Shapiro aids victims

David Shapiro, a consultant and head of the ADR unit at City firm SJ Berwin, is to help relatives of British victims of the 11 September terror attacks in the US.

Families may receive up to $4 million from the US September 11th Victims Compensation Fund, but will have to waive the right to sue the US government, airlines or insurers.

Mr Shapiro, an experienced mediator with knowledge of the claims process on both sides of the Atlantic, was asked to take the role by Kenneth Feinberg, director of the fund.

The move came during Mr Feinberg's visit to London last weekend for a meeting with UK families and survivors of the attacks, in which 67 UK citizens died.

Those who need assistance in filling out the claim forms are being invited to contact SJ Berwin, which is providing its services pro bono.

Mr Shapiro, a US lawyer and solicitor-advocate who has been at SJ Berwin for seven years, said he and Mr Feinberg have a long history, dating from when they were appointed jointly in 1985 to settle the Agent Orange litigation in the US.

Mr Shapiro - who said the claim form is 'very difficult' - will be advising, together with fellow consultant Michael Wallace, on how to fill it out, what evidence to provide, how to get it notarised, and other tasks.

SJ Berwin senior partner David Harrel said: 'We welcome this opportunity to help at a practical level.'

Neil Rose