Thomas Kendra transitions from Hogan Lovells to Kennedys partnership in Paris

Hogan Lovells’ Thomas Kendra has made the move to Kennedys’ Paris office. 

Kendra will be a lead partner for Kennedys’ commercial and investment arbitration practice. The firm confirmed that he would collaborate with the leadership team to grow the offering. 

Kendra is dual-qualified to practice in England and France. He has focused on international arbitration for more than two decades.  

He has represented multinational corporations in commercial arbitrations under all the major rules and institutions, and for both Nation States and investors in investment treaty arbitrations. He has worked across the energy, telecommunications, mining, insurance and life sciences sectors.  

Recently, Kendra tackled multi-billion dollar disputes in the energy sector in Europe, disputes relating to the alleged expropriation of mining licences in Africa and in Central Asia, major telecoms disputes in Central Europe and West Africa, and investment arbitrations in the food production and also energy sectors in Latin America. 

He is an advocate for alternative dispute resolution in Africa and Asia. He was key to the launch of the Kigali International Arbitration Centre (KIAC) in Rwanda and sits on its board and executive committee. He is also a current co-president of AfricArb, an organization focused on driving the development of international arbitration in Africa. 

Kendra also holds teaching positions at the Sciences Po (Paris Institute of Political Studies) and Paris-Saclay University. 

Kennedys EMEA regional managing partner Andrew McGahey and Paris office co-founder and managing partner Alexis Valençon highlighted Kendra’s international arbitration experience and “broad book of business” as major assets for the firm. 

“Thomas is highly regarded in the commercial dispute resolution community, both in France and internationally, for his exceptional performance and ability to navigate complex cases with precision. His leadership and expertise will play a crucial role in expanding our international arbitration capabilities, a strategic focus of our growing corporate and commercial practice,” said Ben Aram, global head of Kennedys’ corporate and commercial practice.