Kennedys Expands Aviation Expertise with Acquisition of Cunningham Swaim Law Firm
Kennedys, a prominent global litigation and dispute resolution law firm, has made a significant move to elevate its aviation sector prowess by welcoming a 14-attorney team from the esteemed Dallas-based aviation trial boutique firm Cunningham Swaim. This strategic integration not only enhances Kennedys' already impressive aviation and insurance capabilities, but also effectively more than doubles its footprint in Texas by establishing a new office in Dallas.
The team from Cunningham Swaim is recognized as one of the largest aviation trial groups in the United States, with a wealth of experience that spans decades. The group is led by partners Ross Cunningham and Steven Sanfelippo, who have been instrumental in representing airlines, insurers, manufacturers, and various other stakeholders in the aviation sector. Their impressive credentials include participation in some of the most intricate and high-stakes aviation trials across the country. Both Cunningham and Don Swaim are proud members of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), a testament to the team’s extensive courtroom experience and commitment to excellence.
Having collectively handled over 200 aviation trials nationwide, which amounts to more than 1,500 trial days, the Cunningham Swaim team specializes in various high-pressure scenarios including catastrophic aviation losses, complex liability disputes, and significant appellate cases. Their depth of expertise positions them as an invaluable partner for clients facing serious aviation litigation and claim exposure.
One of the team's notable accomplishments includes serving as lead defense counsel in the high-profile litigation surrounding the tragic Calabasas helicopter crash involving NBA star Kobe Bryant and several others. This case not only exemplifies the serious nature of aviation litigation but also highlights the substantial legal complexities involved.
With approximately 50 lawyers specializing in aviation law, Kennedys already boasts a robust global aviation practice that spans multiple regions including the UK, Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific, and Latin America. The addition of the Cunningham Swaim team effectively strengthens this international practice, merging their profound US trial experience with Kennedys' extensive global reach and comprehensive insurance capabilities.
The establishment of the new Dallas office is a significant step forward for Kennedys, as it will serve as a strategic base to support clients across various sectors, including aviation, product liability, and insurance. In a statement, Eric Hiller, US Managing Partner at Kennedys, emphasized the growing complexities and international dimensions of aviation risk, stating, "Our clients benefit from the ability to utilize sector knowledge across jurisdictions when dealing with intricate matters. Adding Ross, Steve, and their team not only builds upon our existing capabilities but also enhances the resources available to clients facing complex aviation issues."
Ross Cunningham expressed enthusiasm regarding the integration as well, affirming that their practice has always revolved around being there when high-stakes situations arise. Cunningham stated, "Aviation litigation can encompass extraordinary factual, technical, and legal complexities. Clients require a nimble and creative team they can rely on to navigate these challenges effectively. By joining Kennedys, we gain the chance to augment our experience and focus within a firm that possesses the global resources and existing aviation expertise necessary to support our clients wherever their legal matters might lead."
In alignment with this strategic acquisition, Cunningham Swaim's Sanfelippo acknowledged that Kennedys provides an excellent platform for the future evolution of their practice. He noted the firm’s deep-rooted connections within the insurance industry and superior global aviation capabilities foster opportunities for cross-jurisdictional collaboration, ultimately benefiting their clients by offering an even wider array of resources.
The announcement of this new team addition comes during a period of sustained growth for Kennedys, which recently reported its twelfth consecutive year of increasing global revenue, reaching approximately $615 million—a notable increase of 9.1%. The firm's North American operations exhibited robust performance, with revenue surging 22.5%, underscoring the growing demand for their services.
Kennedys continues to enhance its US platform via strategic hires, new offices, and investments in specialized practices. With 13 offices and over 330 attorneys—including more than 100 partners—Kennedys is responding effectively to the complexities facing clients in both North America and international markets. The integration of the Cunningham Swaim aviation team positions Kennedys for continued growth and success, aligning with its broader strategy to merge specialized expertise with an expanding geographic presence in order to meet the intricate needs of its diverse client base globally.
About Kennedys: Kennedys is a global litigation and dispute resolution firm with a workforce exceeding 3,000 spread across 45 offices in 18 countries. The firm is committed to delivering innovative and customized legal solutions to clients. Their teams specialize in various sectors including aviation, energy, marine, and healthcare, emphasizing pre- and post-litigation support, coverage issues, and dispute resolution. In FY26, Kennedys attained impressive revenue milestones, reinforcing its status as a leader in the legal landscape.
The team from Cunningham Swaim is recognized as one of the largest aviation trial groups in the United States, with a wealth of experience that spans decades. The group is led by partners Ross Cunningham and Steven Sanfelippo, who have been instrumental in representing airlines, insurers, manufacturers, and various other stakeholders in the aviation sector. Their impressive credentials include participation in some of the most intricate and high-stakes aviation trials across the country. Both Cunningham and Don Swaim are proud members of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), a testament to the team’s extensive courtroom experience and commitment to excellence.
Having collectively handled over 200 aviation trials nationwide, which amounts to more than 1,500 trial days, the Cunningham Swaim team specializes in various high-pressure scenarios including catastrophic aviation losses, complex liability disputes, and significant appellate cases. Their depth of expertise positions them as an invaluable partner for clients facing serious aviation litigation and claim exposure.
One of the team's notable accomplishments includes serving as lead defense counsel in the high-profile litigation surrounding the tragic Calabasas helicopter crash involving NBA star Kobe Bryant and several others. This case not only exemplifies the serious nature of aviation litigation but also highlights the substantial legal complexities involved.
With approximately 50 lawyers specializing in aviation law, Kennedys already boasts a robust global aviation practice that spans multiple regions including the UK, Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific, and Latin America. The addition of the Cunningham Swaim team effectively strengthens this international practice, merging their profound US trial experience with Kennedys' extensive global reach and comprehensive insurance capabilities.
The establishment of the new Dallas office is a significant step forward for Kennedys, as it will serve as a strategic base to support clients across various sectors, including aviation, product liability, and insurance. In a statement, Eric Hiller, US Managing Partner at Kennedys, emphasized the growing complexities and international dimensions of aviation risk, stating, "Our clients benefit from the ability to utilize sector knowledge across jurisdictions when dealing with intricate matters. Adding Ross, Steve, and their team not only builds upon our existing capabilities but also enhances the resources available to clients facing complex aviation issues."
Ross Cunningham expressed enthusiasm regarding the integration as well, affirming that their practice has always revolved around being there when high-stakes situations arise. Cunningham stated, "Aviation litigation can encompass extraordinary factual, technical, and legal complexities. Clients require a nimble and creative team they can rely on to navigate these challenges effectively. By joining Kennedys, we gain the chance to augment our experience and focus within a firm that possesses the global resources and existing aviation expertise necessary to support our clients wherever their legal matters might lead."
In alignment with this strategic acquisition, Cunningham Swaim's Sanfelippo acknowledged that Kennedys provides an excellent platform for the future evolution of their practice. He noted the firm’s deep-rooted connections within the insurance industry and superior global aviation capabilities foster opportunities for cross-jurisdictional collaboration, ultimately benefiting their clients by offering an even wider array of resources.
The announcement of this new team addition comes during a period of sustained growth for Kennedys, which recently reported its twelfth consecutive year of increasing global revenue, reaching approximately $615 million—a notable increase of 9.1%. The firm's North American operations exhibited robust performance, with revenue surging 22.5%, underscoring the growing demand for their services.
Kennedys continues to enhance its US platform via strategic hires, new offices, and investments in specialized practices. With 13 offices and over 330 attorneys—including more than 100 partners—Kennedys is responding effectively to the complexities facing clients in both North America and international markets. The integration of the Cunningham Swaim aviation team positions Kennedys for continued growth and success, aligning with its broader strategy to merge specialized expertise with an expanding geographic presence in order to meet the intricate needs of its diverse client base globally.
About Kennedys: Kennedys is a global litigation and dispute resolution firm with a workforce exceeding 3,000 spread across 45 offices in 18 countries. The firm is committed to delivering innovative and customized legal solutions to clients. Their teams specialize in various sectors including aviation, energy, marine, and healthcare, emphasizing pre- and post-litigation support, coverage issues, and dispute resolution. In FY26, Kennedys attained impressive revenue milestones, reinforcing its status as a leader in the legal landscape.
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