Birketts LLP is well equipped to handle high-profile matters arising from bills of lading, contracts of affreightment and international sales contracts. The group’s expertise spans marine insurance and personal injury claims. The practice is led by Henry Adams, head of shipping and international trade, alongside Alex Davey, who heads the dispute resolution team. Nicholas Woo is noted for his dry shipping litigation work, while Tom Hodges is recognised for his dry shipping expertise, with a particular focus on the East Asian market.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Daniel Crockford is a great person to work with. He is thoughtful, practical and empathetic.’
‘The team is highly cohesive, combining a commercial, pragmatic approach with genuine collaboration. They are extremely responsive, with extensive market knowledge that adds real value. Above all, they are approachable, professional, and friendly, making them an excellent partner to work alongside.’
‘Daniel Crockford is an extremely calm and level-headed partner. He is very commercially focused and takes a genuine practical approach to handling matters. Alex Penberthy is equally a very calm and focused partner who is very responsive to queries.'
'Clarissa Dumolo who is an absolute pleasure to work with. Extremely detailed and hands-on approach and real valuable input.’
‘An experienced team that is well positioned for assignments across the whole of the South of England and South Wales. Keen rates.’
‘Alex Penberthy is a safe pair of hands for pursuit and defence. He is extremely proportionate in his approach to matters.’
Key clients
- Bundaberg Brewed Drinks Pty and BBD USA LLC
- Barbuss Global
- SIACI Saint Honoré
- Kolmar AG
- Total Energies
- Filhet-Allard Maritime
- Tokio Marine HCC
- Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty SE
- HDI Global SE
- MS Amlin
- XL Insurance Company SE
- Chinese Maritime Transport Ltd (Taiwan) (CMT)
Work highlights
Were instructed by Bundaberg Brewed Drinks Pty and BBD USA LLC to pursue a claim for unjust enrichment against freight forwarders who failed to use sums paid to them by our clients for shipping services. As a consequence, the clients’ cargo would not be released by the shipping company until payment was made. The case has been settled.
Were instructed by Barbuss Global to pursue a claim against an Indonesian shipper of a cargo of nickel ore which liquified during transit, causing the vessel the “Emerald Star” to sink. Ten of the crew lost their lives, and the vessel and cargo were also lost.
Were instructed by Chinese Maritime Transport Ltd, a Taiwanese shipping company, to provide legal advice in regard to their order of 2 ‘newcastlemax’ vessels to be built by CSBC shipyard, with an option for a further 2 vessels, with an estimated cost of USD 80 million per vessel.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Nicholas Woo
Practice head
Henry Adams; Alex Davey; Nicholas Woo; Tom Hodges
Other key lawyers
Daniel Crockford; Alex Penberthy; Clarissa Dumolo; Matthew Stratton