Kennedys Strengthens Corporate Division with New Appointments

Kennedys, an international law firm, has strategically bolstered its corporate and commercial division with the appointment of new partners in London, elevating its expertise in financial crime and corporate transactions. Lowri Jones joins from Cripps, and Will White from DLA Piper, each bringing substantial experience in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), financial crime, compliance, and regulatory issues. This development aligns with the firm's earlier recruitment of commercial disputes partner Samson Spanier, marking 2026 as a significant growth year for Kennedys.

Jones, boasting over 20 years in corporate transactions, advises primarily insurance intermediaries and regulated businesses on M&A, investment ventures, and corporate counsel. Her extensive experience includes successfully completing more than a hundred deals within the insurance and financial services sectors, effectively guiding clients through complex acquisition processes.

White specializes in comprehensive financial crime issues, including bribery, fraud, and money laundering, alongside broader compliance areas such as whistleblowing and workplace misconduct. His advisory services extend to conducting internal investigations and handling regulatory compliance requirements for clients in the financial, entertainment, sports, and retail sectors both in the UK and internationally.

Kennedys' corporate and commercial practice has been recognized by The Legal 500 2026 for its competitive stature, comparable to leading legal firms. The practice offers strategic legal advice across various jurisdictions, including the UK, Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific, and the Americas, with expertise spanning tax, financial crime, insolvency, commercial disputes, employment, real estate, and product law.

Andy Brown, Global Co-Head of Corporate and Commercial and UK Divisional Head at Kennedys, stated, “The continued growth of our corporate and commercial practice is a strategic priority for the firm. The arrival of Lowri and Will strengthens our capabilities in two important areas. Will has a strong track record advising on complex financial crime investigations and compliance matters, while Lowri brings a wealth of experience guiding insurance intermediaries through sophisticated M&A activity. Their appointments further deepen the breadth of experience we can offer our global clients.”

Will White, expressing his enthusiasm, noted, "I was immediately attracted to Kennedys by its clear growth ambitions and excellent market reputation. With strong demand for straightforward advice on both financial crime matters and the ever-expanding corporate compliance landscape, I look forward to working with colleagues across the global firm to support clients facing these challenges."

Lowri Jones highlighted the opportunities at Kennedys by saying, “With the firm’s deep understanding of the insurance sector, international reach, and growing corporate and commercial capabilities, Kennedys provides an exciting platform to support clients across transactions and broader corporate advisory matters. I am excited for what lies ahead.”