With a strong foothold in the transportation sector, Stephenson Harwood advises shipowners, airlines, financial institutions, and energy companies on cross-border financings, restructurings, asset sales, and lease arrangements. In aviation, the team handles aircraft acquisitions, sales and leasebacks, and leasing structures; its maritime practice covers vessel sales and purchases, fleet restructurings, and offshore asset financing; and its rail leasing experience includes passenger and freight rolling stock transactions and lease structures. The practice is co-led by Tammy Samuel, who focuses on rail franchising and infrastructure projects, and Suzanne Tarplee, a rail finance expert with deep experience in rolling stock procurement and regulatory compliance. Ian Mace is active in maritime finance, advising on sale and leasebacks and ECA-backed offshore loan structures, and Richard Parsons leads on aircraft asset transactions, including acquisition, financing, leasing, and disposal. James Collins is also engaged in aviation financing, leasing, and trading, while Jonathan Ward handles prominent shipping finance mandates, particularly in cross-border restructurings. Maritime asset finance partners Peter Theochari and Linda Roxburgh joined the firm in 2024 and 2025, respectively.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Our experience to date has been extremely positive. From the outset, the team has impressed us with their diligence, attention to detail, and consistently high standards of client service.'
- 'What stands out most is their responsiveness and availability, even when navigating complex or time-sensitive matters. They have quickly grasped the commercial and regulatory context of our business.'
‘Ian Mace is well-connected, informed, and provides strategic advice when needed. Easy to discuss legal strategy and adjust the risk level where needed.’
‘Efficient process, deep industry knowledge, tailor-made advice.'
‘Top maritime finance practice. Excellent across all aspects, technical capability, commercial understanding, availability, process management.’
‘Ian Mace is a leading practitioner in the maritime finance sector globally, and deserves his reputation.’
Key clients
- ABN AMRO Bank N.V.
- Aircraft Leasing and Management
- Altavair L.P.
- Arriva UK Trains Limited
- BW Offshore Limited
- CAF (Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles)
- Centrus / Corelink
- ComfortDelGro
- Deucalion Aviation
- DNB Bank ASA
- Entrust
- Fleetscape Capital Limited
Work highlights
Advising the Fuyo Lease Group in connection with a series of trading and leasing activities, including aircraft acquisitions, lease novations, and operating lease transactions.
Advising Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles and CAF Rail UK Limited (CAF) on its tender for the manufacture and supply of between 81 and 140 units and between 29 and 55 units for TPE and associated maintenance arrangements for both.
Lawyers
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.
James Collins
Jon Cripps
Practice head
Tammy Samuel; Suzanne Tarplee; Ian Mace; Richard Parsons
Other key lawyers
James Collins; Jonathan Ward; Dora Mace-Kokota; Shaun Park; Linda Roxburgh; Peter Theochari