Gemma Pearce

Marine/business stream 2.

Gemma qualified as a barrister in 2001, cross-qualifying as a solicitor in 2005. She has 20 years’ experience in the sector specialising in shipping, marine and non-marine insurance, international trade and in the travel and cruise sectors.

Gemma handles all aspects of claims whether pre-litigated or litigated involving charter parties, bills of lading, supply and carriage of goods, cargo, passenger and crew claims, with particular emphasis on P&I and FD&D matters. She has also worked extensively in the area of policy coverage disputes. She regularly assists owners, charterers, operators, brokers and insurers in a wide range of jurisdictions in both, marine and non-marine insurance matters relating to the industry and associated, international trade(s).

She also advises on personal injury and loss of life cases; medical negligence claims and class actions arising out of illness and disease outbreaks, as well as extensive occupational disease experience in the sector.

She draws upon her practical experience and real commercial understanding when handling marine casualty work but with particular emphasis on shipping, offshore and transport-related personal injury and fatal accident cases including accidents involving cargo ships, passenger ships, offshore platforms/CTV and port/terminal operations. She also drafts/advises on health and safety procedures, policies and risk management, and trains management and personnel.

On the non-marine side, Gemma has worked extensively with a global self-insured chemical company for many years, handling disease claims on their behalf and a large retail client. Gemma works with numerous P & I Clubs within the international group, traditional mainstream insurers and bespoke marine specialist insurers and brokers. Additionally Gemma has worked with a large ship owner for 20 years, providing claims handling services to their Ro-Ro fleet.

Gemma also works closely with international law firms in the sector, including those based in Central and North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

Caerleon Comprehensive School – GCSEs and A levels; University of Derby, LLB (Hons); University of Cardiff, BVC.