With experience in marine insurance, international trade matters and maritime casualty cases, Malcolm Hartwell heads Norton Rose Fulbright South Africa Inc‘s practice. Andrew Robinson has an excellent reputation for his extensive experience in handling port regulatory issues, and Carol Holness is a key contact for maritime litigation. Peter Lamb’s workload includes contentious admiralty matters, international trade cases, and marine insurance issues. Alongside the group’s strength in shipping law, the firm is ‘the gold standard in aviation law’ for some; Paul Cartwright regularly handles disputes in the aviation sector, and is equally adept at assisting with insurance, leasing and regulatory matters in the space.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The lawyers with whom I am working are extremely thorough in their approach.’

  • ‘This team has an exceptional knowledge of both legal and commercial issues in the field. This results in a ‘commercial problem solving’ view rather than a ‘litigate at all costs’ approach which ultimately serves client interests better in the inherent term. That being said, when litigation is required, they are ruthlessly efficient in driving a case forward.’

  • ‘The availability and responsiveness of Andrew Robinson and his team are above and beyond the ordinary.’

  • ‘There is professional excellence at all levels.'

  • ‘Malcolm Hartwell and Andrew Robinson - both leaders in their field, hugely knowledgeable and experienced.'

Key clients

  • Santam Limited
  • AIG
  • Fuels Industry Association of South Africa (previously South African Petroleum Industry Association (SAPIA))
  • Wilmar Africa Pty Ltd
  • Shell International Trading Shipping Company Ltd
  • Members of Parakou Shipping Group
  • MS Amlin and three other Lloyd’s syndicates
  • Financier
  • AlcoNCP (Pty) Ltd
  • The oil majors who are members of the Fuel Industry Association of South Africa (FIASA)

Work highlights

Acting for port liability underwriter, Santam Marine, in ongoing litigation involving multiple high-value claims arising from damage caused by high winds through the port of Durban in 2017.
Advising a group of companies in the South African cargo insurance market on multiple claims, including salvage claims and claims under bills of lading, arising from four maritime casualties.
Instructed by Credit Agricole to assist South African Airways with the leasing and registration of a new aircraft.

Lawyers

Leading partners

The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Malcolm Hartwell

Next generation partners

Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Carol Holness

Practice head

Malcolm Hartwell

Other key lawyers

Andrew Robinson; Peter Lamb; Carol Holness; Paul Cartwright; Nicholene Naidoo; Michael Homveld