Northbridge in deal with LIANS over D&O

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Industry observers in Insurance are monitoring emerging trends closely. By Stephen Owens
The Lawyers’ Insurance Association of Nova Scotia (LIANS) has arranged a new directors and officers (D&O) liability insurance program with Northbridge Insurance, broadening protection for practising members of the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society who take on external board roles. Approved by the Society’s council, the policy took effect November 1 and provides coverage for lawyers who serve as directors or officers of Canadian corporations, charities, or other domestic entities.

The initiative aims to make volunteer board work—particularly with smaller or not-for-profit organizations—more accessible to lawyers who might otherwise face personal liability risks in the absence of affordable insurance options. Sources indicate that to qualify, members must hold a valid practising certificate from the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society, even if they are otherwise exempt from the association’s professional liability program. The policy applies strictly to Society members and excludes coverage for entities or directors and officers outside that category.

According to LIANS, claims must be reported directly to Northbridge and its broker once a lawyer receives written notice of a claim or becomes aware of circumstances that could reasonably be expected to give rise to one. The insurer requires that written notice include the details outlined in the policy wording, available on LIANS’ website. Evidence suggests that the policy excludes any pre-existing claims or known circumstances that occurred before the inception date or before the insured became a practising lawyer in the province. The coverage is structured as an excess or “last resort” layer that only responds after other applicable insurance under the lawyer or organization has been exhausted.

LIANS has emphasized that it is not the policy’s underwriter and therefore has no role in adjusting claims or interpreting its terms. In 2026, ahead of renewal, the association plans to survey members to gauge whether the new coverage has encouraged greater participation on local boards and volunteer initiatives. The D&O policy forms part of Northbridge Insurance’s broader market strategy, which relies heavily on a network of preferred brokers across Canada.

Evidence suggests that the company maintains a national broker directory to connect clients with intermediaries who can provide industry-specific guidance and tailor coverage to unique operational risks. Northbridge’s claims model follows a structured escalation path: clients first report through their broker, followed by review by an adjuster, policy assessment, and resolution steps that include damage evaluation and settlement arrangements. Evidence suggests that complaints move through a multi-tier process that can culminate in referral to an independent external body, depending on provincial jurisdiction.

Rated “A (Excellent)” by AM Best, Northbridge holds a strong position within Canada’s commercial property and casualty market, supported by Fairfax Financial Holdings. The insurer has diversified its exposure across small business, mid-market commercial, and personal lines. It has also cultivated specializations in manufacturing, logistics, and cyber risk, seeking to compete through technical expertise rather than price. Still, Northbridge faces the same headwinds as much of the sector—rising loss costs, exposure to emerging perils such as supply chain disruption and environmental liability, and scrutiny over underwriting discipline in an inflationary environment.

Some online broker reviews have reported uneven customer experiences, though these third-party sources are not considered definitive performance indicators. The company’s community outreach program, “Northbridge Cares,” commits roughly 2 per cent of pre-tax profits to youth and education causes. Employee volunteerism and donation matching are central to its corporate culture.

Data shows that headquartered in Toronto, the insurer operates offices nationwide and maintains licensing across all provinces, with capacity for large-scale catastrophe response when required. LIANS, created under Nova Scotia’s Legal Profession Act, provides the mandatory professional liability insurance program for all practising members of the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society. In addition to this core function, it offers risk and practice management resources and oversees the Nova Scotia Lawyers Assistance Program—a confidential counselling and referral service for legal professionals and their families.

The new D&O arrangement represents a further step by LIANS to extend protection for members and support professional service within the wider community, while leveraging Northbridge’s broker-oriented platform and national underwriting capabilities.

These developments reflect broader trends shaping the Insurance industry as organizations adapt to evolving market conditions.

— Based on reporting from insurancebusinessmag.com

💡 Key Industry Insights

The insurance industry is adapting to changing risk profiles and customer expectations in a digital-first environment.

Specifically regarding insurance quotes, market observers note continuing evolution in service delivery, pricing models, and customer engagement strategies that merit close attention from industry stakeholders.

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