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We have recruited a leading construction and insurance specialist to join our London team.
Paul Lowe, formerly a partner at Weightmans, is experienced in all insurance matters relating to the construction industry including on both policy coverage and defence.
A passionate advocate for improving standards within construction, he has been appointed to advise the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities in connection with its building safety remediation programme and the development of the Building Safety Bill.
He is also a member of several industry forums including the professional conduct panel of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).
Classics graduate Paul completed his training at RPC, where he qualified in 2009. He moved to Weightmans’ London office the following year, where he remained until this month.
Of his move, he said he was looking forward to drawing on the resources of one of the leading law firms in the insurance world.
“My focus on the UK insurance market, and specifically the professional indemnity construction sector, means a firm the size and scope of Kennedys was the perfect fit.”
My focus on the UK insurance market, and specifically the professional indemnity construction sector, means a firm the size and scope of Kennedys was the perfect fit.
Jeremy Riley, partner and head of professional liability at Kennedys, added: “Paul is well-known and highly respected across the industry, not only for his expertise but for his genuine passion and commitment to driving up standards and improving building safety.
“I am delighted to welcome him to Kennedys, and I know he will be a real asset to the team.”
Paul regularly advises on cases against a wide range of construction professionals and contractors including architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, project managers and approved building inspectors. He has particular expertise in managing high value, technical, multi-party disputes.
He has co-founded three groups made up of senior figures from across the construction and insurance sectors, aimed at promoting collaboration, and is also a member of the Society of Construction Law (SCL) and the Technology and Construction Solicitors’ Association (TECSA).
Paul is well-known and highly respected across the industry, not only for his expertise but for his genuine passion and commitment to driving up standards and improving building safety.
His arrival coincides with that of legal director Scott McKinnell, a senior construction lawyer with more than 20 years’ experience who joins from the NG Bailey Group where he was General Counsel.
Oxbridge graduate Scott specialises in non-contentious and contentious construction and has advised developers, funders, contractors and subcontractors, design consultants and contract administrators. He has worked with numerous magic circle and international firms on several high-profile cases including the multi-billion-pound HS2 Crossrail and TransPennine Route Upgrade.
Nick Thomas, senior partner at Kennedys, said: “After the turbulence of the last two years, we are fortunate to be seeing a growing demand for our services which has prompted the expansion of our national real estate and construction practice.
“Paul and Scott bring with them an impressive breadth of experience and expertise and I look forward to working with them both.”
Paul is the second insurance heavyweight to join from Weightmans in recent months following the appointment of Simon Durkin to our complex casualty coverage team in October.
Gavin Henderson, formerly of Clyde & Co (Scotland), an expert in coverage, property damage and construction work, also joined us this month, working across our offices in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Construction and engineering
Insurance and reinsurance
United Kingdom