Department profile
Kennedys

Insurance: Contentious Claims & Reinsurance

Global Guide 2026 : UK


Kennedys

Rankings

About

Provided by Kennedys

80 partners, 228 lawyers

Kennedys is a first-choice firm for the most complex insurance and reinsurance disputes in the market, including those with a multi-jurisdictional dimension. We excel in work that is high-value, high profile and precedent setting.

From being at the forefront of issues stemming from the Russia / Ukraine war, to advising in respect of all the major financial institutions crises of recent years - we are the ‘go-to’ firm whenever a major insurance loss arises.

Kennedys has one of the broadest insurance and reinsurance offerings internationally with unrivalled strength and depth of expertise. We support our clients across the full spectrum of insurance practices including property damage, business interruption, marine, energy, construction, political risk & trade credit, financial institutions and D&O, professional liability, cyber and aviation.

Kennedys continues to expand globally and now has 78 offices, associate offices and cooperations around the world.

Recent work includes:

  • Acting for war risks insurers in defence of claims by aircraft lessors relating to the failure by Russian airlines to return aircraft following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
  • Acting for a trade credit insurer in relation to huge exposures arising out of the collapse of Greensill Bank and Greensill Capital UK, which involves significant cross-office co-operation in the UK, New York and Australia.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Insurance: Contentious Claims & Reinsurance - UK

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For

Kennedys has an outstanding insurance team with the ability to handle high-value coverage disputes and claims defence on behalf of an impressive insurer and reinsurer client base. The firm's experience spans a number of areas including product liability, professional indemnity, financial misconduct, and construction and energy projects. It also has an expansive global footprint, meaning the team is well-equipped to handle complex cross-border disputes.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Kennedys advised the Lloyd's Aviation War market in high-profile litigation brought by six aircraft leasing companies worth USD4.6 billion.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • There is a great team of associates at Kennedys with lots of different backgrounds. The team is able to give advice tailored to us so we don't have to go elsewhere for anything.

    Insurance: Contentious Claims & Reinsurance respondentGlobal
  • The cross-border aspects of our matters have been handled brilliantly. This is a real strength of the firm with its offices in many countries.

    Insurance: Contentious Claims & Reinsurance respondentGlobal

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Senior StatespeopleNick Thomas
    Senior StatespeopleNick Thomas

    Nick Thomas

    Nick Thomas is the former senior partner at Kennedys and enjoys an excellent reputation as an insurance practitioner. He has many years' experience in the industry providing advice on substantial claims and coverage disputes, including complex property damage and construction losses related to energy and natural resources.

  • Eminent PractitionersNick Williams
    Eminent PractitionersNick Williams

    Nick Williams

    Nick Williams heads the firm's insurance practice and also sits on the firm's strategy board. He has vast expertise in handling high-value international insurance matters, including Bermuda Form arbitrations.
  • Band 1David Chadwick
    Band 1David Chadwick

    David Chadwick

    David Chadwick is highly skilled at advising insurers and underwriters on complex cross-border disputes, particularly those associated with political risk and trade credit claims.
    • David Chadwick is very competent and is seen as a market leader.

      Insurance: Contentious Claims & Reinsurance respondentGlobal
    • David is a well-known name with a good reputation.

      Insurance: Contentious Claims & Reinsurance respondentGlobal
  • Band 2Chris Zavos
    Band 2Chris Zavos

    Chris Zavos

    Chris Zavos focuses primarily on marine insurance and has extensive expertise in claims relating to war risk, loss of cargo and piracy. He also handles complex claims relating to offshore energy facilities.
    • He is a very good lawyer.

      Insurance: Contentious Claims & Reinsurance respondentGlobal
    • He's well regarded and respected. He's also very bright and conducts himself very well.

      Insurance: Contentious Claims & Reinsurance respondentGlobal
  • Band 2Patrick Foss
    Band 2Patrick Foss

    Patrick Foss

    Patrick Foss offers clients a wealth of experience in contentious insurance and reinsurance matters. He has deep expertise in a broad range of insurance disputes, including those that relate to the marine, energy and construction industries.
  • Band 3John Bruce
    Band 3John Bruce

    John Bruce

    John Bruce is Kennedys' senior partner. He handles a wide range of disputes arising from major losses related to alleged misappropriation of funds and financial mis-selling.

Ranked Individuals at Kennedys (6)

UK

  • Profile image of Nick Thomas

    Nick Thomas

    Insurance: Contentious Claims & Reinsurance

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  • Profile image of Nick Williams

    Nick Williams

    Insurance: Contentious Claims & Reinsurance

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  • Profile image of David Chadwick

    David Chadwick

    Insurance: Contentious Claims & Reinsurance

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  • Profile image of Chris Zavos

    Chris Zavos

    Insurance: Contentious Claims & Reinsurance

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  • Profile image of Patrick Foss

    Patrick Foss

    Insurance: Contentious Claims & Reinsurance

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  • Profile image of John Bruce

    John Bruce

    Insurance: Contentious Claims & Reinsurance

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Members

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