Kennedys has promoted 21 to partner in its 2025 promotions round, the largest in three years and the first overseen by John Bruce as the firm’s new senior partner.
This year’s cohort is an almost 24% increase on the 17 promoted in 2024 and the most since 2022. The latest promotions bring the firm’s partner count up to 363.
Women made up 38% of the total compared to 53% last year, breaking a three-year streak in which the cohort included more women than men. However, it still met the firm’s target to have women make up 35% of its partnership by 2025, with an aspiration to hit 40% by 2030. Women also make up 60% of the firm’s executive board, including Meg Catalano as global managing partner, who replaced Suzanne Liversidge in November last year.
Most of the promotions were transatlantic, with 10 new partners in the US and nine in the UK – the majority in London – with other promotions in Australia and Ireland.
The insurance practice group – part of the firm’s core business – saw 16 partners promoted across the practice, bolstering its professional liability and marine capabilities, with three promotions in the firm’s financial and political risks team in London.
Five partners were promoted in the firm’s corporate and commercial practice across the UK and US, including commercial disputes, international arbitration, product liability law and life sciences.
The firm previously announced revenues in July 2024 of £384m, up 17% on the previous year, the firm’s 10th consecutive year of revenue growth, with turnover more than tripling since FY15, when it was £122m.
John Bruce, Kennedys’ senior partner, who replaced Nick Thomas in the post last year, said: “Each of our newly promoted partners has demonstrated exceptional legal expertise, a deep commitment to our clients and a passion for driving our firm forward. I look forward to working together to shape a firm that is not only fit for the future, but one that remains steadfast in our dedication to delivering strategic value to our clients, wherever they are.”
Catalano added: “At Kennedys, our people are our greatest competitive advantage, and today’s promotions underscore the breadth and depth of our talent. As they begin their new roles, they will each play an instrumental part in further strengthening our global reach, enhancing the value we deliver to clients and shaping the path forward as we continue to navigate the evolving demands of business.”
The firm has added an office in Wellington, as well as Los Angeles and Seattle to its global network. It has also made moves to new office premises in Newcastle, New York and Birmingham, while making 19 lateral hire appointments, such as arbitration partner Thomas Kendra and a team in Melbourne.
Some 46 lawyers were promoted to legal director (known as ‘of counsel’ or ‘special counsel’ in some countries), and another 51 progressed to become senior associates.
The firm also strengthened its business services leadership with the appointments of Catherine Goodman as the firm’s first chief knowledge officer, and Paul Brotzel as chief information officer.
A full list of the new partners can be seen below:
APAC
Alen Sinanovic, Perth
EMEA
Mark Dunne, Dublin
North America
Cara Vecchione, Basking Ridge
Jack Gainey, Basking Ridge
Matthew Gluck, Basking Ridge
Gilda Romano Flam, Miami
Jorge Maza, Miami
Eridania Perez, New York
Martin West, New York
Michael Goldwasser, New York
Katie Barksdale, Wilmington
Gavin Fung, Philadelphia
UK
Alison Chadwick, London
Emilie Civatte, London
Oleg Shaulko, London
Rekha Cooke, London
Rhys Tebbett, London
Rob Calnan, London
Shaan Burton, London
Thomas Miles, London
John Pain, Taunton
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