Law firm Kennedys has made two leadership appointments in its Australian and Asia-Pacific operations. 

James Melvin will become Asia-Pacific regional managing partner, and Nicole Wearne has been promoted to be Australian managing partner.  

Mr Melvin has been managing partner at Kennedys’ Sydney office since 2015, specialising in defence for financial lines, directors and officers, management liability, regulatory investigations and professional indemnity across various industries. 

He succeeds Matt Andrews, who will take on additional responsibilities in Kennedys’ global executive operation and his own practice. 

Ms Wearne takes over from Jonathan Wyatt. She joined Kennedys in 2024 as a partner based in Melbourne and is a member of the firm’s global governance group. 

Mr Melvin and Ms Wearne will also lead Kennedys’ Australian financial lines practice.  

Mr Andrews says the firm’s Asia-Pacific operations have notched a 50% increase in revenue over the past five years and he is confident the pair “will continue to build on that momentum for the region, while ensuring we remain closely aligned with our global strategy. 

“I would like to thank Jonathan for his time in the Australian managing partner role – he has been an invaluable member of our leadership team and has contributed significantly to our growth and our continuing success.”