Stephenson Harwood

Commercial Litigation

Joe O'Keeffe is a partner at Stephenson Harwood, widely recognised as a leading lawyer operating that the legal interface between marine and energy insurance and international trade. He supports a diverse clientele, including insurers, brokers, traders, banks, and energy companies, many of whom are household names.

His practice covers the full range of marine insurance sub-classes, from hull and machinery to P&I liabilities, and he has been involved in many of the most significant losses in the market over the last 30 years, such as the Buncefield Explosion and the Costa Concordia disaster.

Joe provides comprehensive legal support, advising on fraudulent claims, total loss work, and war detainment claims in challenging jurisdictions. He has extensive experience advising P&I insurers on coverage and claims issues, and he has played a pivotal role in landmark cases like the Versloot Dredging Supreme Court case. His work in international trade involves guiding clients through the complexities of sale contracts, contracts of carriage, and insurance policies.

Clients value Joe's ability to navigate intricate legal challenges and complex claims with deep market knowledge and insight, built on three decades experience in the London and international insurance markets, ensuring their interests are protected and their objectives achieved.