Kennedys is a global giant in the insurance sector, with the Dublin team playing an increasingly pivotal role in upholding the firm’s reputation. The group is frequently engaged in many of the biggest cases in the market, including the headline claims by aircraft lessors arising from the Russia-Ukraine war. It has demonstrated its expertise in a range of key areas, from business interruption, construction and political risks to personal injury, clinical negligence, professional indemnity, and transport and logistics. The large team boasts experienced partners, including Andrew McGahey, a prominent name in financial lines, D&O, political risk and business interruption. Joanne O’Sullivan specialises in catastrophic injuries, Noel Devins is rated for professional indemnity claims in the construction industry and business interruption cases, and Hugh Kennedy is a leader in shipping insurance. David Strahan is also highly rated. Catherine Lyons was promoted to partner in May 2023.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Strong, in-depth team with knowledge, professionalism, pragmatists, reachable and personable. ’

  • ‘David Strahan's professionalism, knowledge, accessibility and pragmatism are key strengths that we very much appreciate. He adopts a pragmatic approach and is outcome oriented whilst understanding our objectives in respect of each individual case as we look to achieve the optimum result from a cost and reputation perspective. It is reassuring and comforting that we can pick up a phone and speak with David or any of his colleagues regarding any aspect of our cases.'

  • 'We value the service provided by David and Kennedys, which we believe is first-in-class. David has a strong understanding of our business and our values which is critically important when trying to settle litigation cases. David delivers a first-in-class service, ensuring we are receiving a value add service proposition from Kennedys, which is attributable to David’s service delivery. Not aware of any obvious weaknesses that we would highlight during our time working with David and rest of the team.’

  • ‘Prompt and practical legal advice.’

  • 'The team at Kennedy's never fails to provide excellent advice and effective strategies for the cost effective management of claims.'

  • 'Hugh Kennedy is a specialist in maritime claims and law which is not a common specialty in Ireland. He is therefore invaluable and heads up an active and responsive team.'

  • 'Kennedys Ireland are a strong united firm to work with. They present considered informed legal recommendations putting every effort into seeking the best outcome for clients.'

Key clients

  • Aegis
  • AF Beazley
  • AIG
  • Allianz
  • Atrium Underwriting Limited
  • Aviva Life & Pensions dac
  • Berkshire Hathaway
  • Challenge Medical Indemnity
  • Chaucer Insurance
  • Chubb
  • COSCO & China Shipowners Mutual Assurance Association
  • Drogheda Port
  • IN2 Engineering Design Partnership
  • Inditex Re
  • JD Sports
  • JD Wetherspoon
  • Liberty Insurance
  • Lloyd’s Insurance Company SA
  • MSD (Merck & CO)
  • RSA
  • Securitas Security Services Limited
  • SIMS Clinic
  • State Claims Agency
  • Talbot underwriting Limited
  • Zurich Insurance PLC

Work highlights

  • Acted for Lloyds Insurance Company and Lloyd’s of London syndicates in over $4.5bn worth of war risks and all risks claims by aircraft lessors arising from the Russia-Ukraine war.
  • Represented insurers of Perrigo in connection with Perrigo’s attempts to claim $500m in insurance in relation to securities fraud litigation.
  • Represented COSCO & China Shipowners Mutual Assurance Association following a collision between a COSCO vessel and a large French fishing vessel off the coast of Ireland.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Andrew McGahey

Other key lawyers

Noel Devins, Joanne O’Sullivan, Hugh Kennedy, David Strahan, Catherine Lyons