Kennedys boosts Asia-Pacific expertise with marine partner hire

Kennedys has boosted its international marine insurance and shipping practice, and particularly its Korean expertise, with the appointment of disputes partner Deug Rong (“DR”) Lee from Clyde & Co.

DR joins Kennedys’ international marine insurance and shipping team, which came about as a result of their merger with Waltons & Morse in November last year. He will be based in the firm’s London office.

With over 20 years’ experience, including time spent as head of legal at global shipping company Pan Ocean Co Ltd, DR’s practice is focused primarily on the Korean market, where he  acts for all the leading shipyards. He focuses on litigation and arbitration relating to shipbuilding and offshore construction projects, shipping, international trade, commercial sale contracts, oil and gas projects, marine insurance and marine casualties.

DR says, “I was attracted to Kennedys because it is well known for its specialist expertise spanning the sectors in which my Korean clients operate. I am particularly interested in its growing international reach and its excellent reputation in dispute resolution, both of which I hope to further build.”

Christopher Dunn, partner and Head of Marine, says: “DR’s experience will help us to boost our marine practice and our international capability, particularly in the Korean market where he is very well known. The merger with boutique marine insurance firm, Waltons & Morse, has been extremely successful and we have an appetite for further growth and attracting top talent.”