HFW > London, England > Firm Profile

HFW > The Legal 500 Rankings

Dispute resolution > Commodities disputes Tier 1

HFW is known for ‘excellence in delivering practical and actionable advice across the team, particularly in respect of physical seaborne commodities‘. The firm has a stellar roster of clients, among the  BP Oil, Louis Dreyfus, Goldman Sachs and Vitol. Alistair Feeney, who is ‘clever, calm, and presents his advice clearly and succinctly‘, leads the practice, which features a deep bench of talent. Damian Honey, whose broad portfolio of work for commodity traders, producers, financiers and insurers includes sales and disputes, ‘provides pragmatic, commercial advice‘. He represented Vitol as claimant in a case concerning the breach of an SPA for the sale and purchase of propane. Standout litigator Brian Perrott acted for Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation in a high-value matter arising from the the collapse of high-profile bunker trading house Hin Leong and associated companies. Judith Prior has ‘vast knowledge of commodities arbitration, particularly in the sugar business‘. International commodity trade and shipping specialist Sarah Taylor, up-and-coming partner Michael Buffham and ‘reliable, thorough and organised‘ senior associate Stephanie Morton also play pivotal roles in the practice.

Transport > Aviation Tier 1

HFW‘s ‘outstanding aviation practice’ advises airlines on a range of commercial matters, from joint ventures and start-up issues to airline alliance matters and risk management. The firm also offers a strong aviation insurance practice, handling a number of disputes on behalf of insurers facing billions of dollars in claims from lessors and financial institutions. Following Giles Kavanagh‘s election to senior partner in April 2022, Mert Hifzi moved from the firm’s Singapore office in January 2023 to assume leadership of the team, specialising in major insurance claims. Also relocating from Singapore was deputy practice head, David Brotherton, arriving in June 2022 and focusing on advising lessors on financing matters. Edward Spencer and Paul Woodley are noted for their insurance coverage practices, while Zohar Zik and Barbara Pansadoro specialise in aircraft finance and leasing. Legal director Mark Waters‘ broad practice includes regulatory and disputes work. The September and October 2022 arrivals of Rebecca Quayle and senior associate Alana Checksfield from Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner further strengthened the group. Peter Coles is also a new arrival, and joined the team from Clyde & Co in May 2023.

Transport > Shipping Tier 1

An enviable roster of clients turn to HFW to assist with high-profile and complex maritime matters that span wet and dry shipping alike. The team’s pronounced ability to handle war risk, piracy and sanctions matters further distinguishes the practice, which is headed up by Paul Dean, who is noted for his in-depth knowledge relating to autonomous vessels. Dry shipping is a particular area of expertise for Jean Koh, while Elinor Dautlich‘s practice spans commercial shipping as well as yachts, cruises, and LNG issues. Richard Neylon and Alex Kemp specialise in crisis response alongside master mariner Claire Womersley. Hailed as a ‘go-to lawyer for marine insurance’, Michael Ritter is well versed in marine casualty work. Paolo Ghirardani, Jim Cashman and Rory Butler are also key individuals in the group in addition to legal director Jenny Salmon. Salvages, collisions and other wet shipping matters are at the core of Andrew Chamberlain‘s practice. Craig Naeme left for an in-house position in March 2023.

Insurance > Insurance and reinsurance litigation Tier 2

HFW is best known for its work on cases concerning property and business interruption, industrial risk disputes, public liability and professional indemnity claims. The team has a long track record of success in a range of sectors, including aviation, shipping, energy, construction, international trade and logistics. Rupert Warren and Christopher Cardona have expertise in international financial institutions and professional indemnity matters, with a strong reputation for handling litigation arising from Latin America, while consultant Andrew Bandurka is a go-to for liability claims. Practice head Christopher Foster handles a broad range of complex coverage and reinsurance disputes. Recent team changes to note include Simon Banner‘s promotion to senior associate, and Bob Haken‘s arrival from Norton Rose Fulbright in December 2022.

Insurance > Insurance: corporate and regulatory Tier 2

HFW possesses ‘excellent insurance regulatory knowledge‘ as part of its specialist insurance practice, with a particularly strong reputation for its work in Lloyd’s market and a growing presence in the insurtech space. The firm’s offering in the insurance sector has been substantially bolstered by the addition of the ‘commercially-focused‘ Bob Haken from Norton Rose Fulbright in December 2022, bringing his significant expertise in the legacies and Lloyd’s markets, and broader experience that encapsulates regulatory and transactional mandates. He joins practice head Ashwani Kochhar, who himself has a noted Lloyd’s market specialism, and William Reddie, who brings experience from his secondment with a financial regulator and Lloyd’s managing agent to his wide ranging practice in the insurance sector.

Insurance > Insurance litigation: for policyholders Tier 2

HFW‘s insurance and reinsurance group combines breadth of sector knowledge, from aviation and shipping to commodities and energy, with international reach – offices across the globe, including notable presence in Latin America, supported by Spanish-speaking London partners Jonathan Bruce and Christopher Cardona. It is experienced in complex international disputes including those involving onshore and offshore property, energy, mining and marine issues. Additionally, it has notable experience regarding renewable energy insurance. The team is co-headed by Christopher Foster, head of insurance for the firm; Jonathan Bruce, a specialist ion energy, property and marine insurance; and Nigel Wick, who has particular experience regarding market losses arising from Covid-19.

Insurance > Professional negligence Tier 2

HFW‘s team is composed of insurance, reinsurance, and litigation specialists, and is regularly instructed by the world’s largest insurance and reinsurance brokers. The firm offers expertise in both coverage and defence work. Christopher Foster, who leads the team, and is head of insurance, has a well-established profile in broker E&O claims and professional indemnity matters. Christopher Cardona, who is bilingual in English and Spanish, has a reputation for handling high-value litigation and arbitration in Latin America. Rupert Warren has a particular expertise in professional indemnity insurance, and combines ‘very good legal and technical insurance skills’ with ‘the empathy that is often required to understand what has gone wrong and why.’ Jonathan Bruce is a leading name for energy and marine insurance matters.

Real estate > Construction: contentious Tier 2

HFW’s construction group specialises in infrastructure projects, including distinctive expertise in renewable energy projects, notably offshore wind. The firm’s portfolio extends to international projects in the transport and energy sectors, with a focus on the Middle East and international arbitration. Spearheading the global construction team, Michael Sergeant’s practice primarily revolves around international arbitration, particularly within Middle Eastern countries. Max Wieliczko, leading the London construction department, concentrates on project support and dispute resolution, bringing vast experience in complex international engineering and infrastructure projects, including ports, railways, roads, tunnelling, decommissioning, and diverse energy projects. Richard Booth, noted for his knowledge in drafting construction contracts and dispute resolution, is an expert in infrastructure and offshore wind ventures.

Transport > Travel Tier 2

HFW‘s commercial and regulatory practice is well-equipped to handle multi-jurisdictional work for its impressive client list. The key specialism of the team is on aviation and shipping work, namely involving the yachting, ferry and cruise industries; its is regarded for its ‘pre-eminence in shipping’. Maritime expert Claire Womersley is particularly adept at handling matters in this regard, frequently advising in defence of companies facing litigation in this sector, in complex disputes of substantial value. William MacLachlan is also an expert in the shipping space, particularly for his sale and purchase, shipbuilding, ship repair and ship recycling work therein. The team is headed up by Elinor Dautlich and Zohar Zik.

Finance > Transport finance and leasing Tier 3

The ‘very engaged and well organised’ team at HFW remains best-known for its expertise within the shipping sector, where clients, which include lenders, lessors, operators and funds, benefit from a ‘pragmatic and collaborative’ approach, not only on core finance matters but also broader concerns including litigation, regulation and decarbonisation within the industry. Dual UK and Sweden-qualified partner Gudmund Bernitz has a ‘fantastic knowledge of the shipping industry’, including on matters which have a connection to Scandinavia and northern Europe. As well as handling conventional finance work, including ECA-supported deals, Bernitz has also been involved in “green” financing deals, as well as leading the the firm’s efforts more generally on sustainable shipping projects. Other key ship finance practitioners include team head Adam Shire; recently promoted partner Ian Hughes , whose work includes advice to lenders to the super yacht industry; and Katherine Noble, whose ‘excellent legal knowledge and commercial understanding’ is deployed to good effect for a lender-focused client base that includes banks and ECAs. Shire also handles corporate jet transactions and is part of a growing aviation offering that is spearheaded by David Brotherton following his recent return from the firm’s Singapore office. Other key aviation finance practitioners include Barbara Pansadoro, who is well versed across a range of aircraft and engine finance transactions, and Rebecca Quayle, whose broad transactional expertise in the space includes advice on sale and leasebacks, engine operating leasing, and export credit financings.

Projects, energy and natural resources > Power (including electricity, nuclear and renewables) Tier 3

HFW‘s construction specialist team is led by Max Wieliczko, alongside the firm’s global team lead Michael Sergeant. It regularly advises its key client list on the construction and development of significant infrastructure projects, particularly in offshore wind contexts. The team has strong capabilities handling disputes involving high-value and often cross-jurisdictional projects, as well as advisory work. Energy disputes are an area of focus for Richard Booth. The team has grown at associate level and with the January 2023 arrival from Duane Morris of legal director with energy disputes experience, Tanya Chadha.

Real estate > Construction: non-contentious Tier 3

HFW’s construction group specialises in infrastructure projects, including distinctive expertise in renewable energy projects, notably offshore wind. The firm’s portfolio extends to international projects in the transport and energy sectors. Spearheading the global construction team, Michael Sergeant’s practice primarily revolves around international arbitration, particularly within Middle Eastern countries. Max Wieliczko, leading the London construction department, concentrates on project support and dispute resolution, bringing vast experience in complex international engineering and infrastructure projects, including ports, railways, roads, tunnelling, decommissioning, and diverse energy projects. Richard Booth, noted for his knowledge in drafting construction contracts and dispute resolution, is an expert in infrastructure and offshore wind ventures.

Risk advisory > Regulatory investigations and corporate crime (advice to corporates) Tier 3

With specific sector specialities including commodities, shipping, aerospace, and energy, the global investigations and white-collar defence department at HFW is chosen by clients largely due to its ‘deep experience of SFO investigations’. The practice routinely represents corporates seeking to mitigate criminal and regulatory risk on corporate transactions, with practice head Barry Vitou bringing vast expertise in global money laundering investigations and grand corruption issues to the team. The ‘standout’ Anne-Marie Ottaway has over 20 years’ experience in economic crime-related matters, and Daniel Martin is a sanctions specialist. Cindy Laing joined the group as an associate from BCL Solicitors LLP in April 2022, focusing on bribery and corruption affairs.

Corporate and commercial > Commercial contracts Tier 4

Supply-chain and logistics issues form the cornerstone of the practice at HFW, which is highly active on behalf of retailers and commodity traders, with particular expertise in shipping. Outside this work, the team also demonstrates proficiency in constructing sponsorship arrangements between companies and celebrities, partnership agreements in the aerospace sphere, and in providing bespoke, global training programmes for in-house contract managers. Matthew Gore and Catherine Emsellem-Rope co-head the group, with the former singled out for his focus on international port and terminal contracts, and the latter on complex, long term supply agreements. Judith Prior is a seasoned practitioner who is well-versed in oil and sugar trading terms. Matthew Wilmshurst also comes recommended, acting on mandates in the transport, retail, defence and education sectors.

Corporate and commercial > M&A: Lower Mid-Market Deals, £100m-£750m Tier 4

The corporate team at HFW is jointly headed up by infrastructure specialist Alistair Mackie, who acts for private investors, operators and contractors, and Alex Kyriakoulis, an ‘excellent technical M&A lawyer’ who frequently assists listed and unlisted companies, PE houses, family offices and government bodies. The practice is reputed for its expertise in international trade and commodities-driven work, especially in the energy, shipping and mining sectors. The team is also well-versed in insurance M&A, a particular area of expertise for William Reddie and Ashwani Kochhar. The team has been bolstered by the arrival of Bob Haken in December 2022 from Norton Rose Fulbright, who is noted for his experience of advising on equity investments, M&A, joint ventures, reinsurance arrangements and restructurings. Audrey Hsieh - a member of the energy and resources group - is also recommended.

Crime, fraud and licensing > Fraud: civil Tier 4

With a rapidly expanding international reach and its newly opened office in the British Virgin Islands, HFW has bolstered its fraud practice through its close association with experts in Europe, Asia, and Australasia. The firm advises on high-value fraud transactions, cross-border matters and international asset tracing, with standout work focusing on insurance-related fraud within the aviation and shipping industries. Noel Campbell is well-equipped to coordinate financial litigation and trusts matters in offshore territories, and leads the team alongside Rick Brown, who is experienced in Caribbean fraud and breach of contract claims. Simon Jerrum and David Chalcraft are also key practitioners within the firm.

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: premium Tier 4

HFW has the ‘knowledge and competence to operate at the very highest level on multi-jurisdictional cases’, acting for high-value clients across a wide range of sectors. ‘Hard worker with excellent commercial nous’ Andrew Williams leads the team, with a practice spanning director and shareholder disputes, banking, fraud, and general contract disputes. Damian Honey is key to the team, with expertise across commodities, trade finance, banking, energy, and fraud. At associate level, Gordon Rieck and Roxanne Johnson are noted.

Projects, energy and natural resources > Oil and gas Tier 4

HFW advises oil & gas majors on the full spectrum of work encompassing the entire value chain, with notable experience on offshore projects and LNG-related matters. Alistair Mackie heads the team and specialises in projects and commercial work in infrastructure, energy and terminals.

Corporate and commercial > EU and competition Tier 6

Representing a diverse roster of clients across the shipping, trade and logistics, commodities, insurance and energy sectors, the team at HFW is well-placed to advise on both contentious and non-contentious competition law matters. The practice boasts an extensive international network with offices in Hong Kong, Dubai, Brussels and Australia. Practice head Anthony Woolich is noted for focus on merger control and antitrust matters. Woolich is supported by Daniel Martin, who is noted for his focus on international sanctions regimes and trade law, with considerable expertise in varied areas of EU law.

Dispute resolution > International arbitration Tier 6

'Pragmatic and commercial when approaching cases', HFW‘s international arbitration practice is particularly active in disputes involving the construction, energy, shipping, aviation, insurance, banking, financial services, and trade and commodities sectors. Damian Honey's track record includes several matters that concern changes in the commodity markets, while Adam Strong 'has particularly strong connections with litigation funders'. Alistair Feeney, Sarah Taylor, Max Wieliczko and Andrew Williams all maintain active arbitration practices.

Finance > Corporate restructuring & insolvency Tier 8