The Ipswich office of Birketts LLP is home to a transport and shipping practice from which ‘the service from is professional, friendly and pragmatic’. The firm assists shipping and logistics clients with the full spectrum of matters, including commercial, contractual, customs and duty issues. Practice co-head Henry Adams has broad expertise in dry shipping; Alex Davey leads the litigation practice, often acting in cargo disputes; and head of regulatory and corporate defence Matthew Gowen frequently advises operators and trade bodies. Davey and newly promoted partner Tom Hodges have a ‘straightforward, no nonsense approach'. Mediator and dry shipping litigation specialist Nicholas Woo and senior associate Sarah Holsgrove also play pivotal roles in the practice.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

'The service from Birketts is professional, friendly and pragmatic. They have a wide range of skills within the business. The service is excellent.'
'Tom Hodges and Alex Davey are straightforward, no nonsense approach with the focus on swift practical solutions in the best interest of the client.'

Key clients

JJA SA
Petromar
Atlantic Trading and Marketing Inc
National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh PA
Pequod Associates Ltd.

Work highlights

Actin for Petromar in a claim for damages arising from alleged contamination of cargoes of gasoil and gasoline in the High Court.
Acted for time charterers Navision Shipping A/S in a dispute arising from loss of time due to an arrest of the vessel at a discharge port.
Acted for JJA, a large French home furnishings distributor and retailer, in defending a claim for container demurrage brought against them by Maersk for around €3.1m. The matter settled at the pleadings stage.