Vassallo Associates

Marine Litigation

Partner

Abigail qualified as an advocate in Malta in March 2011. She advises on all issues arising in relation to admiralty and shipping disputes, insurance, insolvency and contractual disputes with an international dimension.

She advises shipowners and operators, P&I Clubs and insurers, on a wide range of issues relating to personal injury claims, MLC disputes including abandonment of seafarers, collision and pollution incidents, cargo disputes, judicial sales of vessels.

Abigail has significant experience of litigation including Civil Court and Court of Appeal hearings, and has advised on numerous ship arrests and injunctions pursuant to Article 37 of the Merchant Shipping Act. In addition, she has experience of managing cross-border litigation, working closely with foreign counsel.

Abigail started off her career as an advocate with particular focus on ship and yacht registration and sales and acquisitions of vessels as well as the formation and support of shipping organisations and companies, regularly assisting clients in corporate matters and M&A transactions. She assisted major financial institutions and owners in the financing of vessels and ancillary issues.

English, Maltese, Italian & Conversational French

Malta Chamber of Advocates, International Association of Young Lawyers,Shiparrested.com

2015 - Master of Arts in Law with distinction conferred by the University of Malta

2011 - Presented with Warrant to exercise the profession of advocate in the Courts of Malta and Gozo.

2010 - Graduated Doctor of Laws (LL.D) from the University of Malta after submission of LL.D thesis entitled ‘The Legal Regimes governing Offshore Installations.’

2008 - Graduated Diploma of Notary Public from the University of Malta.

2007 - Graduated Bachelor of Laws and European Studies from the University of Malta.