The 'responsive and professional' transport and shipping practice at Birketts LLP 'gives clear and sensible advice'. The Ipswich office is home to experts in road transport, logistics, marine cargo, and multimodal carriage, as well as regulatory and licensing matters, customs and duty issues, employment matters and the drafting of commercial contracts. Head of shipping and international trade Henry Adams is a dry shipping specialist. Head litigation Alex Davey frequently handles cargo disputes. Head of regulatory and corporate defence Matthew Gowen is key adviser to operators and trade bodies. Emerging partner talent Tom Hodges frequently assists clients from Asia with dry shipping and marine insurance matters, while legal director Sarah Holsgrove handles charterparty disputes and cargo recoveries. Mediator and dry shipping litigation specialist Nicholas Woo is regarded as an expert in his field.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Tom Hodges - excellent team player and communicator, who is able to get into the detail provide right-hand man support. Consistently gives sound and reliable legal advice.’
‘The Birketts team was constantly on the ball - combining sector-knowledge and effective (and time-efficient) advice. You really felt you were in safe hands.’
‘We worked with Tom Hodges. Tom grasped the issues swiftly and was able to advise us promptly, concisely and effectively - a real added-value.’
‘An extensive range of professionals with an abundance of comprehensive knowledge and experience. Specialists in relevant fields have good local as well as industry knowledge. Information and advice is clear and concise.’
‘Competent, experienced, knowledgeable and importantly personable and friendly professionals. Good communication. Tom Hodges in particular has always been excellent to deal with.’
‘Charlotte Hunt is a hardworking individual, with great client care and an understanding of transport matters that has few parallels. She has built a niche practice and is able to give common sense and practical solutions to complex matters.’
‘Charlotte Hunt is extremely well qualified in the Transport Law/Compliance sector. ’
‘Charlotte Hunt is extremely personable/likeable and has extensive knowledge of transport law. I'd have absolutely not hesitation in referring Charlotte to my clients/contacts.’
Key clients
- U-Ming Marine Transport Pte Ltd
- Atlantis International Service NV
- Tradhol Internacional
- Filhet-Allard Maritime
- Diot-SIACI
- Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty SE
- HDI Global SE
- Inspectorate International Ltd
- Total Energies Trading and Shipping SA
- Kolmar Group AG
- Barbuss Global
Work highlights
- Advising and guiding U-Ming Transport Marine Transport Pte Ltd, in respect of a cargo being detained in Latvia due to allegations it belonged to a sanctioned individual.
- Successfully represented Atlantis International in a High Court action concerning the applicable York-Antwerp Rules in CONGENBILL 1994.
- Representing Hull & Machinery insurers Barbuss Global in an ongoing, high-value High Court claim concerning carriage of a dangerous cargo which is alleged to have resulted in the sinking of the vessel.
Lawyers
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Henry Adams, Alex Davey, Matthew Gowen