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Kennedys has reconfirmed its status as a top tier firm in The Legal 500 EMEA 2022, the latest guide to leading law firms and lawyers across the region.
Following the Chambers Europe 2022 results earlier this month and supporting one of the firm's core strengths of insurance, we have been ranked in as a Tier 1 firm for insurance in Denmark, Israel and Spain, with another Tier 1 ranking for aviation in Belgium in the 2022 EMEA rankings from The Legal 500.
The firm has received a total of 17 practice area rankings across seven countries/regions - Belgium, Denmark, France, Ireland, Israel, Spain and the United Arab Emirates, with practice areas spanning across insurance, dispute resolution, transport, healthcare & life sciences, and construction.
Kennedys is a global titan in insurance.
In a notable development for individual accolades this year, Dublin Partner Hugh Kennedy has been listed in the elite Hall of Fame, which recognises lawyers at the pinnacle of the profession.
A total of 32 Kennedys lawyers have been ranked/recommended within the guide, with eight Kennedys partners named as Leading Individuals - Morten Christensen (Copenhagen), Dimitri de Bournonville (Brussels), Olivia Delagrange, Alfonso De Ramos and Isidoro Ugena in Madrid, along with Alexis Valençon (Paris), and Chaim Zelichov and Zvika Zelichov in Israel.
In addition, Paris Partner Nicolas Bouckaert has received the accolade of Next Generation Partner, with Shanna Dunne (Dublin), Alicia Fole (Madrid) and Rishi Sengupta (Dubai) named as Rising Stars.
These rankings reflect the comprehensive analysis undertaken by The Legal 500's legal directory research team. Along with robust assessments of law firm submissions, they also conduct interviews with thousands of clients who play a key role in informing the results.
See below for a full breakdown of the rankings.
Insurance
What the team is known for
Kennedys has a strong track record in handling major cases in Denmark, assisting with the full spectrum of (re)insurance. Practice head Morten Christensen is a litigation specialist, concentrating on D&O issues and IPO claims, as well as professional indemnity insurance. The group also has a growing workers’ compensation practice, led by associate Thomas Arleth and senior associate Heidi Bloch.
What the clients say
“Highly qualified experts in the insurance industry with individually tailored solutions for each specific request."
“When dealing with cross-border issues, Kennedys involves its lawyers from different jurisdictions. This allows them to consider the issue deeply and to ensure all the aspects are reviewed.”
Ranked/recommended lawyers
Morten Christensen | Recommended Lawyer
Thomas Arleth | Recommended Lawyer
Heidi Bloch | Recommended Lawyer
What the team is known for
Their combination of local expertise together with an ability to lean on an extensive global network ensures that they are a popular choice for multinational insurance clients. The firm also advises major Israeli clients and represents two of the three largest healthcare service provides in Israel.
What the clients say
“Market-leading individuals providing market understanding and creative problem solving. Great service and communication.”
“Great service and full control of each file and claim. Timely responses and professional know-how.”
Ranked/recommended lawyers
Chaim Zelichov | Leading Individual
“Chaim Zelichov is particularly noted for his experience in medical malpractice claims.”
Zvika Zelichov | Leading Individual
“Zvika Zelichov is very professional, knowledgeable, and helpful in all aspects of handling claims.”
What the team is known for
As benchmark team in the insurance market, Kennedys stands out for its dedicated and specialised team which excels in particular in insurance litigation. As part of an international firm with a well-established reputation in the sector, the firm is a popular choice among multinational companies, and is equipped to handle a range of domestic and cross-border cases.
What the clients say
“The entire team is very cooperative and open in discussions. They provide well-structured legal opinions and are always available to the client.”
Ranked/recommended lawyers
Olivia Delagrange | Leading Individual
“Olivia Delagrange is thoughtful, patient, a team worker, practical and completely expert in her field.”
Alfonso De Ramos | Leading Individual
“Alfonso has over 15 years of experience handling international claims, with an emphasis on professional indemnity, medical malpractice, environmental, energy, property and casualty insurance.”
Isidoro Ugena | Leading Individual
“Isidoro Ugena specialises in directors’ and officers’ (D&O), commercial crime and professional indemnity claims, among other areas.”
Alicia Fole | Rising Star
Marta Parrondo | Recommended Lawyer
Javier Montero | Recommended Lawyer
What the team is known for
The insurance team at the Paris office takes a multidisciplinary approach to advising major insurance and reinsurance companies, brokers and policyholders on a broad span of matters.
What the clients say
“Their level of knowledge and expertise is invaluable to how we manage our portfolio of claims. The team members are very easy to work with, provide excellent guidance and adapt a pragmatic approach to all matters.”
“What separates Kennedys from other providers is that they are able to communicate with us in English, which prevents any language barrier issues to how the claims are handled through French law.”
“The entire team fully understands our requirements and they are always available to assist us as and when is needed.”
“What I like the most is that they take the time to keep clients updated on trends/developments that have a direct/indirect implication to our case at hand.”
Ranked/recommended lawyers
Alexis Valençon | Leading Individual
“Alexis Valençon has a sharp mind, a genuine interest in the debate and is a great communicator.”
Nicolas Bouckaert | Next Generation Partner
“Nicolas Bouckaert specialises in coverage disputes and defence work over such sectors as real estate, aerospace, manufacturing and finance.”
Aurélia Cadain | Recommended Lawyer
“Aurélia Cadain brings extensive experience in transport law - aviation, marine, rail and road.”
What the team is known for
Kennedys represents some of the biggest insurers in the market and has makes an impression in headline and seminal cases, including financial lines, D&O, medical, product liability and professional negligence cases.
Ranked/recommended Lawyers
Andrew McGahey | Recommended Lawyer
“Andrew McGahey is an experienced figure in financial lines and environmental insurance.”
Noel Devins | Recommended Lawyer
“Noel Devins is a key name in construction and employment-related cases.”
Joanne O’Sullivan | Recommended Lawyer
“Joanne O’Sullivan is noted for healthcare and clinical negligence claims.”
Hugh Kennedy | Recommended Lawyer
“Hugh Kennedy is noted for shipping and commercial insurance.”
David Strahan | Recommended Lawyer
Catherine Lyons | Recommended Lawyer
What the team is known for
Kennedys has a broad contentious and non-contentious insurance practice and has expertise in handling matters involving aviation, cyber security, energy and healthcare.
Where we are | United Arab Emirates
What the clients say
“A practical team with extensive knowledge of GCC and European, UK and US jurisdictions. Helpful for both local and international business.”
Ranked/recommended lawyers
Rishi Sengupta | Rising Star
“I have worked very closely with Rishi Sengupta who has been a great help with a long and difficult case that has potentially many years ahead. He is happy to help with general legal queries and always puts in the time and effort for comprehensive, clear and helpful response.”
“Rishi has a detailed market knowledge and is happy to help where he can and is appropriate.”
Peter Ellingham | Recommended Lawyer
“Resident managing partner Peter Ellingham advises insurers and reinsurers on matters ranging from fraud and theft, to claims avoidance and litigation.”
Nick Humphrey | Recommended Lawyer
“Nick Humphrey is the primary point of contact for aviation-related insurance work.”
What separates Kennedys from other providers is that they are able to communicate with us in English, which prevents any language barrier issues.
Dispute Resolution
What the team is known for
Specialising in insurance disputes, the team in Denmark focuses on corporate and commercial insurance claims, including coverage and defence work as well as regulatory compliance issues.
What the clients say
“As Kennedys lawyers are well-known in the jurisdiction, they have professional relationships with lawyers retained by the other party. This helps to build effective communication between the parties.”
“They provide us with different negotiation strategies so that we can understand the variety of ways to move forward.”
Ranked/recommended lawyers
Morten Christensen | Recommended Lawyer
“Practice head Morten Christensen is a litigation specialist acting for a range of product and financial liability insurers.”
What the team is known for
Kennedys is a global titan in insurance. The Dublin office represents a range of the biggest insurers and reinsurers in the world, and acts for insureds in dispute resolution matters. It is also a rising force in healthcare litigation and has made a further impression in smear misdiagnosis litigation, along with other high-value and seminal cases.
What the clients say
“I have used Kennedys for many years and over the winter of 2020 during lockdown we were involved in a virtual mediation. Their work ethics and availability was excellent during very difficult times.”
“Kennedys continually provides very sustainable and comprehensive advice.”
Ranked/recommended lawyers
Andrew McGahey | Recommended Lawyer
“Andrew McGahey is an established specialist in financial lines and environmental insurance claims.”
Hugh Kennedy | Recommended Lawyer
“Hugh Kennedy – my No.1 go to for any legal matters in Ireland. Lots of experience, very good knowledge and reasonable fee rates.”
Joanne O’Sullivan | Recommended Lawyer
“Joanne O’Sullivan is a prominent healthcare insurance and liability expert.”
Noel Devins | Recommended Lawyer
“Noel Devins is recognised for construction-related insurance.”
David Strahan | Recommended Lawyer
What the team is known for
Under the joint leadership of Chaim Zelichov and Zvika Zelichov, the team in Israel acts for a number of leading Israeli and multinational insurers and reinsurers in this space. Complementing their expertise in litigation, the group is also active in arbitration proceedings and mediations.
What the clients say
“Kennedys has a standout reputation in insurance and reinsurance disputes, including D&O and professional liability matters, product liability actions, medical malpractice cases, property damage and subrogation claims and class actions.”
Ranked/recommended lawyers
Chaim Zelichov | Recommended Lawyer
Zvika Zelichov | Recommended Lawyer
Where we are | United Arab Emirates
What the clients say
“They know how courts in Dubai work. They follow up very well on their cases and are very responsive available for their clients.”
Ranked/recommended lawyers
Peter Ellingham | Recommended Lawyer
“Peter Ellingham has extensive experience in the insurance and dispute resolution space.”
Nick Humphrey | Recommended Lawyer
“Nick Humphrey is a hands on lawyer - very responsive, with great client contact. He makes things happen.”
Celine Abi Habib Kanakri | Recommended Lawyer
“Celine Abi Habib Kanakri specialises in international arbitration and focuses on real estate, commercial and construction-related disputes.”
Mark Wilson | Recommended Lawyer
“For construction-related matters, practice head Mark Wilson is the primary point of contact.”
Khalil Mechantaf | Recommended Lawyer
“Khalil Mechantaf has a good knowledge of local courts, is very responsive and provides good client service.”
Kennedys has a standout reputation in insurance and reinsurance disputes.
Transport
What the team is known for
The Brussels-based team is heavily involved in pan-European and global matters and provide in-depth knowledge of the aviation sector to their broad international client base. The practice is led by "uncontested expert" Dimitri de Bournonville, a vastly experienced figure within the space. Senior associate Dries Deschuttere is also a key name within the team.
What the clients say
“Each person within the team is dynamic and always keen to assist on short notice. The rendered opinions are summarised but accurate and are fully understandable to non-lawyers.”
“Kennedys remains a truly focal firm for aviation in the market.”
“What differentiates them from the competition is the broad range of services they can provide.”
Ranked/recommended lawyers
Dimitri de Bournonville | Leading Individual
DriesDeschuttere | Recommended Lawyer
What the team is known for
The highly reputable team is especially well regarded for its far-reaching capabilities across the aviation, road transport logistics, and maritime sectors. Practice head Dimitri de Bournonville is praised by clients for his wide-ranging transport sector capabilities, including corporate transactions and arbitration proceedings.
What the clients say
“They are one of the big names of the market and one of the rare firms which manages to successfully compete with the traditional local marine and shipping firms based in Antwerp.”
“They have built excellent relationships with insurers and operators in the field and are recognised as one of the top practices in the country.”
“Kennedys is a highly reputable firm in the transport sector globally and have developed a very significant presence in the local market.”
Ranked/recommended lawyers
Dimitri de Bournonville | Recommended Lawyer
“Dimitri de Bournonville remains the key man behind the success of the office. His experience is a real advantage when it comes to advising and assisting the firm’s clients in the transportation and logistics sector.”
What the team is known for
The team is lauded for their expertise in aviation disputes and their counsel to airlines, aerospace manufacturers, and insurers. Focusing on transportation disputes, Aurélia Cadain heads the carriers’ liability practice and Nicolas Bouckaert is in charge of the aerospace product liability practice.
What the clients say
“The team is very helpful. They reply and handle all our cases in a timely manner.”
Ranked/recommended lawyers
Aurélia Cadain | Recommended Lawyer
“Aurélia Cadain is efficient and professional. She gives us good advice and good proposals for the way forward when we have a hearing.”
Nicolas Bouckaert | Recommended Lawyer
“Nicolas Bouckaert is in charge of the aerospace product liability practice, and counsels to airlines, aerospace manufacturers, and insurers.”
What the team is known for
The extremely knowledgeable and competent team focuses on acting for transport clients and their insurers in contentious matters. They are highly active in the shipping sector, counting shipowners and P&I clubs among their clients. Practice head Hugh Kennedy is praised by clients for being “very experienced and reliable”.
What the clients say
“An extremely competent and knowledgeable team, with a very pragmatic approach to resolving disputes or potential disputes.”
“The team have taken the time to really learn the nature, idiosyncrasies and culture of our business and are therefore best placed to offer the appropriate advice.”
“Kennedys have the knowledge, expertise and attention to detail that we require. They are highly competent, everything is done promptly, and they are very popular in the marine legal world.”
Ranked/recommended lawyers
Hugh Kennedy | Hall of Fame
“Hugh Kennedy is a subject matter expert – dynamic and able to work with all stakeholders in a dispute, large or small. His hands-on approach and strategic thinking provides peace of mind and confidence to his clients and their insurers.”
“Hugh’s personable approach marks him out from other peers.”
“He not only has a leading level of knowledge of the industry but also has the personal skills to apply this knowledge in a pragmatic manner that takes into account commercial realities.”
What the team is known for
The shipping team in Spain has the experience to advise shipyards, port authorities, cargo and shipping companies and marine (re)insurers on a diverse spectrum of issues. The group has recently expanded its work to encompass cyber and satellite risks with regard to the use of GPS technologies. Led by maritime law expert Olivia Delagrange and Legal Director José Pellicer, the team is supported by associate Paula Petit.
What the clients say
“They provide personalised attention, accessibility and commitment.”
Ranked/recommended lawyers
Olivia Delagrange | Recommended Lawyer
“Olivia Delagrange is excellent, she understands our work ethic and team ethos, gets the job done and keeps everything simplistic! She doesn’t try and take over and involves you in every step of the matter that is being handled.”
José Pellicer | Recommended Lawyer
“José Pellicer is an excellent individual whose work ethic is superb. He is very committed and breaks complex issues down into manageable and easy to understand parts. His knowledge is brilliant and he understands the commercial side of claims.”
Paula Petit | Recommended Lawyer
Kennedys is a highly reputable firm in the transport sector globally.
Healthcare and Life Sciences
What the team is known for
The team in Ireland is rated for their work on medical negligence and product liability cases and represent a range of healthcare professionals, service providers, umbrella organisations, insurers and manufacturers of pharmaceutical and medical device products.
What the clients say
“They are the most impressive team I have seen in my 28 years experience of healthcare litigation. We have clients who repeatedly ask for them.”
“An unusually strong, knowledgeable, passionate and committed team. They get to the crux of the matter very quickly. No frills or racking up costs with this team.”
“A very client-focused and friendly team.”
Ranked/recommended lawyers
Shanna Dunne | Rising Star
“Shanna Dunne is excellent at keeping clients informed of progress and fighting to get the best results for her clients.”
“She stands out as going above and beyond for her clients.”
Joanne O’Sullivan | Recommended Lawyer
“Jo O'Sullivan is a great communicator, a strong leader and has great integrity. She listens and is respectful. Not only do our clients hold her in high regard but also her own team.”
They are the most impressive team I have seen in my 28 years experience of healthcare litigation. We have clients who repeatedly ask for them.
Construction
What the team is known for
The team in Dubai has substantial experience representing clients in energy and infrastructure disputes before the major local and international arbitration institutions.
Where we are | United Arab Emirates
What the clients say
“An excellent team of construction and dispute lawyers who have deep understanding of the industry and a commercial focus.”
“Responsive and good access to both the associate and partner that we deal with.”
Ranked/recommended lawyers
Celine Abi Habib Kanakri | Recommended Lawyer
“Celine Abi Habib Kanakri has a deep understanding of the construction sector.”
Jamie Kellick | Recommended Lawyer
“Jamie Kellick is very pragmatic and commercial but with excellent understanding and insight.”
Mark Wilson | Recommended Lawyer
“Mark Wilson heads the practice and advises insurers, reinsurers, developers, contractors and construction professionals.”
Khalil Nerchantif | Recommended Lawyer
An excellent team of construction and dispute lawyers who have deep understanding of the industry and a commercial focus.
About The Legal 500 EMEA
The Legal 500 EMEA is a leading guide to law firms across Europe, Middle East and Africa. The rankings are based on a series of criteria that highlight the practice area teams who are providing the most cutting edge and innovative advice to corporate counsel.
The research is based on feedback from 250,000 clients worldwide, submissions from law firms and interviews with leading private practice lawyers, and a team of researchers who have unrivalled experience in the legal market.
Insurance and reinsurance
Aviation
Shipping and international trade
Transport and logistics
Healthcare
Life sciences
Construction and engineering
Belgium
Denmark
France
Ireland
Israel
Spain
United Arab Emirates