Kennedys adds counter fraud partner to specialist team

We have added a leading organised fraud specialist to strengthen our team to help safeguard clients from the rising cost of fraudulent claims.

James Stevens is a former director and head of organised fraud at DWF Law, where over the last 11 years he has become well-known for his work relating to organised insurance fraud.

It includes designing innovative, data-driven solutions for clients which will complement our existing products such as ‘Fraud Detector’ created by our sister company, Kennedys IQ.

James, who previously worked in the organised fraud departments of Keoghs and Weightmans, will join Kennedys’ core team of 25 experienced fraud lawyers who work across all lines, enabling clients to identify, monitor and manage emerging fraud risks and problem behaviours created by professional enablers that increase the cost of claims.

The team is led by Martin Stockdale, head of Kennedys’ counter fraud unit and a member of the Kennedys IQ strategy board, who is named on Data IQ 100 – a power list of the most influential people working in data and analytics.  

Martin said: “Our handpicked global group of specialists are among the very best in the business, combining cross-sector expertise and market-leading innovation to deliver what I believe is a truly exceptional service for our clients.

“I’m delighted that we can now include James in that group, whose work in the area of organised fraud is so highly-respected and so closely aligned with our own.”

Established 11 years ago by Martin, the team has grown in size and profile, valued for delivering a cross lines offering from a centralised team and for its work in developing the law around fundamental dishonesty.

James said: “Fraud is such a fast-moving area and innovation is crucial to deliver effective solutions for clients. Law firms cannot afford to stand still. As fraudsters continue to forum shop across different insurance products, Kennedys centralised approach puts the team at the leading edge of delivering services that meet the clients’ needs.

“Kennedys is constantly pushing the boundaries in order to create a hostile environment for insurance fraudsters, which is a vision I share, and I can’t wait to get started.”

James will be based at our Manchester office, which moved to larger premises on John Dalton Street in the city last year to house our growing team.

His appointment is the latest in a series of high-profile hires for our firm including Antonio Acuña, a former government advisor awarded the MBE for services to transparency and open data, who recently joined as head of data strategy.

We also recently announced that we have promoted 22 new partners, the largest ever number of lawyers to partner, across our global network. The new appointments take our total worldwide partner count to 294.