Kennedys continues US growth with the addition of seven attorneys in New York and New Jersey

Kennedys is focusing on further US expansion with the addition of seven new attorneys in two of our East Coast offices. Partner Jay Hamad is joining the firm’s New York and Basking Ridge offices, bringing with him a special counsel and five associates.

Jay represents construction managers, general contractors, sub-contractors and property owners in suits brought against them in a variety of construction defect claims, construction accidents, issues of code violations, and building and design-related deficiencies. He advises clients ranging from multinational corporations to small family owned businesses in state and federal district courts in a wide variety of marine, commercial, casualty and complex litigation.

In addition, Jay defends clients in maritime law claims involving the Jones Act, Longshore and Harbor Workers Act, cargo defense and coverage. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Marine and Insurance Claims Association, as well as a certified Proctor in Admiralty for the Maritime Law Association of the United States. Prior to joining Kennedys, Jay was the co-chair of the maritime litigation practice group at Marshall Dennehey.

Joining Jay is special counsel Ian Antonoff and associates Erica Arias, Dean Aronin, Daniel Chavez, Jennifer Hout, and Brian Ramkissoon.

Meg Catalano, US Managing Partner says: “We are thrilled to welcome Jay and the team to Kennedys. This group brings added depth to our nationwide defense practice, especially in key areas such as construction and shipping.”

Chris Carroll, US Senior Partner says: “The addition of Jay and his team responds to existing client needs and highlights our growing New York presence and trial bench, as well as continuing our effort to enhance our global defense practice.”

Continuing on its strong growth pathway, we recently announced the opening of our tenth US office in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. We also received recognition for performing well in the US 2024 edition of Best Law Firms.