Kennedys has hired Claire Larbey as the firm’s global general counsel, following the retirement of long-time chief risk officer Andrew Coates.
Larbey joins from Trowers & Hamlins, where she was also GC. At Kennedys, she will serve as legal adviser to the firm’s leadership and oversee all legal, compliance, governance, risk and professional liability matters across all of its global offices.
Tracy Watkinson, Kennedys’ chief operating officer, said: “Claire brings a distinctive blend of legal, regulatory and operational expertise, alongside a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities global law firms face today. Her proven track record in leading complex, global risk and compliance functions will be invaluable as we continue on our growth trajectory.”
Larbey spent just under eight years at Trowers & Hamlins, having previously spent three and a half years as international risk director at Eversheds Sutherland. She also had earlier spells at The Parabis Group as head of legal and regulatory risk and compliance and as a practice standards adviser at the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
She started out as a solicitor at Waltons and Morse, before moving to Clyde & Co.
She said: “Kennedys is a firm with an impressive global network, a clear strategic vision and an impressive market reputation. I am excited to join the firm at such a transformational phase in its journey and look forward to supporting its long-term strategic ambitions.”
Larbey’s arrival comes amid a concerted push by Kennedys to strengthen its senior business leadership team, having recently appointed Milan Devani as its first chief information officer from Baker McKenzie and Watkinson as its first COO from NatWest last year.
Meg Catalano, Kennedys’ global managing partner, said: “Claire’s appointment reflects our commitment to investing in the leadership and infrastructure needed to support a growing global firm. I look forward to working together as we deliver our global strategic plan.”
Coates, meanwhile, is set to retire from the firm after more than four decades, having served as chief risk officer since 2001.
Earlier this month, Simmons and Simmons hired Emma Williams as GC from Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, where she worked in the GC office as director of risk and compliance. And back in February, Eversheds Sutherland hired Andrew Cheung as GC from Pinsent Masons.
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