Kennedys is pleased to announce that we have appointed Florida-qualified Neil Bayer as a partner in our Miami office, enabling Kennedys to practice US law for the first time.

Neil Bayer

The Miami office was established in 2010 as a hub for Latin America to advise clients in the management of insurance claims and non-contentious issues arising in Latin America and the Caribbean. To date, the office has provided a resource to international insurance and reinsurance clients operating in this fast-growing region. The appointment of Neil, who already works with a wide range of globally recognised London Market insurers, further strengthens our London Market capability.

Neil has extensive litigation experience of maritime-related areas working with insurance underwriters and private clients, and on issues relating to yacht and super yachts, including first and third party insurance claims involving both property damage and personal injury. Neil also has experience in aviation and specialty lines, including fine art and specie.

He handles a wide array of blue water claims involving physical damage and personal injury liabilities arising from marina and boat yard operations, collisions, marine salvage, personal watercraft, passenger and crew liabilities (including Jones Act) and environmental damage claims emanating from vessel operation and navigation.

Neil has a long-standing working relationship with Kennedys and has provided support on US law points relating to the firm’s Latin American insurance and reinsurance work. He has also worked with our London and Singapore offices, and our associate offices in India. His strengths in the insurance and reinsurance industry will further help our London Market clients linking to the insurance powerhouses of New York and Bermuda.

Neil is qualified as an attorney, and registered before the Federal Courts, in Florida. He holds a ‘pre-emiment’ rating from Martindale and Hubbell in admiralty and maritime law.

He joins along with paralegal Cinthia Delgado, strengthening our legal support to insurance and reinsurance clients.

Alex Guillamont, head of Kennedys’ Miami office, says:
“I am delighted to welcome Neil to Kennedys. His experience with clients and insurance issues will really help to strengthen our presence here in Miami, providing clients with seamless advice across key insurance markets, including the US. I am looking forward to working with him. The growth of our practice in Miami has reached an optimum size to support Latin America and the Caribbean, and our London Market clients. Looking ahead, we will see further developments for Kennedys in local jurisdictions across Latin America and we’re excited about organically growing our US capability through our first partner appointment.”

Neil Bayer says:
“I am excited to be joining Kennedys, allowing the firm to practice US law for the first time. The firm has an excellent reputation in the insurance market and it’s the ideal platform for me and my clients.”