HFW is widely regarded as a market leader in the maritime space, offering end-to-end support across the full spectrum of shipping matters. Global head Paul Dean oversees a practice that combines technical expertise with international reach. Michael Ritter is regularly instructed on complex environmental matters, while Richard Neylon brings experience in large-scale marine casualties. Salvage work and wet shipping issues are handled by Andrew Chamberlain, who is frequently involved in high-stakes operations at sea. On the dry side, Jean Koh leads on litigation and contractual disputes, particularly those involving clients in the Japanese market. Paolo Ghirardani is noted for his focus on international trade and high-profile disputes involving piracy, vessel groundings, and major onboard incidents. Claire Womersley is active in collision-related litigation, while Alex Kemp is a trusted adviser to insurers and brokers. Rory Butler and Jenny Salmon are also recommended.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Bea Bray was a particular standout for us. Although she qualified relatively recently, her knowledge, approach, and support were at the level of a far more experienced lawyer. She is an exceptionally capable individual, and her passion for her practice areas is abundantly evident.’
- ‘Alex Kemp is a great practitioner. He is very responsive, approachable, and patient when explaining complex technicalities.’
- ‘Paul Dean is wise and calm in a crisis. I really value working with him, particularly due to his strong network of international contacts.’
- ‘Tom Morgan is very bright, very diligent, and very pleasant to work with. Richard Neylon is hard-hitting and incisive, and makes life very difficult for his opponents. Mike Ritter is extremely effective and never misses a point.’
- ‘They are, without question, the preeminent shipping solicitors’ firm in London, and likely internationally. They have a breadth of talent, expertise, and commercial nous unmatched in the field, with the capability to handle all types of shipping-related matters, including offshore disputes.’
- ‘The team at HFW is the obvious leader in the sector. The shipping team has an extremely strong cadre of junior partners who are closely involved in cases, as well as a strong bench of associates who can manage the heavy workloads generated by high-value litigation.’
Key clients
- The Republic of South Africa
- Northern Offshore Services A/S
Work highlights
Advised the Republic of South Africa on a salvage claim involving 2,364 bars of silver from the wreck of the SS TILAWA. Successfully argued before the Supreme Court that the silver was intended for non-commercial purposes, securing state immunity for the Government.
Advised Northern Offshore Services on reviewing, negotiating, and executing construction agreements for hybrid offshore work vessels, securing external financing, and successfully delivering all four vessels with innovative designs for improved fuel efficiency and reduced carbon footprint. Negotiated construction agreements and financing for four additional E-Class vessels to be delivered in the second half of 2025, designed to meet future offshore wind operations needs.
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.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Paul Dean
Other key lawyers
Tom Morgan; Bea Bray; Jenny Salmon; Michael Ritter; Richard Neylon; Andrew Chamberlain; Paolo Ghirardani; Rory Butler; Jean Koh; Dominic Johnson; Adam Shire; Claire Womersley; William MacLachlan; Daniel Martin; Alessio Sbraga; Gudmund Bernitz; Alex Kemp; Matt Wilmshurst