Kennedys has hired a 24-strong casualty claims team from Hill Dickinson’s Sheffield office, resulting in the closure of the latter’s operations in the region.
The team, which will bolster Kennedy’s own Sheffield office, consists of three partners and 21 support staff. The partners leading the group are Alan Dury, Suzanne Wilkinson and Paul Bedford, who all joined Hill Dickinson from DLA Piper in 2013. Collectively, they specialise in defending casualty claims related to disease and catastrophic injury matters.
The team’s transfer to Kennedys is expected to be completed on 3 April 2017.
Hill Dickinson chief operating officer Iain Johnston told Legal Business: ‘We’re trying to make sure, whatever we do, the client gets the right level of service for as long as possible and that our people and staff get as smooth a transition as possible to the next stage of their careers.
‘As a firm we’re committed to continuing our growth strategy and our regional presence is really important, but in this particular case it was the right decision on balance.’
Kennedys senior partner Nick Thomas (pictured) said: ‘Alan is thrilled to be bringing the entire Sheffield casualty team with him. Not only do we share the same clients, which makes this a fantastic fit, Kennedys’ international network is a distinct advantage for the team.’
The firm’s Sheffield office head Suzanne Liversidge added: ‘Following our recent global expansion, we’re continuing that growth strategy with a focus on both domestic and international expansion from Europe to further afield.’
Thomas’s firm has embarked upon an expansive start to 2017, opening new offices in both Italy and Mexico since the start of the year. Mexican-born partner Michael Hennessy is heading up the new Mexico office, with Egidio Rinaldi leading a team of nine partners across offices in Milan, Rome and Bologna.
tom.baker@legalease.co.uk
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