Nick Humphrey—Kennedys

International law firm Kennedys has strengthened its global aviation practice with the hire of dispute resolution and commercial partner Nick Humphrey.

Nick 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. 

Focused on the aviation, logistics and defence sectors, Nick 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.

Nick 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. He 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, says: “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.”

Peng Lim, global head of aviation at Kennedys, says: “We are delighted that Nick is joining our expanding team. Nick is a strong business developer and his extensive experience, including his time spent in-house with a leading airline, will be of tremendous value to our international clients. His addition to our team in Dubai will enhance our strategic presence in MENA and I am very much looking forward to having him on board.”