Webber Wentzel

Dispute Resolution Practice

Managing Partner - Cape Town

Gavin has been involved in major maritime litigation resulting from disasters and casualties since 1992, including all aspects of casualty investigations, dealing with access to crew, vessels and documents, taking evidence on commission, subsequent trial and arbitration work, and in courts of marine enquiry. He also has extensive experience in all aspects of arrest work, having represented parties in relation to enforcement proceedings, obtaining of security, and both effecting and setting aside complex associated ship arrests. He has considerable experience in all port related work, and also in dealing with P&I Club matters, whether for owners or charterers. During his career, he has been involved in precedent-setting legal decisions and numerous judgments. He also has expertise in mortgage foreclosures, judicial ship sales, and related commercial work, as well as in marine and transport insurance and related cargo claims. He deals with loss of life and personal injuries matters in the marine context. He has experience in ship repair matters, including related arbitration work.  Gavin is currently the president of the Maritime Law Association of South Africa (MLA).  He chaired the Cape Chapter of the MLA from 2007 to 2017. He is an external examiner for the University of Cape Town's Admiralty Law Department.  Gavin is also the managing partner of the firm's Cape Town office.

Member of The Maritime Law Association of South Africa's National Executive Committee (2014 to present).

Postgraduate Diploma in Maritime Law, University of Cape Town, 1994 LLB, University of Cape Town, 1990 BA, University of Cape Town, 1989 Admitted attorney of the High Court of South Africa