Global law firm Kennedys has again expanded its Australian arm with the appointment of employment practices specialist Justin Claude Le Blond as a partner in Sydney.
Justin is joined by senior associate Persephone Forster, adding strength to a strategic area of practice in Australia. Both were formerly at HWL Ebsworth.
Kennedys acts for several insurers on employment matters and these appointments underscore the firm’s commitment to building a leading EPL practice.
“As with the recent opening of our office in Melbourne, we are reinforcing our commitment to the Australian market by expanding our capacity to service national clients,” says Australian managing partner Matt Andrews.
“Justin and Persephone are talented and experienced employment specialists who have the industry expertise and proven track record that our clients demand.”
Justin practises in employment and industrial relations law, work health and safety, both in advisory and litigated matters. He acts for a number of large insurers, as well as commercial clients across a range of sectors including insurance, manufacturing and engineering, healthcare, property, professional services, IT, transport and government.
Persephone has a combined advisory and litigation practice with a focus on employment law, industrial relations and employment strategy including internal and external communications, administrative law, restraints of trade, protecting confidential information, payroll tax, corporate governance, enquiries and disciplinary hearings.
“I am delighted to welcome Justin and Persephone to the firm,” said Matt Andrews.
“They have established themselves as an effective team and their expertise across the spectrum of employment and workplace issues will be of great value to our clients.”
Justin Le Blond says: “I am excited to be joining Kennedys in Sydney to be part of a truly global firm.”
“I can see how my practice complements the firm’s strategy, and Persephone and I look forward to supporting global clients and working with the team to grow the employment practice in Australia.”
Justin is the 22nd global lateral partner appointed by Kennedys in 2017. He joins casualty partner Michael Kavanagh who was appointed in August to lead the firm’s new office in Melbourne.