Mr Chris Grieveson > Wikborg Rein > London, England > Lawyer Profile

Wikborg Rein
30 Cannon Street
EC4M 6XH
England
Chris Grieveson photo

Work Department

Offshore, English Law, Corporate Criminal Liability, Investigation and Crisis Management, International Trade, Dispute Resolution, Contract Law and Construction, Maritime and Offshore Emergency Response, Oil and Gas, ESG, compliance and risk management, Insurance Law ,Trade Compliance and Sanctions, Shipping

Position

 

Chris is a Managing Partner at Wikborg Rein’s London office and is an English Solicitor. Chris specialises in shipping, oil & gas, and commodity trading law. Shipping He has extensive experience of all aspects of shipping law (both globally and especially within Asia having lived and worked there for 12 years). He has been involved in handling some of the world’s major casualties and pollution incidents. Chris regularly advises shipowners, charterers, P&I clubs and traders on all aspects of carriage of goods, charterparty and marine insurance law. Chris also has extensive experience of shipbuilding and S&P disputes. Offshore In the offshore industry Chris advises operators and contractors in the drafting and negotiation of proposed contracts; handling claims and disputes concerning contractual performance; accidents; and claims under insurance policies. His experience includes all aspects of the industry from the initial bid and tender process through commissioning, and in-field operation. He has acted for all sectors of the industry including EPC and EPCI contractors, drilling contractors, FPSO/FLNG operators, accommodation rig providers, supply boat /barge operators, and oilfield service contractors. Trading Chris’ trading experience includes advising commodities traders, especially metals, coal and oil traders with their sale and purchase arrangements, particularly for long term off take contracts and disputes. Chris has handled numerous disputes for traders arising out of delays, force majeure, quality issues and letter of credit problems. Commercial Fraud Chris has extensive expertise of acting in civil fraud claims in the shipping and offshore industry including asset tracing, he has particular expertise in cases involving Russia, the CIS, China, Indonesia and Vietnam as well as Europe. Compliance and Crisis Management Chris has significant experience advising clients on compliance, regulatory and investigations in the Marine Sector. In particular, he has been extensively involved in anti-bribery and corporate crisis management including the conduct of internal investigations and the handling of criminal law consequences and civil disputes triggered by potential misconduct.

 

Career

2018 – Managing Partner, Wikborg Rein, London
2013 – Partner, Wikborg Rein, London
2010 – 2012 Partner, Wikborg Rein, Singapore
1997 – 2010 Partner (from 2006), Ince & Co, London and Singapore

Education

1994 – 1995 Poitiers
1992 – 1996 MA (Law), University of Cambridge

Lawyer Rankings

London > Transport > Shipping

(Leading partners)

Chris GrievesonWikborg Rein

Wikborg Rein’s shipping and offshore practice leverages strong connections with the Norwegian and Greek markets, excelling in matters such as casualties, sanctions, and charterparty disputes. Team lead Chris Grieveson fields a vibrant maritime practice that covers both wet and dry shipping, including bareboat charter disputes, the detention of vessels, and shipbuilding. Michael Volikas focuses on disputes, while Jonathan Goldfarb specialises in projects and finance, particularly within the LNG sector. Rob Jardine-Brown advises clients on the full shipping lifecycle, with emphasis on contentious matters; disputes also lie at the heart of Ian Chetwood‘s advisory portfolio.

London > Real estate > Construction: contentious

Specialising in offshore construction and energy projects, the contentious construction practice at Wikborg Rein also handles shipping-related disputes. Team head Rob Jardine-Brown handles shipbuilding arbitrations and disputes, while Shawn Kirby, dual-qualified in England and New Zealand, assists with complex commercial disputes. With particular experience in Asia, Chris Grieveson is another key member of the team. Michael Volikas joined from Axiom Ince in September 2023.

London > Dispute resolution > Commodities disputes

Wikborg Rein has ‘a fantastic team of talented lawyers who are practical, down-to-earth and very responsive‘. The firm has developed a strong commodities practice around LNG, agricultural commodities, and alternative fuels. London managing partner Chris Grieveson, who has in-depth knowledge of commodities trading law, and experienced litigator Baptiste Weijburg, who has a strong focus on the Greek shipping market, are among the firm’s ‘clever, hardworking and enthusiastic individuals, who are always focused on the client’s interests‘. Jack Wray is a notable practitioner in oil and gas disputes, in which he acts for both commodity traders and energy giants.