Nathalie Smyth

Nathalie is a Partner who joined Kennedys’ London office in 2006. She is qualified in England & Wales, New York, N. Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, and has extensive knowledge of procedural law in many civil and common law jurisdictions. 

Nathalie acts for insurers and manufacturers in relation to product liability disputes, with a specific focus on mass tort and group litigation orders in the life sciences sector. She has considerable experience defending claims against manufacturers of medical devices in the UK, as well as monitoring and assisting local counsel in relation to product claims arising in various EMEA jurisdictions.

Nathalie was an integral part of the team which successfully defended a landmark group litigation action brought against medical device manufacturer, DePuy International Limited. The action was brought by more than 300 claimants in relation to DePuy’s Pinnacle ULTAMET® Metal-on-Metal Articulation, a total hip replacement prosthesis, which the court found not to be defective under consumer protection legislation [Gee and others v DePuy International Ltd].

Nathalie also acts for several British and foreign motor insurers in relation to fatal and catastrophic incidents in the UK, Europe and USA, including advice on coverage, liability and compensation awards to victims.
Nathalie also has significant experience in handling and monitoring international and multi-jurisdictional claims arising on behalf of insurers and manufacturers in various jurisdictions including Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Italy, Jordan, Netherlands, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, Spain and the USA, including claims arising out of diving and other serious work accidents as well as products liability including medical, motor, sporting and DIY products. Nathalie also advises on cross-border disputes and jurisdictional challenges.

Nathalie has delivered several training sessions at Kennedys’ and client offices. She has also presented at seminars to key industry contacts in the products, life sciences and motor sectors on recent case developments and current market issues.

Nathalie is a member of the Forum of Insurance Lawyers (FOIL) and the New York State Bar Association, and regularly contributes to articles in insurance and legal publications.

She is also Editor of Kennedys’ Global Legal Handbook, one of our most popular guides, which outlines the main legal and procedural issues that case handlers may encounter when dealing with claims across 53 jurisdictions globally.