Clydes scores hat trick of new partner signings
Clyde & Co has made a triple partner hire in one week, raiding rival firms Stephenson Harwood and Kennedys to boost its insurance and aviation groups.
Partners Manoj Vaghela and Lisa Payne-Lawrey, along with two assistants, are joining Clydes from Kennedys. The team specialises in contentious insurance work.
Meanwhile, Philip Perrotta joins Clydes' aviation finance group from Stephensons. He becomes the firm's fourth aviation finance partner in London after the merger of Clydes with aviation boutique Beaumont & Son.
Perrotta previously worked in-house at BAE Systems and Airbus and has experience in all types of aircraft financing and leasing. His hire comes only a month after the appointment of Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer senior associate Siva Subramaniam as an aviation finance partner.
"Clyde & Co's strategy for growth in the aviation and aerospace sector is both intelligent and competitive - the opportunity to be part of its future was compelling," said Perrotta.
The Kennedys team brings expertise in 'Bermuda Form' excess liability insurance policies, along with product liability and pharmaceutical disputes.
Clydes senior partner Michael Payton said the hires would strengthen the firm's position in the competitive Bermuda Form market.
Kennedys senior partner Nick Thomas wished the departing team well, saying: "It's becoming apparent that their specialist skills and areas of work are diverging from Kennedys' strategic aims. We can understand why they feel that this may limit the way they wish to develop their practice within the firm."
A Stephensons spokesperson wished Perrotta well, adding that the firm is committed to the future of its aviation practice.
