Law firm Kennedys has recruited a 12-strong group of marine and energy lawyers from the London office of rivals Norton Rose Fulbright.
The group comprises three partners – Patrick Foss, Chris Zavos and Jo Ward – along with seven other lawyers and two support staff. The team represent Lloyd’s syndicates and global insurers.
“We are pleased to announce that we have strengthened our marine and energy capabilities with the hire of a 12-strong insurance coverage and disputes team based in our London office,” Kennedys said.
Foss, who brings over 30 years’ experience working in insurance law, is primarily focused on coverage, defence and disputes work in marine, offshore and onshore energy, terrorism, trade credit and political risk.
Zavos, who qualified in 1991, is described as having “extensive experience in advising on complex coverage” as well as liability defence, subrogation and sanctions issues.
He has been ad hoc legal adviser to the London Market’s Joint Hull Committee since 2002.
Ward’s practice is focused on marine insurance coverage work including hull & machinery, cargo, liability, mortgagee’s interest, ports and terminals and specie.
Other lawyers joining are: senior associates, Amy Byrne, Anna Haigh and Debbie Larkin; and associates Jake Hooper, Imogen Lowe, Suzy Oakley and Rachel Pearce.
The team’s arrival follows the appointment of Jo Woods as Kennedys finance director Jo Woods, she joined the company in April, also from Norton Rose Fulbright.
“Insurer clients are increasingly looking for their legal advisors to provide a full service offering in respect of all classes of insurance,” said Nick Thomas, senior partner at Kennedys.
“Chris, Patrick, Jo and their team bring considerable market knowledge and expertise that will complement our existing capabilities, representing an exciting opportunity for us to increase our market share and first class service for insurers.”
Chris Dunn, global head of marine at Kennedys, added: “Our clients have been very supportive of this development as it widens our talent pool by increasing our strength and depth.”
