Gavin Vallely leads a team at HFW, which is described as ‘technically of the highest standards’ across the full spectrum of shipping work. Vallely is ‘widely acknowledged as an expert in the shipping and transport areas’ and is supported by ’a team of experts’. The group also includes Stephen Thompson and Simon Shaddick; Thompson utilises his significant commercial, shipping and trade law nous to act for a multitude of clients including ship owners, operators, charterers and third-party services providers, while Shaddick is described as having ‘approachability, depth of knowledge, and an ability to apply concepts to reality’. After the research had concluded, Maurice Thompson joined with a team of seven practitioners from Clyde & Co LLP in January 2024.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'They provide business input where needed and we have always found dealing with them technically to be of the highest standards. We have had a long-term relationship with HFW across a number of complicated areas and multiple levels within shipping and transport.'
- 'The main point of contact for several years has been Gavin Vallely who has provided expert advice and assisted in setting up of required contracts, resolutions, advice. Gavin has always provided time no matter the complexity of discussions, outputs needed or advice. Gavin is widely acknowledged as an expert in shipping and transport areas and has, through HFW, a team of additional experts to be called upon to assist as required.'
Key clients
- Royal Caribbean Cruise Line (RCL Cruises Ltd)
- Journey Beyond
Work highlights
- Assisted Royal Caribbean Cruise Line with a case involving the eruption of Whakaari/White Island Volcano off the coast of North Island, New Zealand on 9 December 2019.
- Acted for Guardian Offshore AU Pty Ltd in relation to a catastrophic fire which rendered its vessel a total loss; and subsequently for the owners in proceedings against hull and machinery underwriters in the Federal Court of Australia.