Insurance law firm Kennedys has promoted Mr James Melvin to the position of Regional Managing Partner for APAC, effective 1 March 2026, and Ms Nicole Wearne to the position of Australian Managing Partner.
Mr Melvin has served as the Sydney office’s Managing Partner since 2015. His practice includes a focus on defence and coverage advice within financial lines, directors and officers, management liability, regulatory investigations and professional indemnity (PI) for a range of professionals across multiple sectors.
He takes over from Mr Matt Andrews, who is stepping down to allow more time to focus on his role with the global Executive Group, and devote additional time to his practice. Mr Andrews is currently the lead Australian partner on the multi-jurisdictional litigation arising from the collapse of Greensill Capital.
Ms Wearne joined Kennedys in June 2024 and is a member of the firm’s global Governance Group. With board and governance experience from previous roles, together with more than 30 years’ experience in financial lines disputes, she will focus on delivering the firm’s global strategy in Australia.
She will continue to manage her practice, which includes coverage advice and defence of complex litigation across financial lines, PI, regulatory disputes and class action work.
Ms Wearne takes over from Mr Jonathan Wyatt, who will step back to focus on his practice.