Profile

Hugh is a Partner in Kennedys’ Dublin office. He specialises in all aspects of insurance law, with a particular expertise in complex subrogated matters, often involving an international element.

Hugh also specialises in admiralty, marine and aviation matters including ship arrest in Ireland, collisions, salvage, casualty investigation, cargo claims, international liability conventions, CMR road haulage, contractual terms and conditions, jurisdiction disputes, bills of lading and yacht claims.

He is the vice president of the Irish Maritime Law Association and solicitor to the Irish International Freight Association (IIFA). Hugh is also a member of The International Bar Association (IBA), the Forum of Insurance Lawyers (FOIL) and the Dublin Solicitors Bar Association.

Hugh contributed to Kennedys' 'Global forecast 2024: Evolving insurance risks' report, published in January 2024.

Qualifications

  • Qualified as a Solicitor in England and Wales in 1997
Hugh Kennedy is personable, quick and good value. His advice is succinct, clear and well-informed. A delight to work with

Market recognition

  • Listed in the Hall of Fame and recommended lawyer for 'Transport (Ireland)'
    "Hugh Kennedy was incredibly responsive and available whenever we needed him".
    "Hugh Kennedy is one of the best maritime lawyers I have ever had the pleasure of working with. He’s quick to reply, commercial and very cost effective".
    "Hugh Kennedy is personable, quick and good value. His advice is succinct, clear and well-informed. A delight to work with".
    The Legal 500 EMEA 2024
  • Recommended lawyer for 'Insurance (Ireland)'
    "Hugh Kennedy is a specialist in maritime claims and law which is not a common specialty in Ireland. He is therefore invaluable and heads up an active and responsive team".
    The Legal 500 EMEA 2024
  • Listed in the Hall of Fame for 'Transport (Ireland)'
    "Hugh Kennedy is a great and trusted advisor. He provides efficient and effective advice for a fast-moving commercial practice."
    The Legal 500 EMEA 2023
  • Recommended Lawyer for 'Transport (Ireland)'
    The Legal 500 EMEA 2023
  • Recommended Lawyer for 'Insurance (Ireland)'
    "Hugh Kennedy is very responsive and provides authoritative expert opinion on novel issues of Irish shipping law."
    "Hugh Kennedy is recognised for marine insurance work."
    The Legal 500 EMEA 2023
  • Recommended Lawyer for 'Dispute Resolution (Ireland)'
    "Hugh Kennedy is very responsive and authoritative on a novel question of Irish shipping law."
    "Hugh Kennedy stands out for maritime matters and Noel Devins for professional indemnity and business interruption.
    The Legal 500 EMEA 2023
  • Listed in the Hall of Fame for 'Transport (Ireland)'
    "Practice head Hugh Kennedy is praised by clients as ‘very experienced and reliable’."
    "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."
    "Hugh Kennedy is a very experienced and reliable lawyer."
    "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 when pursuing or defending claims. Hugh’s personable approach marks him out from other peers."
    The Legal 500 EMEA 2022
  • Recommended Lawyer for 'Dispute Resolution (Ireland)'
    "My No.1 go to for any legal matters in Ireland. Lots of experience, very good knowledge and reasonable fee rates."
    The Legal 500 EMEA 2022
  • Recommended Lawyer for 'Insurance (Ireland)'
    "Hugh Kennedy is noted for shipping and commercial insurance."
    The Legal 500 EMEA 2022
  • Leading Individual for 'Transport (Ireland)'
    "Hugh Kennedy is a leading expert in shipping and ship arrest. Always available and exceptionally user-friendly."
    The Legal 500 EMEA 2021
  • Recommended Lawyer for 'Dispute resolution (Ireland)'
    The Legal 500 EMEA 2021
  • Recommended Lawyer for 'Insurance (Ireland)'
    The Legal 500 EMEA 2021
  • Leading Individual for 'Transport (Ireland)'
    "Hugh Kennedy can always be relied on to be knowledgeable, professional and where necessary hands-on in his approach to all matters, and always ensures the client’s interests are protected."
    "Hugh Kennedy is a good, experienced professional and quick to react"
    The Legal 500 EMEA 2020
  • Recommended Lawyer for 'Dispute resolution (Ireland)'
    The Legal 500 EMEA 2020
  • Leading Individual for 'Transport (Dublin)'
    "He has an unmatched depth of knowledge and experience in maritime transport matters alongside a pragmatic approach to commercial factors".
    The Legal 500 EMEA 2019
  • A Recommended Lawyer for 'Dispute Resolution (Dublin)'
    "Hugh Kennedy [is a] key contact"
    The Legal 500 EMEA 2019 
  • Leading Individual for 'Transport (Dublin)'
    "Hugh Kennedy is ‘a leader in the legal marine market’"
    The Legal 500 EMEA 2018
  • Leading Individual for ‘Transport (Dublin)’
    “Hugh Kennedy is regarded by some as being ‘probably the foremost option in the marine market’.”
    The Legal 500 EMEA 2017