Thomas Cooper is an international law firm specialising in international maritime, trade and finance law, helping clients find the best way to avoid, mitigate or resolve risk. Thomas Cooper is experienced in dealing with the law in key jurisdictions around the world, with offices in London, Athens, Madrid, Paris, Singapore and Vancouver.
The firm: Thomas Cooper takes a pragmatic approach, providing clear advice that helps clients navigate through the complexity of international commerce. The high level of involvement of its partners ensures that clients always have access to real expertise. This approach has worked since the firm was established in 1825.
The firm’s clients are commercial organisations and individuals who look for clear and pragmatic advice. They operate globally and appreciate a firm that matches their attitude. Openness and trust underpin the firm’s relationship with clients. It always looks to understand clients’ businesses so it is better equipped to provide clear advice that meets their commercial needs and interests.
Thomas Cooper’s clients range from shipowners to charterers and traders, from banks and other financial institutions to underwriters and P&I clubs, from blue-chip companies to small businesses and private individuals.
The firm has a proven track record of acting successfully for clients. The case studies shown on the firm’s website are examples of its approach and the success it has brought them.
Types of work undertaken: The firm practises in the following core areas:
Maritime: the firm advises regularly on all aspects of maritime law in connection with all types of vessels, from VLCCs and Capesize bulkers to tugs, offshore vessels and super-yachts. This ranges from the highest profile casualties and major maritime losses to death and personal injury claims and day-to-day commercial disputes arising under shipping contracts. These can include charterparties and bills of lading as well as shipbuilding contracts.
Trade: traders and banks look to Thomas Cooper for prompt specialist advice and assistance. This often involves the trading and financing of all types of commodities from grain, sugar, steel and other metals to oil and gas, chemicals and timber. It also regularly advises on futures, options and other derivatives.
Finance: the firm has a long history of acting for banks and other financial institutions. It advises them on corporate, real estate, project and lease finance transactions as well as compliance, regulatory and other general banking matters. Thomas Cooper has a particularly strong client base among international overseas banks with branches in London.
Company and commercial: the firm has an active company and commercial practice that deals with a wide variety of corporate work, including sale and purchase of businesses and management buy-outs. Clients also rely on the firm for its expertise in general commercial litigation, including employment and sports law issues.
Insurance: the insurance practice has developed beyond its core practice areas of maritime, trade and finance. It offers advice and assistance on a wide range of insurance and reinsurance products through its offices in different parts of the world. This ranges from all forms of marine insurance through to political risk and blood and livestock insurance.
International arbitration: London, Paris and Singapore are all important arbitration and mediation centres, particularly for the resolution of commercial disputes. With offices in each of those jurisdictions, considerable arbitration experience and a personal approach, Thomas Cooper has much to offer clients. Its international experience is also called upon to oversee and assist on arbitrations and the enforcement of awards in other jurisdictions, such as Russia, India and China.
Oil and gas: the firm acts for three oil majors and has experience in this area spanning more than 100 years. The practice has developed as the industry has grown and it now advises on both upstream and downstream work for a variety of oil and gas companies and other organisations providing off-shore services.
Number of UK partners 30
Number of other UK fee-earners 31
Above material supplied by Thomas Cooper.