Shipping: London

Holman Fenwick Willan remains a pre-eminent firm in the London shipping market. Sources comment that “with Holmans, you know exactly what you are going to get - sensible advice and quality support.” With close to 90 shipping specialists in its London office, the firm is capable of handling all manner of shipping disputes, from charter-party and bills of lading claims to complex casualty situations and piracy hijackings. The team is also a leader in marine insurance matters. Clients benefit from the firm's global network, which includes offices in Piraeus, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Melbourne and Sydney.

Client Service “Without a doubt the best in the business.”

Commercial Awareness “The lawyers understand how we work in considerable detail and restrict their proposals to those that make business sense.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Senior partner Richard Crump is widely recognised in the industry for his capabilities both on dry shipping claims and admiralty matters, and he has advised on many cases concerning the aftermath of casualty situations. Clients are quick to affirm his strong reputation and deep understanding of the field. James Gosling is a leading expert on piracy work, particularly hijackings. With decades of experience in the field, he impresses sources with his proactivity. Sources say: “Gosling is always accessible and swift to respond to any demand.” He is further praised for constructing imaginative solutions in high-pressure situations. Hugh Livingstone, another pre-eminent partner at the firm, has expertise across the whole realm of shipping matters. According to interviewees, he is “internationally recognised, fantastic at what he does and happy to help with anything – nothing is too small or too silly.” Over the past year, he has been working on the 'Vine' case, a significant issue concerning the enforceability of performance guarantees implemented by Chinese companies. George Eddings concentrates predominantly on dry shipping, assisting clients with charter-party disputes, bills of lading claims and carriage of dangerous goods matters, amongst others. He also has significant expertise in the offshore energy sector, where his strength in dispute resolution is widely noted. Robert Wilson is described as a “very sophisticated, sensible and pragmatic lawyer.” He works across shipping and international trade, focusing on litigation, arbitration and mediation. Brian Perrott has an established shipping and commodities practice representing numerous industry participants in charter-party disputes, bills of lading disputes and other dry shipping matters. Head of the firm's shipping practice Marcus Bowman demonstrates sound understanding and good judgement in all manner of wet and dry shipping disputes. As stated by market commentators, “he's quick on his feet and offers excellent advice that is black and white.” Andrew Chamberlain has a wealth of experience in admiralty matters, most recently assisting Smit Salvage Americas with claims concerning the Deepwater Horizon incident in 2010. Richard Neylon is a new addition to the rankings this year, following substantial praise from the market. Interviewees comment: “Neylon has a vast wealth of knowledge and readily adapts to the ever-changing challenges that marine piracy throws up. He is quick to respond to requests and proactive in anticipating potential problems and solutions.”

Ince & Co is another top choice for clients across the globe. Its 100-strong team of expert shipping lawyers has outstanding capabilities across the board in both wet and dry disputes, as well as cargo and insurance claims. This premier firm possesses an emergency response team that is singled out by clients for its strength. Sources say: “In the initial handling of a crisis, Ince & Co has a global network and a huge dedicated team to draw upon.” Acting for the whole spectrum of industry players, the firm is further praised for its “approachable and user-friendly atmosphere.”

Client Service “Ince & Co seems to genuinely care for its clients.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Paul Herring is recognised as “one of the top maritime lawyers in London at the moment.” As head of the firm's shipping department, he acts for owners, charterers and P&I clubs on the whole range of dry issues from charter-party disputes to newbuild disputes. He is “practical, hardy and very experienced,” say clients. Sources are impressed by Faz Peermohamed's “proactivity, his ability to see the strategic issues involved in cases, and his ability to solve or clarify the consequences in multiple jurisdictions.” He has exceptional capabilities in admiralty work and leads the firm's casualty team. Senior partner James Wilson is noted for his proficiency as an admiralty lawyer. His practice covers all casualty incidents, including collisions, groundings, engine failures, salvages and personal injuries. He is considered to be “extremely competent and a strong support when we need him.” Colin de la Rue is the firm's resident pollution expert. He acts in numerous oil spill matters around the world, most recently representing the shipowners, managers and P&I club in the high-profile 'Hebei Spirit' Korean oil spill case. Head of the dry shipping team at Ince & Co is Michael Volikas, who boasts a varied practice representing shipowners, charterers, P&I clubs and hull underwriters in wet and dry shipping matters. He serves as part of the firm's emergency response team and earns credit for his professionalism and attention to detail. Stephen Askins is widely recognised as a market expert on piracy matters: “He's a high-profile name in the field and works incredibly hard to keep at the forefront.” He was recently involved in the 'Saldanha' case, one of the leading cases concerning the capture of a vessel. Askins' practice also covers wet and dry matters. Ian Chetwood's varied practice straddles shipping, insurance and pollution litigation. He represents shipowners, P&I clubs and other insurers in complex, multi-jurisdictional disputes. Ian Cranston is another of the firm's all-rounders. He has a strong connection to the Italian market, frequently acting for many of the shipowners and oil and gas traders located there. His international practice also extends to Japan and Monaco. Michael Stockwood joins the rankings this year having received substantial praise from interviewees. According to sources, he possesses a “very good knowledge of maritime matters,” as well as “commercial sense.” His practice primarily revolves around shipbuilding and charter-party disputes. Jeremy Biggs is an up-and-coming shipping lawyer at the firm. With expertise spanning both wet and dry shipping, he is praised for “blending technical expertise with smooth client skills.”

On November 1st 2011, Barlow Lyde & Gilbert merged with Clyde & Co. The merged entity will trade under the Clyde & Co banner. This firm is widely recognised for its shipping practice, which covers all manner of contentious and non-contentious work. The team has expertise in both wet and dry disputes and is considered to be a market leader in the areas of cargo recovery and insurance liability. However, the team's capabilities extend beyond the insurance field to include high-profile marine casualties and piracy work. Clients appreciate the firm's strong handle on cases, with one individual stating: “I would choose Clyde & Co if I had a particularly difficult counterparty to deal with.” The firm has a number of international offices that further strengthen its position as one of the leading shipping firms in London.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Nicholas Graydon is perhaps best known for his South Korean-based work. He advises numerous shipowners, operators and shipbuilders in the region, including Hyundai Mipo Dockyard. Graydon is described as “an effective litigator for dealing with complex multi-jurisdictional issues. He prepares carefully and ensures arguments are presented to best effect.” Benjamin Knowles attracts instructions from international clients across the globe, including the Middle East, Singapore and Taiwan. He is active in both the shipping and commodities industries, but on the shipping side his primary focus is on dry disputes such as cargo claims and charter-party disputes. Edward Mills-Webb displays expertise in a wide range of shipping matters and has played a role in several major charter-party disputes. He also works in the offshore field and has advised on numerous projects in West Africa. Hatty Sumption “is extremely incisive, is able to quickly identify what is truly important in a case and has a brilliant way even with the most difficult of clients.” She is a strong shipping lawyer specialising in dry matters. Nick Austin has been making a major impact in the market recently and joins the rankings for the first time this year. According to sources: “He's very conscientious and bright – he always offers balanced advice.” Timothy Taylor is another of the firm's marine insurance experts. In recent years, he has been instructed on numerous offshore loss disputes.

Since publication, Patrick Foss and Christopher Zavos have joined Norton Rose LLP.

Hill Dickinson houses a large, dedicated shipping team with significant expertise across a broad range of work. The firm handles both wet and dry work and has a specialist “one-stop shop” superyacht practice, headed by Tony Allen. Recent highlights on the admiralty side of the practice include representing shipowner Maersk Lines when a serious fire ignited spontaneously in a deck cargo container on the 'Charlotte Maersk'. Clients speak highly of the firm's depth of experience and appreciate that “Hill Dickinson is efficient, practical and flexible.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Tony Allen leads the firm's superyacht offering. Concentrating on transactions and related disputes, he has worked with many of the largest European yacht underwriters and yards. Andrew Johnson is highly skilled in both wet and dry work, having previously served at sea as a navigation cadet officer with P&O. Over the years he has worked on many collisions, including the recent 'MSC Chitra' case, in which he acted for the shipowners and their insurers. Robert Wallis covers all aspects of admiralty law, as well as marine insurance and dry shipping matters. He is described as a “first -class lawyer dedicated to providing advice in a user-friendly style which addresses both the legal merits and commercial reality.” He has particular experience in the European and Far Eastern markets. Stuart Armstrong's practice is dedicated to all manner of cargo claims, including those related to bills of lading and voyage charter parties. Clients really rate his abilities, stating: “Armstrong is a highly commercial lawyer and a safe pair of hands in any situation.”

Since publication, Tony Allen has joined Hill Dickinson LLP

This firm has a long-standing reputation in the industry for the strength of its global dry shipping practice. In particular, the team possesses exceptional capabilities in the areas of charter-party, bills of lading, memorandum of agreement and freight forwarding agreement disputes. Admiralty work is another area of focus for the team and recently the firm represented Gulf Rocks over a collision between its ship 'Khalijia 3' and the 'MSC Chitra' in Mumbai. The firm is also active in the offshore energy industry, advising on the shipping and insurance aspects of an FPSO project offshore Ghana, as well as representing a number of clients in disputes involving FPSO matters and offshore support vessels.

Client Service “I feel like the firm has made a special effort for me and that I am truly valued as a client.”

Commercial Awareness “Reed Smith offers a good blend of legal expertise and commercial sense. Its lawyers are creative and solution-oriented.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Andrew Taylor has a strong focus on work for P&I clubs but his capabilities also encompass charter dispute, casualty response and offshore contract work. In the words of one impressed interviewee: “You really feel the be nefit of his years of experience. There isn't much that he hasn't seen, so you feel that you are in safe hands.” “When you mention the name Lindsay East, people listen,” report clients. He continues to enjoy a prominent reputation in the market for dry shipping litigation. Over the years he has developed specialisms in LNG charters and luxury yacht disputes. Charles Weller climbs up the rankings this year, earning accolades for being “on top in his industry.” Clients also appreciate his “ability to work with our plan and strategy to achieve exactly what we want.” Weller's practice encompasses dry shipping disputes, as well as downstream disputes in the energy trading arena. Nick Shaw is “an intellectual litigator who is able to grasp complex commercial issues and steer an appropriate course of action.” He is active in a range of dry shipping disputes, including ones involving charter parties, bills of lading, freight-forwarding agreements and shipbuilding. Shaw is head of the shipping practice at Reed Smith. Stephen Kirkpatrick possesses broad capabilities in the shipping arena and acts for owners, traders and charter parties. In recent years he has developed a strong shipbuilding practice and also frequently works in the offshore energy industry. Sources say: “He is very fast to grasp big issues and to take the correct steps forward to ensure a positive solution.” Alex Andrews joins the rankings this year following extensive market praise. Sources say: “His advice is academically very strong - he really gets to the bottom of the legal issues, but at the same time his advice considers our strategy and practical needs.” Andrews has significant shipping-related expertise in the Korean market. Mark O'Neil is another new addition to the rankings this year. Prominent in the European and Far Eastern markets, he has recently acted in a number of complex shipbuilding disputes. Clients highlight O'Neil's strong negotiation skills alongside his ability to “pick up all the bits and pieces of a case and pull them together succinctly.”

This firm advises on a wide range of maritime law, including admiralty work, cargo claims, insurance and reinsurance claims, and charter-party and bills of lading disputes. It also handles non-contentious issues such as ship sales and finance matters. The nine-partner team works with numerous industry players, including many major P&I clubs.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Senior partner Paul Griffiths has built up a strong reputation within the London shipping market. He frequently acts for shipowners, charterers, insurers and P&I clubs in a wide range of dry shipping matters. Clients applaud his strong work ethic, describing him as “a workhorse.” Vernon Sewell joins the rankings this year. He is recognised for his expertise in admiralty matters and he also has significant capabilities in dry shipping. Clients state that “Sewell is very switched-on when a casualty situation arises.” Joanna Steele is an “extremely thorough legal mind.” Another new addition to the rankings, Steele is praised for her strength in pursuing cargo claims, charter-party disputes and shipbroking disputes for a variety of industry participants.

Boutique firm MFB enjoys a solid presence in the London shipping market. Its comprehensive practice spans contentious and non-contentious work and includes both wet and dry shipping disputes. The team comprises 13 partners, who are described as “trusted advisers” by market sources.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Edward Gray acts for a broad range of shipping clients, including both shipowners and operators. Over the years he has developed a specialism working in the offshore energy industry, as well as acting in relation to container liner services and tankers. Gerard Hopkins's practice is centred on dry shipping litigation, from charter-party disputes and cargo claims to ship arrests and freezing orders. Mark Seward is another partner who is recognised for his expertise in dry shipping disputes. He has represented numerous industry clients in charter-party disputes, bills of lading claims, indemnity actions and demurrage and detention claims. Andrew Wright's expertise also lies in the litigation field, where he acts on dry shipping matters. His practice also extends to non-contentious contract work. Ian Hawkes has developed a wide-ranging practice that encompasses maritime and sale of goods disputes, as well as transactional contract issues. Peter Jago also handles a variety of shipping disputes, including charter-party, bills of lading, shipbuilding, ship sale and insurance claims.

Stephenson Harwood houses a truly international shipping practice and it has seen significant growth in the Asian market this year. The firm is home to a team of 14 partners, who specialise in the whole spectrum of contentious shipping matters, including admiralty work, insurance claims and dry shipping disputes. It has considerable expertise in handling shipbuilding disputes for a range of international clients. The team is praised for its supportiveness, with clients stating that “it feels like someone is always there for us.”

Client Service "The firm has an excellent understanding of our company and our needs.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice head Paolo Ghirardani is widely recognised as an expert in the London shipping market. His practice incorporates international trade and insurance but he is perhaps best known for his casualty work. Most recently, he advised Vitol and its underwriters in relation to a loss of cargo following a substantial collision. Alex Davis has built a strong marine insurance practice representing both national and international clients. He advises on a variety of issues including risks related to hulls, machinery, cargo and liability. Ingolf Kaiser is praised for his analytical and methodical approach to cases. Interviewees report that “Ingolf has a great eye for detail, gives a great deal of consideration to tactics, and presents cases in a robust manner.” His practice is largely concerned with dry shipping matters. Clients report that Stuart Beadnall displays a depth of experience and real understanding of the offshore industry. He has a strong reputation in shipbuilding and offshore construction contracts. Rovine Chandrasekera “has a commercial mind in resolving the disputes. He understands what the client wants and knows exactly when to be tough and when to be flexible,” sources say. He acts for owners, charterers and traders in a variety of dry shipping disputes and he is particularly active in the Middle Eastern and South Asian markets. Sean Gibbons advises on a number of different shipping disputes, including those relating to shipbuilding, and he has experience working with Korean shipyards. Clients are quick to praise his commitment to cases: “He fully understands our need for very quick responses. We greatly appreciate that he puts in long hours to match the time difference.” Mike Phillips, a younger partner in the shipping team, specialises in shipping and offshore energy work. He is described as “a high-energy performer, whose practical and open-minded approach to finding solutions makes him a pleasure to work with.”

This is a large shipping boutique firm with a strong presence in the industry. The firm has continued to build on its strengths this year, winning instructions from new clients such as Antigoni Shipping, Louis Dreyfus and the Norwegian Hull Club. The team has capabilities across the full spectrum of marine disputes. Sources note: “The quality and breadth of Thomas Cooper's expertise is truly vast.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Graham Harris heads the firm's shipping practice. He is an all-rounder, equally adept at handling both wet and dry work. Last year, Harris represented AET in the 'Eagle Valencia' case before the Court of Appeal. He is described as “a very hard-working and passionate lawyer.” According to sources, Darryl Kennard's “analysis is thorough and his advice targeted.” He is one of the firm's leading admiralty experts, handling collisions, salvages, total loss incidents, fires and groundings. Tom Moisley has an incredibly broad practice straddling wet and dry shipping and insurance matters. According to clients, he is able to “latch on to our commercial concerns very quickly” and is considered to be “precise and considered in his approach.” John McCaskill is building a strong reputation in the shipping field. Clients appreciate that he is “very astute in his management of cases, so he's not afraid to give advice going forward.” McCaskill frequently handles dry shipping disputes for traders, owners, charterers, cargo interests and P&I clubs.

Since publication, Graham Harris has joined Squire Sanders

Gateley's shipping practice is primarily focused on cargo claims, with the team representing cargo owners, carriers and insurers, as well as clients in the superyacht industry. This group also has considerable experience of dry shipping matters, including charter-party and shipbuilding disputes. The London office works closely with the firm's Edinburgh office to offer a seamless, integrated service.

Client Service “We really benefit from the newsletters the firm circulates - they keep us updated on market changes and developments.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Richard Coles specialises in superyacht work, particularly on the registration and finance side. He represents a variety of industry participants, including yacht owners and lenders. Adrian Hardingham's main areas of practice include marine insurance, shipping and transport. His client base comprises national and international underwriters, freight forwarders, carriers and traders.

This boutique firm is a major player in the dry shipping arena, where it represents numerous industry participants on charter-party disputes and other claims. The team also has expertise in admiralty work, including salvage and collisions. Clients describe the group as “attentive and extremely knowledgeable.”

Client Service “Lax & Co offers swift and practical advice. In terms of service, they are one of the best.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael Lax is highly regarded as “a no-nonsense lawyer who sees where the issues are and defends cases vigorously.” With a practice that encompasses both wet and dry work, Lax has invaluable experience in the shipping field. This past year he has continued to act in the high-profile Fiona Trust litigation. Tom Crampton is considered to be one of the rising stars of the London shipping market. He predominantly works on dry shipping disputes, including charter-party and bills of lading matters, as well as freight-forwarding agreements. Stuart Dench is a highly regarded shipping lawyer who wins praise for his client service. Sources say: “Stuart doesn’t tell you what you want to know, he is a little more pragmatic; if he thinks a position is untenable, he is not afraid of saying so.”

Norton Rose is perhaps best known for its leading ship finance practice, but the firm also has significant capabilities in the contentious side of the industry. Working with shipowners, charterers, insurers and P&I clubs, the team handles a variety of wet and dry shipping disputes and is also highly regarded for its marine insurance work. Clients cite the benefits of the firm's international network of offices, which enables the team to draw upon resources from around the globe.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Ian Teare has significant capabilities handling casualty incidents, including collisions, salvage and total loss situations. He is also active in the marine insurance market advising P&I clubs and other clients on various claims. He is described as “fast to respond, clear and commercial.” Philip Roche “is a very calm and considered litigator with good technical experience,” sources say. He served in the Royal Navy and his practice is focused on admiralty matters, including investigations, as well as other shipping disputes. Patrick Foss and Christopher Zavos have recently joined the firm from Clyde & Co LLP. Foss's strength lies in the insurance arena, where he represents marine insurers and reinsurers in claims concerning P&I policies, hull and machinery issues and charterers' liability. Sources say: “I find him extremely professional and enjoy working with him very much.” Zavos acts for a variety of underwriters, both in London and overseas, on all manner of maritime insurance disputes.

Waltons & Morse has developed a strong reputation for representation of cargo interests in a variety of shipping disputes. For example, in recent years, the firm has been active in the piracy sphere on behalf of cargo insurer clients. The firm's expertise also extends to charter-party disputes, collision issues and salvage incidents, and transactional shipping matters. Clients praise the lawyers for their strategic abilities, as well as their technical expertise.

Client Service “I am 100% happy with the service – the firm has a great attitude and the lawyers are always attentive.”

Commercial Awareness “The firm is very helpful in evaluating global events and conveying the impact on the market as a whole, and then on our company individually.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Managing partner Christopher Dunn is known for his strong marine insurance practice. Clients particularly praise his ability to combine “technical knowledge with an honest, commercial opinion.” Mark Lloyd enters the rankings following substantial market praise. Sources say: “Mark is extremely flexible. He understands the Asian market and the subtle differences in what those clients need. He's always willing to go the extra mile.”

This firm has a broad-based maritime offering encompassing charter-party disputes, salvage and collision work, cargo claims, insurance claims and shipbuilding disputes, as well as contractual work such as sale and purchase agreements. The firm's seven partners are regarded as “down-to-earth and great communicators.” Clients also stress the firm's commitment to cost-effective legal services.

Client Service “Winter Scott provides the right attention to detail. I know it's a cliché, but the firm makes you feel like you are the only client.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Glenn Winter “has a phenomenal practice and offers an amazing quality of service,” according to sources. He specialises in dry shipping disputes. Tim Houghton has developed a similar practice representing clients in a variety of dry shipping disputes, including charter-party issues, shipbuilding matters and cargo claims. Sources say he has “the ability to give practical, business-oriented advice.”

Despite only opening its doors in September 2010, Campbell Johnston Clark is already making a considerable impression in the London shipping market. Its three founding partners have vast experience of wet and dry shipping work, as well as non-contentious contractual work and they continue to apply their broad knowledge base to new instructions.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Alistair Johnston possesses strong capabilities in wet shipping and marine insurance matters. Sources say: “As well as applying his extensive knowledge and ability to the cases, Johnston also manages his team in a very cost-effective manner.” Julian Clark is a broad-based shipping lawyer with expertise in wet and dry disputes, piracy and marine insurance. He continues to receive substantial recognition from commentators in the London market.

This is a boutique firm with expertise in both traditional shipping work and offshore energy work. Led by four experienced partners, the team serves a wide variety of industry players, including shipowners, charterers, shipyards, financing banks and insurers, as well as oil and gas majors. Over the past year, the firm has also increased its profile in the superyacht market, recently advising on several complex constructions.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Simon Curtis is widely recognised for his expertise in shipbuilding contracts and disputes. He is also very active in the offshore construction and procurement field. Clients note his common-sense and practical approach as a major strength.

This eight-partner niche firm operates exclusively in the shipping field, advising a multitude of clients on wet and dry matters and insurance claims, as well as non-contentious shipping and commodities work. The firm receives instructions from P&I clubs; freight, defence and demurrage (FD&D) clubs; and other clients across the globe.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Nicholas Parton is regarded as “a hands-on, energetic lawyer who truly believes in the worth of his clients' cases.” He has extensive experience acting for owners and charterers in hull and cargo claims, while he has also developed a niche specialism handling anti-suit injunctions for a variety of clients.

Mays Brown is a maritime law boutique dedicated to a broad range of contentious shipping work, in particular charter-party disputes and bills of lading claims. The firm comprises eight lawyers who act for both national and international clients. The team also has expertise in piracy situations.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Joe Mays is highly respected in the industry for his deep knowledge and wide experience of shipping matters. He typically represents owners, operators and numerous P&I clubs in a variety of dry shipping disputes.