Kennedys has made up seven new partners as the firm converts to a limited liability partnership (LLP) structure as of 1 May.

In its first promotions round since joining the UK top 50 last year, the insurance firm has made up five partners in the UK with a further two coming in the firm's base in Hong Kong.

Two of the new partners are part of Kennedys' London insurance practice, with another insurance partner made up in the firm's Taunton office.

Kennedys' liability practice receives two new partners with one each in London and Chelmsford respectively.

In Hong Kong, insurance lawyer Meiling Yip and maritime and international trade lawyer Anthony Woo join the firm's global partnership.

The total number of promotions is an increase of six on the number made up last year and brings firmwide partner numbers to 138.

Kennedys senior partner Nick Thomas (pictured) commented: "I am delighted that, both in the UK and worldwide, our business continues to expand and the expertise of our people continues to grow. These are exciting and significant developments for Kennedys as we, after many office openings, mergers and lateral hires, convert to LLP status."

Separately, former Halliwells partner Suzanne Liversidge has joined Kennedys today (4 May) as a partner in the firm's liability division.

Liversidge's move to Kennedys was announced at the end of last year when the firm revealed its intention to launch in Sheffield with the hire of a 70-strong team including eight partners from Halliwells.

Kennedys partner promotions in full

Jane Williams, insurance, London
Michael Hogg, insurance, London
Simon Combe, insurance, Taunton
Rob Tobin, liability, London
Jenny Harris, liability, Chelmsford
Meiling Yip, insurance, Hong Kong
Anthony Woo, maritime, Hong Kong