Global law firm Kennedys has strengthened its European and Asian footprint by opening offices in Paris and Bangkok. The Paris office, which is led by four partners formerly with French boutique litigation firm BOPS Avocats, is headed by Christian Bouckaert, former senior partner and co-founder of BOPS, who has significant experience before French Courts and arbitral tribunals.
Key clients
Mr Bouckaert and fellow partners Alexis Valençon, Aurélia Cadain and Nicolas Bouckaert have worked with Kennedys for many years on shared, cross-border cases and have several key client synergies. They have advised on a number of high profile cases together, including major losses arising from the 2008 Channel Tunnel fire. Christian and fellow partners Alexis Valençon, Aurélia Cadain and Nicolas Bouckaert have worked with Kennedys for many years on shared, cross-border cases and have several key client synergies. They have advised on a number of high profile cases together, including major losses arising from the 2008 Channel Tunnel fire.
Specialist areas of expertise
Mr Bouckaert, who is regarded as one of the leading lawyers of the Paris Bar, has over 40 years’ experience, with particular expertise in disputes relating to professional or product liability within aviation, pharmaceuticals, energy, construction and environmental pollution. Commenting on the move, he says: 'The market is increasingly moving towards global firms with specialist areas of expertise. And for good reason: they offer real added-value legal services and international reach.'
Bangkok hires
In Thailand, the firm has hired Bankok Suraphon Rittipongchusit, formerly a senior partner in the insurance and litigation department of DLA Piper in Bangkok, to head up the office. He is supported by a second partner, Supreedee Nimitkul, and senior associate, Tassanu Chutikanon. Additionally, Ian Johnston, a solicitor and foreign qualified lawyer, relocates from Kennedys’ Singapore office. The initial focus of the office will be insurance/reinsurance, dispute resolution and corporate work. The extended reach across South-East Asia will also strengthen Kennedys’ position in the South-East Asia insurance and reinsurance market.
Kennedys building presence in South-East Asia
Thailand is a major insurance market in South-East Asia, with a significant domestic market in many lines of business for which Kennedys provides services, most notably property, energy, casualty and financial lines.Kennedys has been steadily building its presence in South-East Asia. It already has offices in Singapore, incorporating a joint law venture with Legal Solutions LLC, and Hong Kong. In January 2015 Kennedys entered into a co-operation agreement with award-winning Chinese practice AnJie Law Firm, which has offices in Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen.
Client demand
Nick Thomas, Senior Partner at Kennedys, said: 'The decision to enter Bangkok is a classic example of responding to client demand. With little international insurance law expertise available in Thailand, there was a real need for what we can offer and that has been reflected in the exceptionally positive response we have had from clients.'
Expansion
Kennedys has also recently strengthened its regional footprint across Asia Pacific by expanding its operations in Australia, opening an office in Melbourne to complement its Sydney office which opened in 2006. In June, Kennedys announced the completion of its merger with leading US insurance law firm Carroll McNulty & Kull, creating a global insurance practice.
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