Shipping, Marine, trade and energy

A partner in the London office, Sarah is the head of the yacht team and works within the wider marine, trade and aviation group. She specialises in all yacht-related matters and advises owners, managers and yards on contracts relevant to superyacht operations, including sale and purchase transactions, re-fit, yacht charters and management agreements. Her expertise in this area has in part derived from her passion for sailing, as both an accomplished sailor and yacht master who has competed at international sailing events and worked on yachts.

Sarah has particular expertise in yacht and superyacht litigation, including contractual disputes and insurance claims, and has handled significant yacht casualties, including total losses. She has also developed a practice in advising on matters relating to sailing regattas and racing incidents and rules related matters. She acts alongside the firm’s personal injury team in the event of more serious injury.

With a background in shipping law, and having worked for an International Group P&I club, Sarah also frequently handles insurance claims and coverage disputes. She works closely with colleagues in the employment team to advise on regulatory issues, including crew issues arising in connection with the Maritime Labour Convention.

She qualified as a solicitor with Thomas Cooper in 2003 and subsequently spent two years working for an international group P&I club before joining another London shipping law firm where she was made partner in 2015. Sarah re-joined Thomas Cooper as a partner in 2018.

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