Strategic hires in Fraud, Intelligence and Specialty Litigation give real momentum into 2026
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.”
