Kennedys boosts global bench with 21 new partners

International law firm Kennedys has expanded its senior ranks, promoting 21 lawyers to partner in its 2025 annual promotion round.

The move increases the firm’s partnership total to 363, up from 349 last year.

This latest cohort reflects a 23% rise from 2024’s partner appointments, making it the largest such group since 2022.

Promotions in three regions

The promotions span offices in key regions including the UK, US, Ireland, and Australia, with the UK and US contributing the majority of the new partners – nine and 10, respectively. Of the new appointees, 13 are men and eight are women.

Sixteen of the 21 promotions were made within Kennedys’ insurance division, encompassing areas such as professional indemnity, marine, and financial and political risks. The firm noted that three of the newly promoted partners in London work within the financial and political risk practice, aligning with increasing demand from clients in those sectors.

The firm’s corporate and commercial group also saw growth, with five appointments across both the UK and the US. These included promotions in international arbitration, commercial litigation, and product liability and life sciences.

Kennedys senior partner John Bruce said the promotion round recognised the individuals’ contributions to the firm’s long-term objectives.

“It gives me immense pleasure to welcome this global cohort into our partnership. Each of our newly promoted partners has demonstrated exceptional legal expertise, a deep commitment to our clients, and a passion for driving our firm forward. I look forward to working together to shape a firm that is not only fit for the future but [also] one that remains steadfast in our dedication to delivering strategic value to our clients, wherever they are,” he said.

Global managing partner Meg Catalano described the promotions as part of the firm’s ongoing investment in legal talent.

“A huge congratulations to our new partners. It has been a privilege witnessing their growth and progression over the years. At Kennedys, our people are our greatest competitive advantage, and [the] promotions underscore the breadth and depth of our talent. As they begin their new roles, they will each play an instrumental part in further strengthening our global reach, enhancing the value we deliver to clients, and shaping the path forward as we continue to navigate the evolving demands of business,” she said.

Global breakdown of promotions

• Australia (Perth): Alen Sinanovic
• Ireland (Dublin): Mark Dunne
• US: Cara Vecchione, Jack Gainey, Matthew Gluck (Basking Ridge); Gilda Romano Flam, Jorge Maza (Miami); Eridania Perez, Martin West, Michael Goldwasser (New York); Katie Barksdale (Wilmington); Gavin Fung (Philadelphia)
• UK: Alison Chadwick, Emilie Civatte, Oleg Shaulko, Rekha Cooke, Rhys Tebbett, Rob Calnan, Shaan Burton, Thomas Miles (London); John Pain (Taunton)

Key practice promotions

• Insurance – several partners, including those in Basking Ridge and London, specialise in general liability, political risk, and directors’ and officers’ coverage
• Litigation and arbitration – partners such as Martin West (New York) and Oleg Shaulko (London) focus on commercial disputes and cross-border arbitration
• Cybersecurity – John Pain (Taunton) advises insurers and corporate clients on data breaches and cyber risk preparedness
• Construction and marine – Rob Calnan (London) focuses on high-value construction liability claims, while Shaan Burton specialises in marine insurance

The partner appointments follow the firm’s earlier promotion round in September 2024, when 97 employees were advanced to senior associate and legal director levels.