Kennedys bolsters senior lawyer numbers with bumper round of promotions

Global law firm Kennedys has promoted 35 senior associates to legal director/of counsel and a further 59 lawyers to senior associate.

The firm announced the introduction of the legal director/of counsel role in 2021 to create a stronger career structure for senior lawyers at the firm, and recognise experience and technical excellence.

Kennedys global senior partner, Nick Thomas, said: “It is an exciting time to be part of the Kennedys family and I am delighted for all of those who have deservedly achieved their promotions as they continue their journey with the firm. At Kennedys we are proud of our commitment to career progression and the fact that we are able to promote so many individuals is a cause for great satisfaction.”

Kennedys global managing partner, Suzanne Liversidge, said: “Congratulations to all 94 of our team members who have achieved promotion. It is thoroughly deserved. Attracting and retaining top talent is fundamental to Kennedys. People are a key pillar of our WorkWise transformation programme, alongside technology and office space. Our aim is to make Kennedys a pre-eminent place to work.”

In April, Kennedys appointed Alan Demirkaya as global HR director to drive forward its transformation plans in relation to its people. He commented: “Well done to all those promoted. In the few months since joining the firm I have been blown away by the strength and depth of talent across the business. My focus is on ensuring that all the talent at Kennedys is nurtured, enabling individuals to grow.”

Those promoted to legal director/of counsel will be invited to take part in Kennedys’ global leadership programme. The programme is intended to enable its cohort to further build their practice and market presence, while also enhancing their leadership capability and global strategic networks.

These latest promotions follow a record partner promotion round in May, with 22 new partners and coincides with the firm welcoming 31 trainees: in August, the UK saw 20 trainees begin training contracts, while a further 11 trainees join in September via the SQE training programme.

Earlier this year, the firm also announced the next major phase of its ‘WorkWise’ global transformation programme, to move its London team into new office space in the city’s iconic Walkie-Talkie building and to relocate to new offices in Sydney.