Clients praise Birketts LLP large transport practice for its ‘fast response time, availability, proactive approach, and pragmatic strategy’. The Ipswich-based team includes head of shipping and international trade Henry Adams, head of dispute resolution Alex Davey, and head of regulatory and corporate defence Matthew Gowen, as well as vastly experienced shipping expert Nicholas Woo. Emerging partner talent Tom Hodges, who handles aspects of shipping, commodities, and marine insurance work, and Sarah Holsgrove, who handles charterparty disputes for owners, charterers and traders, are also key practitioners. Hodges has a particular focus on East Asian markets, notably  Singapore, Japan and South Korea. The health and safety expertise of Norwich-based Julie Gowland is invaluable in HSE investigations, inquests and prosecutions following serious and fatal accidents that affect transport and logistics clients.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Strengths: fast response time, availability, proactive approach, pragmatic strategy, cost-efficient, knowledgeable about insurance market and type of clients, fee competitive and transparent in that respect.’

  • ‘Henry Adams: what stands out with him is the personal contact he maintains and his willingness to provide brief comments and advice by telephone.’

Key clients

  • Bundaberg Brewed Drinks Pty and BBD USA LLC
  • Barbuss Global

Work highlights

Instructed by Bundaberg Brewed Drinks Pty and BBD USA LLC to pursue a claim for unjust enrichment against freight forwarders who failed to use sums paid to them for shipping services.

Lawyers

Hall of Fame

The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.

Leading partners

The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Next Generation Partners

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

Tom Hodges
Tom Hodges
Leading associates

Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.

Sarah Holsgrove
Sarah Holsgrove
Practice head

Henry Adams; Alex Davey; Matthew Gowen

Other key lawyers

Nicholas Woo; Sarah Holsgrove; Tom Hodges; Julie Gowland