Stephenson Harwood

Maritime, trade & offshore

Jonathan is a specialist in the energy, natural resources and commodities sectors. His clients include mining groups, oil and gas companies, refiners, trading houses, charterers, banks, energy utilities and industrial consumers. He is an experienced litigator but also maintains an active transactional and advisory practice.

Jonathan handles the full range of commercial disputes, advising clients in both High Court litigation and international arbitration (institutional, trade and ad hoc). Recognised as "a hugely committed lawyer with a sharp intellect" (Legal 500 UK 2021), he has particular expertise in matters relating to the supply, carriage, storage, distribution and financing of commodities. He has also developed a market-leading practice for commodities fraud cases, with sources describing him as "a complete guru when it comes to warehousing and fraud" (Chambers UK 2020).

Alongside his contentious work, Jonathan regularly advises on trade and commodity finance transactions, particularly those involving inventory and other title-based structures. He also advises on a variety of off-take, supply, distribution, master trading, storage, tolling and other agreements across the full range of commodities classes, as well as COA and charterparties.

Jonathan has become a trusted advisor to many clients who appreciate his hands-on and practical approach and call on him for strategic legal advice, often at board level and in relation to commercially or politically sensitive issues.