Kennedys continues to strengthen its position as a leading global law firm with a strategic expansion of its United States corporate and commercial practice. This development underscores the firm’s ongoing investment in key markets and its commitment to delivering comprehensive legal solutions to clients across multiple sectors. The appointment of senior legal professionals and the expansion of regional offices mark a significant milestone in Kennedys’ North American growth strategy.

Strategic Expansion Overview

Under the leadership of Marc Casarino, Head of the US Corporate and Commercial Practice, Kennedys has announced the appointment of Philip Allogramento as Partner in its New Jersey office and Dawn Valentine as Special Counsel in San Francisco. These appointments form part of a deliberate and coordinated effort to enhance the firm’s transactional and litigation capabilities across the United States, reflecting Kennedys’ dedication to excellence, regional presence, and client service.

New Appointments and Expertise

Mr Allogramento brings over two decades of experience in corporate law, with a focus on bankruptcy, creditors’ rights, commercial law, banking and finance, and commercial litigation. His expertise spans both transactional and contentious matters, including representation of debtors and creditors in Chapter 7 and 11 cases, workouts, and corporate wind-downs.

Ms Valentine, with more than 25 years’ experience in commercial and bad faith litigation, adds further depth to the firm’s litigation offering. Her arrival enhances Kennedys’ capacity to manage complex disputes and complements the team’s growing transactional practice. In addition, three new associates have joined the practice group, two in Wilmington and one in New York, reinforcing the firm’s East Coast presence.

Investment and Regional Growth

These appointments coincide with substantial investment in Kennedys’ US operations, including the relocation of its New York and New Jersey offices to state-of-the-art facilities and the recent addition of eight lawyers in Seattle. Since 2024, Kennedys has expanded its national footprint with new offices in Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, and Seattle, alongside significant recruitment initiatives that have brought more than forty attorneys to the firm in 2025, including four lateral partners.

The expansion aligns with the firm’s broader North American success, highlighted by a 22% year-over-year revenue increase in the 2024/2025 financial year.

Client Service and Industry Focus

Kennedys remains a global market leader in the insurance sector, with 77 offices, associations and co-operations worldwide. The firm’s lawyers handle both contentious and non-contentious matters across diverse industries, including insurance and reinsurance, banking and finance, healthcare, life sciences, marine, construction, and transport.

The firm’s guiding principle is to provide straightforward, commercially attuned advice, supported by deep industry knowledge and a truly international outlook.

Culture and Values

At the heart of Kennedys’ continued success lies its culture of being approachable, supportive, and distinctive. The firm empowers its people to deliver their best work, foster collaboration, and build enduring relationships with clients. This human-centred approach remains integral to Kennedys’ mission to make a tangible difference for its clients and communities alike.

Conclusion

Kennedys’ latest expansion represents more than growth in numbers; it signifies a strategic enhancement of capability, reach, and service excellence. Through continued investment in talent, technology, and regional presence, the firm is well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of clients across the United States and beyond.