Law firm expands team with launch of new division

A Birmingham legal firm has expanded its team after launching a division specialising in supporting coronavirus-related claims.

RLK Solicitors, which has offices in Edgbaston and Kings Norton, has established a specialist Business Interruption Insurance (BII) team after its said more than 6,000 customers across the country contacted the business for support during the coronavirus outbreak.

A six-figure finance package from Lloyds Bank has enabled the firm to offer support to these clients on a contingency basis, to ensure no further costs are imposed on businesses affected by the pandemic.

After the Supreme Court ruled in January 2021 that insurers were obligated to pay out on claims related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the firm said it is expecting a further uplift in cases in the coming months.

The business has taken on five new staff to meet this growing demand and has a further five vacancies it is looking to fill as it grows its 22-strong team.

The funding will also support the refurbishment of the business’ office in Kings Norton, including the installation of a new IT system.

Satish Jakhu, director at RLK Solicitors, said: “A number of businesses, including ourselves, have been affected by the events of the past year, but we have been committed to doing what we can to help them. Our specialist Business Interruption Insurance will help even more businesses up and down the country claim the compensation they are entitled to.

“The support we’ve received from Lloyds Bank has been vital during this time. While we could not have face-to-face meetings, somebody was always available to us to speak to and to offer us the guidance and advice we needed. We are looking forward to carrying on our relationship with them as we continue to grow.”

Andrew Woolman, relationship director at Lloyds Bank, said: “RLK Solicitors is an excellent example of a business that’s evolved during the pandemic, demonstrating resilience and an innovative mindset, to adapt to the changing landscape while supporting the wider business community through their efforts.

“We will remain by the side RLK Solicitors as it continues to grow in the months and years ahead, whilst looking for more ways we can support businesses across the West Midlands as part of our ongoing commitment to helping Britain prosper.”