
The shipping barristers at 4 Pump Court are frequently instructed in complex disputes relating to marine insurance, admiralty matters, and ship sale contracts. Sean O’Sullivan KC is currently representing parties in litigation arising from the Carnival Panorama case in the Commercial Court, a matter centred on alleged loss of profits following cruise cancellations. The set is also involved in Oceanus Capital v Lloyds Insurance Co, concerning the Vyssos, which sank after hitting a mine in Ukrainian waters, which raises significant questions about the doctrine of privity and marine insurance interest, with Nick Vineall KC and Neil Dowers leading the defence.
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Lawyers
Leading Silks
KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.


Nick Vineall KC
‘Nick is personable, incisive, and fantastically clear.‘

Nick Vineall KC
‘Nick is personable, incisive, and fantastically clear.‘

James Leabeater KC
‘ He is extremely articulate and able to distil his arguments in a way that judges, opponents and lay clients alike can easily follow - no easy feat. ’
Leading Juniors
Leading juniors are those with significant experience of key cases, strong market recognition from both peers and clients, and are seen as future candidates for silk.

James Hatt
'An excellent team player who is highly collaborative and always willing to roll up his sleeves to contribute.'

Robert Scrivener
‘Robert is very responsive and hardworking, with quick turnaround of high quality work.’

Thomas Steward

Ed Jones
‘ Ed is a user-friendly and fiercely bright advocate with well tuned commercial instincts. ’
Rising stars
Rising stars at the Bar are defined as barristers between four and eight years’ call who are seen as up-and-coming members of the Bar in their respective practice areas by clients and peers alike. They will already be instructed in high-profile, complex, and high-value contentious and non-contentious matters, working with and opposite more experienced leading counsel.








