London, UK, New York, NY – LAWFUEL – The Legal Newswire – October 30, 2007 Kendall Freeman and US law firm Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge (“EAPD”) today announced a plan to merge effective January 1, 2008. The merger will significantly enhance the capabilities of the firms’ insurance and reinsurance practices and offers synergies in their commercial litigation and corporate practices by providing an international platform to serve clients on both sides of the Atlantic. The combined firm will have more than 600 attorneys and solicitors practicing in 11 offices.
“This is a fantastic opportunity that will add value to many of the services our firms provide to clients in the financial services sector, in particular in the insurance and reinsurance industries.” said Terrence M. Finn, Co-Managing Partner of EAPD. “This merger fits within the firm’s overall plan, and is a natural step in the continued development of the firm’s international footprint,” he added.
Both EAPD and Kendall Freeman are internationally recognized, particularly in the United States, Europe, Bermuda and Hong Kong, for their work in the insurance and reinsurance industry. Uniting the two legal teams will enable both firms to enhance their service to this industry and will provide a competitive advantage. EAPD Partner, Alan J. Levin and Kendall Freeman Senior Partner, David Kendall, will chair the firm’s 100-attorney Insurance & Reinsurance Department.
“We are very excited about this merger,” said David Kendall. “This merger will give our clients an unparalleled depth and breadth of experience in the global insurance market. EAPD has a highly regarded insurance and reinsurance practice with strengths in coverage, reinsurance, regulatory and corporate law that is supported by a strong corporate and securities practice. In addition the combined experience and expertise of the merged firm’s litigation department will provide a powerful global dispute resolution practice.”
“Since we started talking about a merger, we have all been struck by how similar our approaches and cultures are.” said Laurence Harris, Managing Partner of Kendall Freeman. “Over the years our size and specialisms have made us a natural target for other firms to talk to. None were as good a business fit as EAPD; none offered the opportunity to build leading international insurance and reinsurance practices and first class international litigation and corporate practices. EAPD is a firm where we can maintain the valued culture of collegiality and support that we have in London. We are very excited about the merger and about the international capability it offers our clients”.
Terrence Finn and Charles E. DeWitt will continue to serve as Co-Managing Partners of Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge. Laurence Harris will serve as Partner-in-Charge of the firm’s London office and will join EAPD’s Executive Committee along with David Kendall.
