Kennedys was founded in 1899 and for many years was a one-office London law firm specialising in insurance. Nick Thomas, who was first elected senior partner in 1996 and who was re-elected in 2017 for a fifth term in office, is widely perceived to have been the central driving force of the firm’s international growth strategy. Historically Kennedys entered into formal alliances with local firms before launching its own offices some years later if the tie-up proved successful. For example, Kennedys’
Kennedys was founded in 1899 and for many years was a one-office London law firm specialising in insurance.
Nick Thomas, who was first elected senior partner in 1996 and who was re-elected in 2017 for a fifth term in office, is widely perceived to have been the central driving force of the firm’s international growth strategy.
Historically Kennedys entered into formal alliances with local firms before launching its own offices some years later if the tie-up proved successful. For example, Kennedys’ Brazil office opened in 2016 after the firm hired TM Law’s founding partner Fabio Torres to head up the São Paolo base. TM Law had worked in association with Kennedys for a number of years.
In Chile the same year, the firm took a 13-strong team from domestic firm Sateler Depolo Diemoz Abogados. The two firms had worked in association with each other since 2013. More recently, a 2017 merger with New Jersey insurance firm Carroll McNulty & Kull added 100 insurance lawyers to the firm in the USA.
The law firm has also expanded domestically since the 1990s and now has UK offices in Birmingham, Cambridge, Chelmsford, Manchester, Sheffield and Taunton as well as in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
| Appointed | Senior partner | CEO |
| 1996 | Nick Thomas | |
| 2001 | Ric Martin (role created) | |
| 2009 | Guy Stobart |
TRAINING CONTRACTS
What is the trainee salary at Kennedys?
1st year trainee: £36,000 (London); £26,000 (regions)
2nd year trainee: £38,000 (London); £29,000 (regions)
What is the NQ salary at Kennedys?
NQ solicitor: £57,500 (London); £39,333 (regions)
Number of trainees: 56
KENNEDYS FACTS
Founded: 1899
Locations: London Fenchurch Street, Birmingham, Cambridge, Chelmsford, Manchester, Sheffield, Taunton
