HFW‘s shipping practice stands out as a leading player in the maritime sector, renowned for its comprehensive expertise across wet and dry, green shipping, and cybersecurity. Under the leadership of global head Paul Dean, the team excels in handling high-profile casualties, cargo claims, as well as transactional work. Noteworthy practitioners include Andrew Chamberlain, a wet shipping expert, and Jean Koh, who specialises in dry shipping work and has extensive expertise in matters relating to the Asian market. Crisis management experts Claire Womersley and Richard Neylon, alongside maritime casualty specialist Michael Ritter, are pivotal in addressing major incidents. Core contacts for maritime disputes are Paolo Ghirardani and Jim Cashman, while Alex Kemp excels in container ship casualties and war risk claims. Marine insurance matters fall under the advisory portfolio of Jenny Salmon, and Rory Butler is active across both dry and admiralty work. Elinor Dautlich left the firm January 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Strength in-depth is second to none in the Shipping market. Some truly exceptional legal advisors with strong commercial and strategic acumen.’
‘I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Paul Dean - he offers wise and commercial advice in times of need and is keenly aware of the importance of good client service. A class act.’
‘Market leaders in the maritime sphere, with excellent personnel on both the wet and dry shipping sides.’
‘Rory Butler -First choice for a 'business critical' level dispute. Daniel Martin - one of the leading sanctions advisors in the market.’
‘Global Reach. Large casualty response team.’
‘Richard Neylon - War Dominic Johnson - Collision & Forum shopping Mike Ritter - Container fires Rory Butler - commercial litigation ’
‘HFW's service and assistance throughout the handling of legal cases is exceptional. We have been relying on the firm's outstanding expertise throughout the years and can always count on unwavering commitment and tailor-made support. HFW very well balances the clients commercial perspective against the legal possibilities and probabilities. The first-class advice always allows us to make well-founded decisions, both strategically as well as pragmatically.’
‘We have worked with Dominic Johnson on a range of complicated and time-sensitive projects . He is our "go to" because he knows the law and regulation but is always commercial and pragmatic with a solutions-based mindset.'
Key clients
- The Republic of South Africa
- Hellenic Mutual War Risks Association (Bermuda) Ltd./Travelers Syndicate Management Ltd
- Proman AG
- Shipowners Mutual Protection & Indemnity Association (Luxembourg) Ltd
- Isles of Scilly Steamship Company Limited and subsidiaries
Work highlights
- Advised The Republic of South Africa in regards to 2,364 bars of silver salvaged from the wreck of the "SS TILAWA".
- Advised Hellenic Mutual War Risks on the outbreak of the Russa-Ukraine war, advising on exposure to risk, along with assisting in the management of exposure during the conflict and advising on a number of constructive total loss claims.
Lawyers
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Leading partners
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Next generation partners
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Leading associates
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Practice head
Paul Dean
Other key lawyers
Jean Koh; Dominic Johnson; Daniel Martin; Adam Shire; Paolo Ghirardani; Rory Butler; Jim Cashman; Richard Neylon; Jenny Salmon; Alex Kemp; Michael Ritter; Claire Womersley; Alessio Sbraga; Andrew Chamberlain