Kindleworth takes its law firm launch playbook to New York
Kindleworth has opened a New York office and made two senior appointments as it expands its business helping lawyers establish independent firms in the US.
The consultancy has helped launch more than 50 law firms and offices globally, including Three Crowns and Pallas Partners, and secured investment from Burford Capital last year.
London-based consultancy Kindleworth has opened an office in New York, expanding its business helping senior lawyers leave established firms to launch their own practices.
Kindleworth appointed Maryana Kodner as partner and head of US operations to lead the expansion. A former Clifford Chance litigator, Kodner has spent more than two decades in senior operational roles helping build and grow boutique law firms in New York.
The consultancy has also recruited Anand David as a strategic advisor. David has overseen the recruitment and integration of more than 300 partners and partner-led teams during his time working at legacy Hogan Lovells, White & Case and Morrison Foerster.
Building the next boutiques
Kindleworth, which has grown to 60 professionals, helps lawyers establish independent firms, providing support across financing, strategy, recruitment, technology and day-to-day operations.
It has supported more than 50 law firm and office launches globally, including the US launches of international arbitration specialist Three Crowns in Washington DC and disputes boutique Pallas Partners in New York.
Kindleworth CEO James Hacking said the expansion reflects a broader shift towards specialist firms as senior lawyers seek greater control over their practices.
“Over the past decade we've had a front-row seat to one of the most significant shifts in the legal industry, as leading partners choose to build focused, entrepreneurial firms rather than remain within traditional structures,” he said.
“We see the same forces accelerating across the United States and believe New York is the natural next step for Kindleworth,” Hacking added.
The New York launch also follows a strategic minority investment from litigation funder Burford Capital in 2025, giving Kindleworth additional backing as it expands internationally.
Listen to The Non-Billable Podcast episode with Kindleworth partners Mike Estill and James Hacking, where they first mentioned the firm’s US ambitions.
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