Recommended for its ‘excellent market knowledge’, Hill Dickinson LLP chiefly advises defendants in marine sector related litigation, handling multijurisdictional claims arising in maritime and port settings. The team's workload regularly involves catastrophic injuries, sexual abuse, industrial disease, psychiatric injuries and fatal claims among crews, passengers and port employees. Noted for his expertise in marine, ports, offshore and maritime leisure travel and holiday disputes, practice head John Caddies has considerable experience in fatal and catastrophic injury claims, as well as industrial maritime diseases. Janet McWhinney primarily acts for NHS Resolution and Medical Protection for claims involving severe brain and spinal injuries. Javed Ali is a frequent litigator for claims pertaining to passenger rights and cruise line injuries. Praised for her ’unparalleled professionalism’, Sarah Barnes has over 10 years of experience advising major port operators, shipping companies, tour and cruise lines, and other maritime businesses.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The broadest scope to deal with the intricacies of travel law issues. Willing to tailor invoices to separate VAT from the responsibility of the overseas priomary client. Willing to discuss niggling side-issues off the clock.’

  • ‘Sarah Barnes treats clients like friends, but always with unparalleled professionalism when required.’

  • ‘The team is highly skilled and are not only experts on the legal issues, they are able to see the commercial aspect, which is sometimes most important to ensuring the correct resolution to a file.’

  • ‘John Caddies and Sarah Barnes have been my go to people for any UK Personal injury claims for several years. They are approachable and will happily discuss issues, prior to their involvement and even provide advice on issues that might even result in their involvement not being necessary.’

  • ‘Excellent market knowledge, concise advise and obtains good resolutions.’

Key clients

  • Associated British Ports
  • Saga Cruises
  • Seatruck Ferries
  • DFDS
  • Royal Caribbean Cruises
  • P&O Ferries
  • Red Funnel Ferries
  • UK P&I Club
  • West of England P&I Club
  • Generali
  • Maersk Shipping Company
  • Maersk Offshore (Guernsey) Limited
  • Viking Ocean Cruises
  • Shipowners Mutual P&I Club
  • RSA
  • Gard P&I Club
  • Britannia P&I Club
  • Swedish P&I Club
  • Steamship P&I Club
  • London P&I Club
  • Louis Hotels
  • MSC Crociere
  • NorthStandard P&I Club
  • American Steamship Owners P&I Club
  • Svitzer Marine Limited
  • Assuranceforeningen SKULD (GJENSIDIG) P&I Club
  • BP Shipping Limited
  • CNA Hardy

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.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

John Caddies

Other key lawyers

Janet McWhinney, Javed Ali, Sarah Barnes