Kennedys boosts global aviation practice
Kennedys has strengthened its global aviation practice with the hire of dispute resolution and commercial partner Nick Humphrey. He joins a team of 58 specialist lawyers across Europe, Asia Pacific and the Americas, effective January 2, 2017.
Humphrey will be based in Dubai and joins from Clyde & Co, where he led its Middle East and North Africa (MENA) aviation disputes and regulatory practice. Humphrey’s appointment builds on the aviation team hires in Kennedys’ Singapore and Hong Kong offices in December 2014 and the local appointment of corporate insurance partner Simon Isgar in 2015.
Focused on the aviation, logistics and defence sectors, Humphrey represents airlines, aircraft and UAV operators, aviation service providers, engine and aircraft lessors, aircraft maintenance organisations and insurers in major aviation litigation arising from aircraft accidents, regulatory issues and aircraft leasing, sale and purchase and commercial disputes.
Humphrey is experienced in complex cross-border court litigations and arbitrations across various jurisdictions including Afghanistan, Australia, British Virgin Islands, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Nick has most recently advised various aircraft lessors on doing business in Iran. Having qualified as a solicitor in 2005, Nick became a partner at Sydney-based law firm Norton White in 2009, before moving to Dubai as senior legal counsel for Supreme Group in 2010. He also worked as a legal advisor for Emirates in 2012 before joining Clyde & Co in 2014.
Nick Thomas, senior partner at Kennedys, said, “Nick’s appointment, and the growth of our global aviation team, will be of great benefit to our clients in the MENA and international markets; giving them access to both local and global expertise. Nick joins Dubai partners Peter Ellingham, Andrew MacCuish, Simon Isgar and Mark Wilson, and as ever we remain committed to attracting the very best talent where our clients need it.”
Commenting on his new appointment, Nick Humphrey said, “Kennedys has invested in a leading aviation legal team, so this is a great move for me to further my lifelong interest in the aviation industry. I’m looking forward to helping grow Kennedys Dubai office and utilising my deep understanding of aviation businesses to help develop visionary solutions to an industry that is always looking for cost-savings and efficiencies.”
This appointment follows the hire of senior associate Sam Mason, also from Clyde & Co, to the global aviation practice. Sam has experience across all aspects of aviation liability from major catastrophe, cargo, personal injury, baggage and delay claims. He also acts for a wide range of airlines, ground handlers and airports.
