HFW
An enviable roster of clients turn to HFW to assist with high-profile and complex maritime matters that span wet and dry shipping alike. The team’s pronounced ability to handle war risk, piracy and sanctions matters further distinguishes the practice, which is headed up by Paul Dean, who is noted for his in-depth knowledge relating to autonomous vessels. Dry shipping is a particular area of expertise for Jean Koh, while Elinor Dautlich‘s practice spans commercial shipping as well as yachts, cruises, and LNG issues. Richard Neylon and Alex Kemp specialise in crisis response alongside master mariner Claire Womersley. Hailed as a ’go-to lawyer for marine insurance’, Michael Ritter is well versed in marine casualty work. Paolo Ghirardani, Jim Cashman and Rory Butler are also key individuals in the group in addition to legal director Jenny Salmon. Salvages, collisions and other wet shipping matters are at the core of Andrew Chamberlain‘s practice. Craig Naeme left for an in-house position in March 2023.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Dedication to marine shipping sector, technical knowledge and commercial capability.'
- 'Strong legal capabilities, updated on newest legal developments, good commercial understanding and ability to suggest various solutions to a concern or raised problem.'
- 'Alex Kemp is my go-to lawyer for marine insurance.'
- 'Alessio Sbraga is my go-to lawyer for complex charterparty disputes and advisory.'
- 'Michael Ritter's level of knowledge is astounding, nothing is too much trouble and when I call to ask a question, his answer is always to the point and most importantly, understandable!'
- 'Industry-leading depth and expertise in all maritime matters.'
- 'They have a designated team for Japan and are well aware of the mentality and way of thinking of Japanese ship owners and charterers.'
- 'Dominic Johnson - Top-rate admiralty lawyer, easy to work with and takes the most complex cases in his stride.'
Key clients
- Marine War Risk Insurers: Hellenic War Risks; Norwegian War Club; Travelers, Beazley, Sompo Japan, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire
- Luster Maritime SA, Higaki Sangyo Kaisha Ltd and the UK P&I Club
- Herculito Maritime Ltd, Griffin Underwriting Ltd, UK Club
- MSC FLAMINIA
- RTE Reseau de Transport D'Electricite SA (RTE)
Work highlights
- Instructed by War Risk Insurers since the start of the Ukraine war and have handled 25 stranded vessels - with a combined asset value of $500m.
- Representing the owners of the EVER GIVEN in the matter arising from the grounding of the vessel in the Suez Canal in March 2021.
- Advising RTE on a collision that occurred between SAGA SKY and STEMA Barge II, resulting in damage to sub-sea electricity cables which run between France and the UK.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Rising stars
Leading individuals
Next Generation Partners
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Paul Dean, Jean Koh, Dominic Johnson, Daniel Martin, Adam Shire, Elinor Dautlich