Co-led by Craig Cunningham, Heather Manson, and Andrew Pike, Bowmans houses the 'go-to lawyers' in aviation who routinely resolve maritime disputes and manage emergency marine casualty responses. Cunningham handles complex maritime claims, including ship arrests, while Manson advises on contentious and non-contentious aviation matters, including enforcement and aircraft repossession. Pike leads on ports, rail, and logistics issues. Jeremy Prain covers the full spectrum of admiralty claims, Andrew Buchmann advises on international trade in transport and logistics, Claudia Jackson has experience in aviation insurance, and Lana Stockton specialises in marine casualty handling and investigations.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Claudia Jackson is a pleasure to deal with on a professional level and offers knowledgeable, efficient and extremely practical guidance, as and when necessary.'
- ‘Bowmans are go-to lawyers in South Africa for Aviation litigation claims. They are experts in their field and responsive to our needs.'
- ‘Knowhow in the filed and responsiveness.'
- ‘The team at Bowmans consistently go above and beyond in their support and expertise within the aviation insurance sector. Their responsiveness and deep industry knowledge make them an invaluable resource, particularly when it comes to assisting with complex claims and underwriting queries. They are always willing to engage, offering clear guidance and swift assistance whenever needed.'
- ‘Heather Manson has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication and expertise in the aviation insurance sector. Her responsiveness and depth of knowledge make her an invaluable partner, especially when navigating complex claims or underwriting queries.'
- ‘Their lawyers are proactive and responsive. We have no hesitation to recommend our clients consider instructing them.’
Key clients
- Airlink
- AXA XL
- Gard
- Hapag-Lloyd
- Hoegh Autoliners
- Louis Dreyfus
- Maersk
- MS Amlin Marine
- NorthStandard
- Orange Marine
- Peninsula Petroleum
- Qatar Airways
Work highlights
Advised Ultrabulk following a maritime casualty involving the vessel “Ultra Galaxy” that ran aground off the South African coast in July 2024.
Advised Santam, a one of the largest aviation insurers in the South African market, on significant regulatory changes proposed by South Africa’s aviation authorities affecting approximately 70% of the South African general aviation fleet.
Advised owners of vessels involved in the South African offshore bunkering industry following the detention and seizure of vessels by the South African Revenue Service.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
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Leading partners
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Next Generation Partners
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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
Craig Cunningham; Heather Manson; Andrew Pike
Other key lawyers
Mark van Velden; Jeremy Prain; Andrew Buchmann; Claudia Jackson; Lana Stockton; Shanae Durman