Sean Gibbons > Stephenson Harwood > London, England > Lawyer Profile

Stephenson Harwood is regularly involved in casualty and charterparty disputes, as well as non-contentious matters spanning transactional work and shipbuilding matters. The team, led by Alex Davis, also handles issues involving charterparties, shipbuilding work, casualty matters, and marine insurance. Particular expertise within the group also exists in relation to FPSO disputes and offshore construction work; the latter is a central component of Max Lemanski‘s practice. Shipbuilding and contentious offshore matters constitute key areas of experience for Sean Gibbons, while litigator Kirsty MacHardy is praised for her ‘strong legal advice’ and ‘keen awareness of the commercial issues.’ Managing associate Nikki Chu is experienced in shipping contracts as well as dry and LNG disputes.

Stephenson Harwood  is sought after for its special expertise in shipbuilding, and the team frequently advises clients such as Korean global corporates, international banks, and shipping and shipbuilding trading companies in this sphere. Practice head Michael Kim has extensive experience in ship finance and offshore mandates, as well as in general commercial litigation with a nexus to the industry. The group also includes Stuart Burrell, who acts for clients such as shipowners and shipbuilders in multi-jurisdictional litigation and international arbitration, and Stuart Beadnall, who is a shipping and energy specialist with particular expertise in contract negotiation. Sean Gibbons, who is regularly instructed to defend fraudulent cargo claims made against shipowners, and shipping and offshore financing specialist Gregg Johnston are also key contacts.