DWF excels in dry shipping disputes with focus areas such as unsafe port and dangerous cargo claims, charterparty disputes and marine insurance issues. Practice head Christopher Dunn specialises in coverage and liability defence matters, while Michael Biltoo covers both contentious and non-contentious matters, including advice on the sale and purchase of vessels, charterparty contracts and insurance clauses. As a key contact for clients from the insurance segment, Jonathan Evans‘ broad practice includes expertise in marine cyber matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- High-quality advice, delivered promptly in clear and concise terms. Personable solicitors with strong communication skills and market understanding.
- Ability to communicate at all levels, particularly complex litigation issues. Chris Dunn, Mark Lloyd, Jonathan Evans, Freddie Mehlig.
- I would put Christopher Dunn at the top of his profession. He stands out for his ability to lead and grow, while his own legal knowledge is outstanding. They listen to what you want, work with you, and understand every aspect of a case.
- Christopher Dunn, a unique individual who has the ability to manage the team, develop DWF's worldwide capabilities, run his own caseload, and mentor the more junior members of the DWF team.
Key clients
- Aviva
- Intact
- Beazley Group
- Liberty Syndicates
- Zurich
- Mitsui Sumitomo
- CV Starr
- Canopius
- AXA XL
- Schutzverein
- The Hartford
- Tokio Marine HCC
Work highlights
Providing coverage and other advice to underwriters, as war risks insurers of multiple vessels attacked in the Red Sea following the Israel-Gaza conflict from 2023 to date.
Advising underwriters on a wide-reaching issue with consignments of seafood from Indonesia to the US, with gross exposures to the London Market exceeding $50m.
Advised on critical shipping issues arising in real time in the Strait of Hormuz for shipowners and London Market Insurers.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Christopher Dunn
Other key lawyers
Michael Biltoo: Jonathan Evans