Kennedys is set to lose four marine insurance partners to DWF, as the global legal and business services provider strengthens its practice with key hires.

Among those making the move is Chris Dunn, head of Kennedys’ marine practice, along with partners Mark Lloyd, Jonathan Evans, and Michael Biltoo. All four are based in London.

The team specializes in marine insurance litigation, including coverage disputes, recovery actions, charterers’ liability claims, reinsurance, and international trade disputes. They have worked on high-profile claims and have extensive experience in ICC, LCIA, and LMAA arbitrations.

The move is the latest in a series of significant hires by DWF, further strengthening the global capabilities of its Insurance Services division. It follows the recent addition of 62 people to its Australian insurance business from the law firm, Hall & Wilcox. Last month, it hired 28 people from Quebec-based law firm Belanger Sauvé, establishing Montreal as its 4^th Canadian office in the process. Last September, it completed the acquisition of the leading Australian claims management business, Proclaim.

DWF is one of the world’s leading providers of legal and business services to the insurance industry, with around 2,000 people in its global Insurance Services division.

Commenting on the latest additions, Matthew Doughty, CEO of DWF’s Insurance Services division, said: “We are delighted to welcome this excellent team to DWF. Marine insurance is a globally significant market and a core area of focus for us. These arrivals will add strength and depth to our offering. It also further demonstrates our commitment to building our resources globally, ensuring we have the right support in place for our clients, wherever that support is needed.”

David Abbott, senior partner of DWF’s insurance services division, added: “These new arrivals underline our commitment to grow marine work globally and to be a leading player in key insurance markets.  We look forward to working with the team to grow our marine offering and to providing a market leading service to our clients.”