Department profile
Kennedys

Professional Negligence

UK Guide 2026 : North West


Kennedys

Rankings

About

Provided by Kennedys

Kennedys’ professional negligence team is one of the largest in the industry. With lawyers based in London, Bristol, Manchester, Leeds and Birmingham, we specialise in defending claims against accountants and financial professionals, insurance brokers, construction professionals, property professionals and solicitors. Our priority is always to protect the reputation of our clients. We deal with all areas of professional negligence and handle claims of all sizes and complexity, including for insurers who underwrite risks for global law firms, the 'Big Four' accounting firms and the world’s largest construction and engineering companies.

Lead by Jeremy Riley, other key partners include Chris Butler, Paul Castellani, Fleur Rochester, Eamon Mooney and Matt Deaville. Our partners largely focus on just one or two of the key professions, meaning they are true specialists in their fields. Kennedys’ seeks to provide a quick and appropriate response to claims and appreciate the importance of early damage limitation, followed by proactivity in their defence and resolution.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Professional Negligence - North West

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For
Kennedys boasts an impressive client base which includes a number of leading insurers. The firm's lawyers are experts in defending complex and high-value claims against legal and construction professionals as well as accountants. The team offers further expertise in areas such as cyber liability and solicitors' risk management, and has additional experience in handling cross-jurisdictional matters.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • I would be confident instructing Kennedys on claims against the full range of professions and on cases of varying complexity.

    Professional Negligence respondentUK
  • Kennedys delivers expertise, and the team understand the technical issues and are able to build relationships with insureds.

    Professional Negligence respondentUK
  • There is formidable strength and depth in the Kennedys team.

    Professional Negligence respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Jeremy Riley
    Band 1Jeremy Riley

    Jeremy Riley

    Jeremy Riley is highly sought after by major insurers and is recommended for his particular strength in handling indemnity cases against construction professionals and managing directors.
    • Jeremy Riley is a reliable and knowledgeable lawyer and is first class in his subject matter knowledge.

      Professional Negligence respondentUK
  • Band 2Claire Bushen
    Band 2Claire Bushen

    Claire Bushen

    Claire Bushen is regional managing partner of the firm's office in Manchester. She has notable experience in defending high-value professional negligence claims against firms of solicitors and accountants.
    • Claire Bushen is absolutely exceptional in every way.

      Professional Negligence respondentUK
    • Claire is a brilliant partner who is easy to work with and always understands insurers' needs.

      Professional Negligence respondentUK
  • Up and ComingHannah Williams
    Up and ComingHannah Williams

    Hannah Williams

    Hannah Williams is an up-and-coming partner in the firm's professional indemnity team. She handles a wide range of claims against architects, insurers, accountants and individual practitioners.
  • Up and ComingTom Handley
    Up and ComingTom Handley

    Tom Handley

    Tom Handley is an up-and-coming partner at Kennedys. He has considerable experience representing architects and contractors in professional negligence matters.
    • Tom Handley is a very strong construction lawyer who impresses with his ability to handle very difficult technical issues and to work with construction professionals.

      Professional Negligence respondentUK

Ranked Individuals at Kennedys (4)

North West

Members

Provided by Kennedys

Kennedys has rankings in the following guides

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