BLM strengthens London Market offering with new head of product recall and liability

Insurance risk and commercial law firm BLM has appointed a new partner to its London office, with Jason McNerlin joining as head of product recall and liability. He joins after five years at Clyde & Co.

Jason brings with him 20 years of experience, which includes having previously trained and worked as a solicitor at BLM from 2000 to 2004. Jason is a specialist in product recall and product liability, having drafted numerous recall and contamination insurance policies, and regularly advising domestic and international insurers on policy validity and coverage issues arising from major product incidents. In addition to policy issues, Jason also advises on defence and recovery.

His extensive experience includes food withdrawals and recalls, involving all major food issues such as microbiological contamination, undeclared allergens, mislabelling, tampering and chemical contamination. In addition, Jason also advises on automotive recall losses arising from alleged defects in engines, steering, and other systems and components. Other sectors he has advised on include toys, cosmetic products, industrial equipment, and pharmaceuticals. 

Matthew Harrington, senior partner at BLM, said: “Jason is a welcome addition to our London team, and will provide a great boost to our presence in the market. Since beginning his career with us at the turn of the millennium, Jason has gone on to forge a leading specialism in product recall and liability, making him a great asset for the firm. We are confident he will build on the fantastic foundations laid by Jim Sherwood in previous years.”

Previous head of product recall and liability, Jim Sherwood, has retired from the partnership at BLM to focus on his role as chair of the Global Insurance Law Connect network.

Speaking on his new role, Jason McNerlin said: “I have kept a close eye on BLM as it has diversified its offering at an impressive rate – cementing its position as one of the nation’s leading firms. There’s some top talent here, responsible for some fantastic work, and I’m excited at the opportunity to grow our already impressive portfolio of clients.”

ENDS