Kennedys: twenty years in Spain
Operational integration, new headquarters at Serrano 55, and a growth target of 30% in 2025/26, with Madrid acting as a two-way bridge with Latin America. Isidoro Ugena, managing partner of the Madrid office, speaks to Iberian Lawyer
di ilaria iaquinta
Twenty years after opening in Madrid, Kennedys is strengthening its presence in Spain with new headquarters at Serrano 55 and a 30% growth target for 2025/26. A litigation specialist — with 46 offices, 31 associate firms, over 360 partners, and nearly 3,000 professionals — the firm operates under a “one-firm” model for handling multi-jurisdictional claims. In conversation with Iberian Lawyer, Isidoro Ugena, managing partner of the Madrid office, summarises the strategy: “Kennedys goes wherever its clients need it”.
Founded in London in 1889, Kennedys has specialised in litigation and legal advisory services for the insurance sector from the outset. The internationalisation of insurance has cemented a model based on sectoral focus and jurisdictional coordination, which today underpins its presence in Spain and Madrid’s role as a regional hub.
The Madrid office opened in 2005 to serve the growing presence of international insurers and to act as a natural bridge to Latin America, thanks to the shared language, regulatory affinities and historical ties. The launch was low-profile — a small office on Calle Montalbán with two partners, three lawyers and three administrative staff — but guided by a clear roadmap. As the team grew, the firm moved several times, culminating in the relocation, announced for September 2025, to Serrano 55: a single-floor space of around 600 square metres, nearly doubling the size of the current premises on Paseo de la Castellana 40. The new space will foster collaboration and include areas for training and client-facing activities. In 2020, the office became a fully owned subsidiary of the UK firm, achieving full corporate integration. In 2024, Kennedys made several key lateral hires. In May, a team of 13 professionals joined from Clyde & Co, including partners Ignacio Figuerol (financial lines: D&O, financial institutions, and professional liability), Ricardo Garrido (construction/engineering, products, energy and environment, as well as policy wording), and Susana Martínez (financial lines — D&O, PI/E&O, and FI — cyber and reinsurance). In July, Jesús Iglesias, also from Clyde & Co, joined as partner in cyber and regulatory, with expertise in breach response, policy wording, and proceedings before the DGSFP and AEPD. “That move was a clear signal to the market: Kennedys is intent on becoming the leading insurance advisory brand in Spain”, Ugena summarises. Today, the team comprises 27 professionals (five partners, 18 lawyers, and four administrative staff). The practice areas include Regulatory; Civil liability and property; Energy; Construction; Financial lines and professional liability; Cyber (cyberattacks) and Marine — covering the main lines of the insurance business.
Positioning
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