Kennedys has entered a formal association with long-time Middle East ally Zelichav, Ben-Dan & Co, a specialist insurance and medical malpractice firm based in Tel Aviv.

The firms have worked together for more than a decade, and say they have decided to formalise their agreement after an increased volume of cross-border and international referrals.

Zelichov has four partners and 16 lawyers, all based in the firm's single office in Herzliya, Tel Aviv. The firm acts for a large number of global and domestic insurers, risk management companies, public and governmental companies, and healthcare providers.

Kennedys partner and head of its Israel desk Ben Aram said: "Our association with trusted friends at Zelichov, Ben-Dan & Co enables us to provide our global clients with strong litigation and dispute resolution services in Israel, and focus on local as well as cross-border insurance coverage issues and claims defence work. Expanding our international reach remains key to our strategy and this latest association brings more opportunities for our global network."

Kennedys now has 24 offices and associations within the EMEA region.

Zelichov managing partner Zvika Zelicho said the firms' new relationship will "substantially grow the volume of Israel-related work for both firms", and comes after "a steady increase in the number of international insurers actively involved in the Israeli insurance market".

Zelichov added: "We will now be able fully to tap into Kennedys' expertise and global reach, providing our clients with additional cross-border advice and services."

Kennedys last signed an association with Italian boutique Studio Legale Rinaldi Association in 2017.