Rhys Griffiths > Fox Williams LLP > London, England > Lawyer Profile

Fox Williams LLP
10 FINSBURY SQUARE
LONDON
EC2A 1AF
England

Work Department

Travel

Position

Partner

Career

Rhys is a partner and the head of the travel group at Fox Williams. He is a travel sector specialist, with in-depth knowledge of the industry and how it works. 

Rhys advises clients on compliance with the complex web of laws and regulation which apply to the sale of travel services in Europe. This includes advising on compliance with the Package Travel Directive, the ATOL Regulations, Consumer Rights Directive, insolvency protection requirements and the local rules which require registration and/or licensing of activity in certain European markets. Rhys typically undertakes this work for tour operators, travel agents, online booking platforms and airlines.

Rhys has significant experience of helping clients launch new products and enter new markets. He acts for well-known brands intending to launch or expand their own travel business, both domestically and internationally. Rhys uses his expertise of the regulation and the market to help clients structure their business efficiently and to negotiate the myriad of commercial and consumer contracts which are needed to operate.

Rhys frequently represents clients in response to investigations and proceedings by regulators and industry trade associations. Most recently, Rhys has represented clients in response to investigations by the Competition and Markets Authority and the Civil Aviation Authority concerning compliance by various travel companies with the relevant travel regulation. Rhys also has experience of negotiating tailored regulatory solutions with the regulators on behalf of his clients.

Rhys is a regular attendee and speaker at industry events, including ABTA Conventions and Seminars, the ITT Convention, TTNG Convention and Travel Weekly Business Breakfasts. Rhys is also a regular contributor to industry publications such as ABTA Travel Law Today and Travel Law Quarterly.  Rhys also hosts and publishes his own events and materials.

Lawyer Rankings

London > Transport > Travel

(Hall of Fame)

Rhys GriffithsFox Williams LLP

The commercial and regulatory team at Fox Williams LLP, renowned for its ‘deep knowledge of the travel industry’, is well-known for its experience handling high-profile disputes for renowned clients in the industry, namely large travel companies. A key example of such work is its representing On The Beach in the High Court in a dispute against RyanAir regarding passenger refunds. Its workload is frequently of the multi-millions in value and cross-border in nature; it has developed a particular focus advising on compliance with UK and EU travel regulations and assisting businesses therein launching onto the EU market. Tech, travel and aviation expert Lucy England frequently handles such work. Noted as ‘the go-to lawyer for travel regulatory disputes’, Rhys Griffiths is at the helm of the practice. The team was notably bolstered in May 2023 with the arrival of the former head of Deloitte LLP‘s travel team Farina Azam. ‘Great talent’ Phyllis Acheampong is a senior associate to note at the practice.

London > Industry focus > Retail and consumer

Fox Williams LLP’s practice stands out for its dedicated fashion law expertise; the team handles trade mark litigation, supply and distribution agreements, and franchising matters. Stephen Sidkin leads the team’s fashion law sub-group and specialises in advising on supply chain agreements, while Rhys Griffiths steers the travel sub-group, another key area of focus.