Stephenson Harwood’s shipping team is frequently instructed on marine insurance, casualty response, decarbonisation initiatives, energy transition matters, and charterparty disputes. Dora Mace-Kokota leads the group, bringing expertise in ship finance enforcement, LNG projects, and FPSO-related issues. Alex Davis is noted for his work on salvage, collisions, and wreck removal, while Kirsty MacHardy and Sean Gibbons focus on shipbuilding, advising on commercial disputes and contract negotiations.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Stephenson Harwood’s shipping team genuinely stands out for their practical and commercially aware advice. I’ve worked with them across contract negotiations, HR issues, shipbuilding, marine civil construction, and potential litigation matters, and in every instance their input has been clear, well-considered, and grounded in real-world experience.’
- ‘Even though the potential litigation didn’t proceed, the advice I received gave me a clear understanding of the risks and options. It balanced legal precision with strategic thinking, helping us make confident and informed decisions without unnecessary escalation.’
- ‘On marine civil construction and project delivery matters, the team has demonstrated a strong grasp of both legal and technical aspects. They quickly identify key issues and provide practical, workable solutions rather than just textbook answers.’
- ‘Whether drafting contracts or navigating complex stakeholder challenges, Stephenson Harwood is efficient and focused, ensuring advice is clear, actionable, and aligned with client objectives.’
- ‘Clients benefit from continuity, with senior lawyers remaining involved throughout matters rather than handing work off to different teams. This approach makes communication easier and builds trust over time.’
- ‘The firm is flexible on billing and process, using technology to streamline workflows while maintaining quality and reliability. It combines modern efficiency with the depth expected from a leading shipping practice.’
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Practice head
Dora Mace-Kokota
Other key lawyers
Alex Davis; Kirsty MacHardy; Sean Gibbons