National firm Russell Jones and Walker (RJW) has relaunched Claims Direct, pledging to run an ethical service for both law firm panel members and consumers.

The firm bought up the rights to the maligned claims management company last year and, following market research, is now aiming to 'get rid of all the old rubbish' and turn it into a 'major business operation'.


RJW partner Fraser Whitehead said: 'Our purpose now is not only to reaffirm the Claims Direct brand as a main referral source, but to show we are doing something different. We want to bring rehabilitation to the forefront and show there is no compulsory after-the-event insurance or other costs, and no deduction from damages.'


Meanwhile, Manchester claimant firm Amelans has reported 132 members in its marketing consortium, Injury Lawyers 4U (IL4U), after a recruitment drive netted 21 more firms. IL4U now has a marketing budget of £7 million.