HFW > London, England > Firm Profile

‘Very deep and impressive team with experience in a wide range of physical and financial commodities.’

‘Brian Perrott is a creative thought leader. He thinks about cases from every angle and is exceptional in coming up with strategies to maximise chances of success. One of the standout features of Brian’s creativity is the way he uses his immersion in case law to think about parallels or precedents, often in ways that are outside the box. His penetrating analysis enables him to break down complex problems into clear and convincing propositions that build up to a compelling answer.’

‘Alistair Feeney is my ‘go-to-guy’ for physical seaborne energy commodities disputes. He is pragmatic and very clever, and can quickly gain the confidence of sophisticated internal stakeholders on how to manage disputes. Sarah Taylor is also outstanding, and has a long track record of assisting with some of the most complex disputes in commodities.’

‘Judith Prior knows the arbitration rules of the Sugar Association of London and the Refined Sugar Association inside out. A well-trusted advisor and I would say colleague as opposed to counsel.’

‘The team’s key strengths lie in deep sector knowledge, expertise and skill in handling complex disputes, responsiveness and value for money.’

‘Alistair Feeney is our go-to authority on commodities trading disputes. His advice is always extremely clear. He can distil complex legal concepts into succinct and practical advice that can easily be passed onto the business. His knowing how our business operates means he can give us advice quickly, thereby ensuring the company has relevant legal protection in place early on in any dispute. Alistair has a great strategic eye when it comes to handling disputes.’

‘Rosie Harrison is a rising star in my opinion. She works closely with Alistair. Her advice is always clear and well thought through, and reflects both her growing commodities trading knowledge and her now extensive disputes experience (including in handling pieces of litigation for our company). Her recent promotion was well-deserved and (in my view) reflects her status as a valuable and competent member of the practice. As well as handling disputes for us, Rosie is always on hand to provide quick and pertinent advice on day-to-day trading issues that arise. She is knowledgeable, well-organised and responsive.’

‘Damian Honey is an expert in his field, particularly on the transactional side, and his advice is always relevant and clear.’

‘I prefer to do business with individuals I know and trust but knowing my go-to person at HFW can easily access other specialist resources within the firm has proved very useful in the past.’

‘Edward Spencer is my go-to aviation legal expert and my no.1 recommendation to clients.’

‘We have always found the firm to be very efficient, professional and all the team have a vast amount of knowledge and expertise in aviation. We would consider using the firm on any new instructions, as well as the fact that they are written into a number of our lead accounts.’

‘The team has always been a pleasure. They are all very good to work with and their individual knowledge is exceptional.’

‘The people are professionals in their field and gave sound advice. The team members can speak different languages and understand the client’s needs.’

‘Strength in-depth is second to none in the Shipping market. Some truly exceptional legal advisors with strong commercial and strategic acumen.’

‘I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Paul Dean – he offers wise and commercial advice in times of need and is keenly aware of the importance of good client service. A class act.’

‘Market leaders in the maritime sphere, with excellent personnel on both the wet and dry shipping sides.’

‘Rory Butler -First choice for a ‘business critical’ level dispute. Daniel Martin – one of the leading sanctions advisors in the market.’

‘Global Reach. Large casualty response team.’

‘Richard Neylon – War Dominic Johnson – Collision & Forum shopping Mike Ritter – Container fires Rory Butler – commercial litigation ’

‘HFW’s service and assistance throughout the handling of legal cases is exceptional. We have been relying on the firm’s outstanding expertise throughout the years and can always count on unwavering commitment and tailor-made support. HFW very well balances the clients commercial perspective against the legal possibilities and probabilities. The first-class advice always allows us to make well-founded decisions, both strategically as well as pragmatically.’

‘We have worked with Dominic Johnson on a range of complicated and time-sensitive projects . He is our “go to” because he knows the law and regulation but is always commercial and pragmatic with a solutions-based mindset.’

‘Deep knowledge allied to commercial awareness and experience plus excellent teamwork within the firm.’

‘Ashwani Kochhar has deep knowledge and experience of the insurance market, particularly with M&A transactions, but can use this skill set in an extremely professional and user-friendly way.’

‘This is first and foremost a very nice team to deal with and there is a lot to be said for that. It is also a team with a good blend of skills and expertise which can offer clients a wide range of services.’

‘Bob Haken and Will Reddie are hard-working and knowledgeable and very pleasant to deal with. They clearly have the respect and trust of their clients.’

‘Will Reddie is easy to work with and flexible and efficient.’

‘The firm has strong regulatory capabilities and is well positioned for mid/lower market transactions. It has good geographical reach.’

‘Bob Haken is a very strong performer. He is excellent in the run-off market in particular where he certainly knows his onions. He is a great technical lawyer and easy to deal with.’

‘Bob Haken has excellent technical and regulatory knowledge and quickly understands the financial aspects of transactions.’

‘In-depth practical and hands-on knowledge of the insurance industry and insurance law.’

‘The team had strong capabilities, led by partners with strong market knowledge. We always dealt with the same individuals who were experienced and knew the case. There were quick turnaround/response times to any request.’

‘HFW have strength in depth across multiple jurisdictions to bring the best to our clients in all circumstances.’

‘Nigel Wick and Jonathan Bruce are both excellent at giving practical advice to clients. They will help try to resolve issues via commercial means rather than elongate matters. This helps build trust and relationships.’

‘Standout partner for me is Jonathan Bruce. A very smart lawyer with a thoughtful and decisive approach, able to immediately grasp essential aspects of a case and give helpful, prompt and practical advice. Very able negotiator: steel hand in a velvet glove.’

‘An experienced and well-led firm that manages to tread the tricky path between working for insurers and clients, which brings useful insights. Jonathan Bruce, in particular, is able to see the broader picture and provides solution-led positive results.’

‘Demonstrate excellent knowledge, expertise and relevant experience in the complex field of marine insurance. Reactive and available on very short notice. Good understanding of insurance market, major underwriters and their litigation strategy.’

‘Very client-focussed and commercial, meaning they prepare for the worst but look for outcomes which maintain relationships between all parties.’

‘Fast becoming one of the top international law firms in this arena, with a team that is strong in depth, flexible and which works very closely and effectively with clients and their experts and other consultants.’

‘Very strong collaboration and support ethic.’

‘HFW’s construction disputes team stands tall amongst its peers in its ability to efficiently get to the crux of the matter in complex situations, and articulate it in clear, concise terms for all concerned. This is about understanding of the real matters in dispute and communicating them to client organisation, counsel, witnesses of fact and expert witness teams alike as well as opposing party and tribunal as appropriate.’

‘The individuals separate the wheat from the chaff on the merits and management of the case. The standout feature is the high quality and clarity of the communication within the broader team, based on sound articulation of the case and the clear direction of travel. From first hand knowledge, this is particularly so of Michael Sergeant, Richard Booth, and Daniel Johnson.’

‘HFW provided a well balanced team, and each member of the team was very capable, and acted in a very professional manner. A pleasure to have been working with each member of the team for the past circa 4 years on a very large dispute.’

‘Each member of the HFW team were excellent; they were very capable, professional, cooperative, helpful and friendly. It was a pleasure to have been working with each member of the team, and hope to be able to work with them again in the future. Total respect for each member of the HFW team.’

‘Their experience of, and involvement in, construction disputes centred on technical, rather than insurance, issues means that they are able to work closely with clients and technical experts to assess strengths and weaknesses of a matter.’

‘Associate Daniel Johnson handles complex technical issues with great skill, diplomacy and efficiency.’

‘HFW has experience and capabilities in all fields of transport.’

‘An excellent team of partners and associates.’

‘HFW has a broad regulatory and commercial travel practice which provides an excellent service to its clients. Its clients range from cruise lines, tour boats and tour operators to foreign liability insurers who have been sued in England. Paul Dean and the team adopt a very commercial approach to achieving the best result for clients. ’

‘Paul Dean and Claire Womersley have extensive experience in dealing with travel-related personal injury and other claims commercially but with compassion. I would strongly recommend both of them.’

‘They provide a phenomenal, fundamental, practical overview of complex legal issues.’

‘They think broadly and can foresee steps to be taken by opponents so clients always feel one step ahead.’

‘The team is very service minded and solutions oriented.’

‘They have deep knowledge of the industry.’

‘Gudmund Bernitz has outstanding knowledge and experience from handling the most complicated transactions in the market.’

‘Gudmund Bernitz is very service-minded and his advice is of the highest quality.’

‘Ian Hughes is very pleasant to work with and always delivers in time, diligently and pragmatic.’

‘Katherine Noble is really an asset to the firm and manages the most complicated transactions with ease.’

‘Rebecca Quayle is extremely capable and commercial minded with a breadth of understanding of the aviation industry.’

‘The individuals at HFW are specialists in insurance-related professional negligence. They are able to draw on their extensive insurance industry expertise, which makes them very strong in this area.’

‘Their considerable and wide-ranging insurance industry expertise makes them formidable in this area. They are amongst the best in the market.’

‘Rupert Warren is hard working, thoughtful, and very experienced in insurance broker professional negligence claims. He’s an absolute pleasure to work with. He is very focused on obtaining the best commercial result for the client.’

‘They are a very good practice.’

‘Ben Mellors is a great construction disputes lawyer.’

‘Rupert Warren is a very smart operator.’

‘HFW benefits from being a true insurance firm. You know when you instruct them that you’re getting true expertise in the sector.’

‘Christopher Foster stands out. His insurance case law knowledge is second-to-none.’

‘Highly responsive, strategic and collaborative. They really care about getting the best outcome.’

‘Barry Vitou uniquely combines years of experience as a cross-border corporate lawyer with a real depth of knowledge and track record in disputes and regulatory matters. His advice is very practical, perceptive and strategic. Barry is very emotionally intelligent and really goes the extra mile for his clients.’

‘Barry Vitou heads up the team and has outstanding experience in advising and representing UK and US companies in multi-jurisdictional investigations.’

‘Barry Vitou is enormously experienced and easy to work with. He is immersed in knowledge of cutting-edge issues relating to corporate crime and investigations, including ESG issues.’

‘Anne-Marie Ottaway’s experience working at the SFO sets her apart from others in the field. She is easy to get on with, bright and works incredibly hard for her clients.’

‘The team’s breadth of experience is what sets them apart. From SFO dawn raids to private practice to the Supreme Court – I cannot think of another team that can boast the same. From banking to commodities, this is a team that understands its client’s markets. It really shines in relation to internal and regulatory investigations.’

‘Anne-Marie Ottaway has become a real star in her field. With genuine expertise to draw upon, her understanding of how government investigations work is a real asset to clients. Her research is second to none, in a legal fight she is one to have on your side.’

‘Anne-Marie Ottaway has got great experience having spent half her career in law enforcement and half in private practice. She adds a lot of value to the practice.’

‘Industry specialists with vital market insight.’

‘Matthew Gore is approachable, knowledgeable and trustworthy.’

‘Deep sector knowledge. The clear leader in shipping commercial contracts.’

‘Catherine Emsellem-Rope and Matthew Gore stand out as the go-to lawyers for contract advice and drafting.’

‘Alistair Mackie is an unrivalled expert in port terminal concessions.’

‘They have always proved to be reliable and responsive. This has helped ease any stress related to certain items where we need their legal support – which helps a great deal! The advice given is always clear and simple.’

‘The individuals we deal with are professional yet personable, and clearly know their stuff.’

‘HFW’s knowledge of the maritime EPC industry is second to none.’

‘They have an excellent understanding of the commercial drivers and industry norms which makes negotiating deals much more efficient, and I was always comfortable that we were acting appropriately.’

‘Alistair Mackie knows all there is to know about the global maritime industry, including offshore oil and gas and renewables. He has been an exceptional resource to me and my company for more than a decade and has always been available to discuss a situation even when the firm was not formally engaged.’

‘Alistair is my go-to person for all cross-border maritime deals.’

‘HFW has a wealth of experience in high-value proceedings which involve offshore jurisdictions and frauds that emerge in the context of insolvency.’

‘HFW has a strong civil fraud practice that includes cross-border asset recovery and contentious insolvency matters.’

‘The experience is extremely positive. They offer flexible fee structures, are commercial in their approach, technically strong, personable, and client friendly.’

‘The team is responsive, experienced and efficient.’

‘Rick Brown is adept at handling complex and large-scale fraud litigation, keeping a careful eye on the end result.’

‘Neil Chauhan displays knowledge beyond his years of qualification.’

‘Strong and hardworking team that punches well above its weight. Excellent value and high-quality support to clients in the commercial disputes and fraud sectors. Present in high-value disputes in the Commercial Court and offshore courts.’

‘Damian Honey is a consummate disputes partner with deep international arbitration experience. Andrew Williams is an excellent strategist and leader of a commercial disputes team that operates at premium end of the disputes market. Gordon Rieck is an energetic senior associate who drives a case forward. Frazer Watts, Roxanne Johnson and Joshua Prest are clever up-and-coming associates.’

‘Damian Honey is commercial, flexible, and has the ear of general counsel. Andrew Williams is a skilled supervisor of large team on an enormous piece of litigation. Gordon Rieck is a future partner. Outstanding attention to detail and ability to get through a volume of work.’

‘Damian Honey and Mike Buffham are very well-versed in all things commodities.’

‘Richard Brown is a highly regarded litigator. Richard is supported by David Chalcraft, who I have found to be diligent and attentive. I have worked with the wider team which includes Neil Chauhan.’

‘The team is thorough in its approach to the disputes we bring to them. They are responsive and provide commercially astute advice. They also understand our business and the sectors we operate in.’

‘Andrew Williams -is an excellent litigator who balances fighting a position against the commercial realities of a dispute. Very responsive and a clear communicator.’

‘Rick Brown is exceptionally good with clients and has excellent instincts. David Chalcraft is fantastic – leaves no stone unturned and is entirely reliable.’

‘Professional and quick with responses.’

‘A professional team covering all aspects of oil and gas industry Essential for overseas investors.’

‘Excellent team work.’

‘Incredibly strong offering.’

‘The team is practical and commercial, and they adjust their approach to meet the client’s needs.’

‘An excellent team, with particular expertise in cross-border international trade disputes.’

‘Adam Strong – his work reflects his surname. Adam is a standout technician, who is always prepared.’

‘Adam Strong brings genuine creativity to bear in conjunction with incisive analysis and first-class technical acumen and output.’

‘Adam Strong leads a well-resourced and focused team.’

‘Adam Strong is a real pleasure to work with. Very commercial and pragmatic.’

‘Adam Strong focuses on what is important. He has great contacts, particularly in the third party funding and insurance sectors, which he can bring to bear.’

‘Top quality competition practice in an international trade and shipping firm.’

‘Anthony Woolich is a highly experienced and completely reliable competition lawyer.’

‘A good working knowledge of the law and its practical application.’

‘Anthony Woolich is always approachable and responsive, providing pragmatic and advice that is easy to comprehend.’

‘They are very experienced in dealing with high-value, cross-border matters where there is an overlap between fraud and insolvency. They are very responsive, practical in approach, and produce high-quality legal advice across the board.’

‘The team is able to fuse very good commercial awareness deriving from their broad fraud practice with a strong understanding of the insolvency dimensions of cases.’

‘‘Rick Brown is extremely knowledgeable, approachable and has a phenomenal grasp on the law and strategy. He puts everyone at ease and is an excellent leader.’

‘Rick Brown is smart, charming and quick-thinking.’

‘David Chalcraft is technically very sound with a strong grasp of insolvency law.’

‘David Chalcraft is extremely hardworking and very diligent.’

‘Neil Chauhan is intelligent and resourceful. A real up and comer.’

‘Its always a pleasure working with the HFW team, where I know that the work will be of a consistently exceptional quality, as well as being able to deal with a team who are a joy to work with as counsel, and who are clearly highly valued by clients. The hallmark of any good law firm its its ability to build and work with teams of counsel and experts, and break down complex litigation into manageable components, both for presentation to the lay client and to the Court. HFW excel at this.’

‘I consider HFW to be amongst the top litigation firms operating in the Middle East, who consistently perform for their clients in a way that is efficient. I can’t say enough good things.’

‘Nick Braganza is one of the best litigators in the region, and is able to turn his hand to complex issues across numerous areas of specialism. Nick has a really strong instinctive feel for a case, and the best tactical approach to take in the most complex litigation.’