Kennedys acquires dynamic team in Florida and New York as firm marks five year anniversary of North American expansion

We are pleased to continue US expansion with the strategic addition of three new partners, further enhancing our US and Bermuda insurance claims and coverage bench.

Kristen Perkins joins our Miami office, bringing her diverse practice focused on complex insurance disputes for major global and US based carriers. Admitted in both Florida and New York, Kristen’s experience involves a broad range of coverages including primary and excess liability, D&O, employment and property. Kristen and her team also defend carriers against claims of bad faith and other extra-contractual relief. Kristen was previously a partner with Lewis Brisbois.

Jeff Trimarchi joins our New York and New Jersey offices, returning to private practice after being an insurance industry insider for twelve years. Jeff previously served as Chubb Bermuda’s Head of Claims, as well as a Claim Officer for Chubb’s North American Claims Division, managing large complex exposures across multiple lines of business. Before moving in-house, Jeff engaged in a coverage-focused litigation and arbitration practice with an AmLaw100 firm. Most recently, Jeff served as Senior Counsel to IAT Insurance Group, advising executive management on a broad range of legal issues impacting the insurance business.

Finally, Scott Newman also joins our Miami office, having moved from Marlow, Connell, Abrams, Lowe & Adler, where he engaged in a decades-long practice focusing on insurance coverage and the representation of primary, umbrella and excess carriers in complex high-exposure matters.

Meg Catalano, Kennedys US Managing Partner, says: “It’s not just our continued growth – reflected in the fact we have increased headcount in the US by more than half since 2017 - that is exciting, but the quality of our hires too. Kristen, Jeff and Scott bring hugely impressive collective experience and knowledge of the market which will further enhance Kennedys’ reputation as the global leader of choice in the representation of insurance carriers world-wide. We welcome them warmly.”

Christopher Carroll, Kennedys US Senior Partner, adds: “Our expansion continues to be predicated on client need, and Kristen, Jeff and Scott have the breadth and depth of skills and knowledge we need to meet increasing demand. I’m proud that the reason why we continue to attract top talent and grow at such a dramatic pace is a reflection of our consistent commitment and ability to not just meet, but exceed, our clients’ expectations.”

Nick Thomas, Kennedys Senior Partner, says: “The merger brought together two very like-minded businesses and was the start of a truly global insurance law firm. It has delivered what we hoped for and more, thanks to Meg, Chris and the hard work of all our colleagues, not only in the US but globally. The growth by all measurements – client gains and satisfaction, recruitment and financials – more than rewards the decision to combine our two law firms and proves that great collaboration brings success.”

At the time of the ground-breaking merger with leading US insurance firm Carroll McNulty & Kull (CMK) five years ago, there were 90 attorneys, including 43 partners in the US and 1700 people globally. Over the past five years, Kennedys in the US has grown to include 74 partners and a total of 160 lawyers, with over 2400 people across the globe.

Commenting on the news, Kristen Perkins says: “My team and I are thrilled to join Kennedys, particularly at a time when the firm is in such growth mode. I wholeheartedly share Kennedys’ commitment to client service and look forward to working with Kennedys lawyers and staff to achieve excellent results for our clients.”

Jeff Trimarchi commented: “When deciding to return to private practice, the only logical choice for me was Kennedys. I am excited to be a part of the firm’s strategic growth starting with the US merger five years ago and I look forward to working with our clients in the US, Bermuda and across the globe.”