Kennedys further expands Latin America presence

Re/insurance law firm Kennedys has expanded in Latin America with a new office in Mexico and the appointment of three new partners to lead it.

Michael Hennessy has been appointed to head the complex claims and re/insurance coverage practice. He is joined by two other partners Alberto Torres Martínez and Gerardo Plata Iturralde. The trio will be supported by six associates, two trainees and a legal secretary.

Martínez, who joins from his own firm Bufete Torres Martínez & Asociados, will lead the defence litigation practice in Mexico. He has over 25 years of experience in insurance and surety.

Iturralde, who also joins the company with over 25 years of insurance experience in Mexico, will lead the medical malpractice and marine practice in the new office, boosting Kennedys Marine.

The new office will provide claims litigation and re/insurance coverage advice, including general liability, energy, property, construction and engineering, mining, marine, aviation, Directors’ & Officers’ and medical malpractice.

Alex Guillamont, head of Latin American and Caribbean practice, said: “Mexico is the second largest insurance market in Latin America and continues to grow, with a number of our global re/insurance clients in this jurisdiction. This development in Mexico City enables us to provide a better service to our re/insurer clients who will benefit greatly from the team’s specialist local knowledge. The relocation of Michael from Miami to Mexico also provides our clients with continuity.”

Nick Thomas, senior partner at Kennedys, added: “Our expansion continues apace in Latin America and I am delighted to offer our clients global expertise locally in this insurance stronghold. Our Mexican office is critical to Kennedys’ ongoing success in Latin America and adds to our considerable capabilities across the region. Our combination of global and local knowledge is valued greatly by our clients, who have influenced our decision to open there. I wish the team all the very best.”

It is company's fifth office in Latin America, following Brazil, Peru, Chile and Colombia, all of which are supported by Kennedys' Miami office.

The company recently increased its presence in Europe through an association with Italian law firm Studio Legale Rinaldi Associati (RASS).