Kennedys hires 24-strong casualty team from Hill Dickinson

Kennedys has recruited the entire casualty team from Hill Dickinson.

The team, made up of three partners and 21 legal and support staff will now become part of Kennedys’ national personal injury practice.

Leading the team are Alan Dury, Suzanne Wilkinson and Paul Bedford, who are well-known for their expertise in advising on, and defending, casualty claims, including disease and catastrophic injury matters. They moved from DLA Piper to Hill Dickinson in 2013 and act for (re)insurers, loss adjusters and corporates across multiple sectors, including retail, manufacturing, construction and logistics.

Dury began his career as a trainee with DLA Piper and was a partner there for 13 years before moving to Hill Dickinson. He has led the team for over 10 years. Wilkinson started her career at DLA Piper and became a partner upon moving to Hill Dickinson where she has led on the defence of a number of significant claims, including one which defined the law concerning property damage caused between neighbours. Bedford specialises in handling public liability matters, such as claims against rail operators, logistics companies, leisure operators, private security firms and probation trusts.

Nick Thomas, a senior partner at Kennedys, said: “I’m delighted that Alan, Suzanne, Paul and their team are set to join Kennedys. They come with excellent reputations and strong client relationships that fit with our insurance and claims strategy. Their appointments significantly complement our local expertise in the north and reinforce our appetite for attracting top talent.

“Alan is thrilled to be bringing the entire Sheffield casualty team with him. Not only do we share the same clients, which makes this a fantastic fit, Kennedys’ international network is a distinct advantage for the team. We’re delighted that their clients have been so encouraging about the move.”

Mark Dugdale