Demonstrating in-depth expertise in all aspects of dry shipping and marine casualty response, the DLA Piper team is described as ‘client-oriented’ by the shipowners and charterers it represents. The practice is well equipped to handle cross-border financings, complex shipping-related litigation, and the sale and purchase of ships, with the Shanghai-based head Xiaoshan Chen being an expert in commercial litigation and arbitration proceedings. The firm also shows strength on the non-contentious side, routinely drafting insurance policies, and advising on both risk management and contingency planning.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The DLA team has strong collaborative capabilities, is able to fully understand the needs of clients, and provide comprehensive and feasible advice. They have abundant resources around the world and can always find suitable expert candidates to provide comprehensive legal services to clients at any time. They always ensure that lawyers with relevant experience are assigned to each matter so that they can provide us with the highest quality advice and services. Compared with other law firms, the team members of this law firm have a wide range of industry backgrounds. While deeply engaged in shipping law, they have the ability to provide clients with comprehensive, one-stop legal services.'

  • ‘The Company is satisfied with the overall services of DLA Piper. The legal services provided by the team are client-oriented and best suit the Company’s needs. The firm stands out in providing assessment on the degree of legal and commercial risks against certain circumstances in a timely manner and was able to demonstrate sound judgment in planning and managing the dispute resolution matters for the Company. DLA Piper also impressed the Company by giving practical recommendations in solving the dispute cases and formulating strategies in arbitration cases in the shipping industry.’

  • 'The maritime disputes are becoming more complicated recently and are likely to involve multiple jurisdictions in view of the geopolitical tension, the war between Russia and Ukraine, and the war in Middle East. DLA team's global presence and depth of expertise and experience in handling such cases is crucial, and the depth of their knowledge and experience in shipping industry is evident in their ability to provide comprehensive solutions to even the most complex legal issues.’
  • ‘The DLA Piper team is composed of legal professionals qualified to practice in different jurisdictions, including England and Wales, Hong Kong, New York and Mainland China. They are well versed in common law and have an accurate understanding of the needs of domestic clients. They have helped us achieve significant victories in various proceedings related to the case, including the London arbitration proceedings, the appeal proceedings of the English courts, the execution proceedings of the Hong Kong courts and the winding-up proceedings. The courts and/or arbitration tribunals supported all or most of our claims and cost claims in various proceedings.'

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Key clients

  • Third Eye Capital

Lawyers

Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Xiaoshan Chen