Kennedys has continued its aggressive global expansion by entering into a formal association with Italian firm Studio Legale Rinaldi Associati (RASS), providing the firm with offices in Milan, Rome and Bologna.
According to Kennedys, formalising the relationship was a result of an increased volume of cross-border and international referrals. RASS, which has nine partners and is led by Egidio Rinaldi, provides insurance claims, coverage and litigation advice, particularly through their property and casualty practice.
Kennedys’ senior partner Nick Thomas (pictured) said the tie-up will enable the firm to provide clients with strong litigation and dispute resolution services in Italy and focus on insurance coverage issues and claims defence work.
He added: ‘Expanding our international reach remains key to our strategy and this association with RASS brings more opportunities for our global network.’
Kennedys carried out extensive international expansion last year, particularly in Latin America, opening offices in Chile and Columbia, as well as greenfield sites in Brazil and Peru.
Recently the firm has also opened offices in Russia and Denmark and formed associations in Norway, Sweden and Argentina bringing the firm’s total number of offices to six in continental Europe, as well as seven associate offices, including Paris and Warsaw.
Additionally, the insurance specialist is planning to more than double its office space in Dublin, as well as boosting its marine and shipping departments through a City merger with boutique firm Waltons & Morse, which added a 28-strong legal team and five partners.
Legal Business revealed in September that Thomas is to stand uncontested for a fifth five-year term as Kennedys’ senior partner. The election will be held this month, with voting closing in a few weeks and the new term commencing February.
kathryn.mccann@legalease.co.uk
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