-held relationships with key clients and commercial acumen will be invaluable to the business, as we continue to consolidate our position as a leading player in both the regions and the London professional indemnity market.

Julian added, It is a real privilege to be joining DACB, which has a fantastic reputation and a solid culture. Its current growth trajectory and international ambitions also make it a very exciting time for the firm, and I am really looking forward to getting my sleeves rolled up, working with clients and helping DACB to achieve its goals.

Julian's appointment follows the arrival of Sam Kneebone, who joined DACB as a partner in its Lawyers' Liability practice in January 2025.  DACB's team of over 170 PI specialists operates across seven offices in the UK, working with Risk and General Counsel of professional services firms and their insurers, to resolve claims made against both established and emerging professions.

This news story was originally published on the firm’s website.