EMEA

Global Elite Thought Leaders

• Peter Appel – Gorrissen Federspiel, Copenhagen
• Craig Cunningham – Bowmans, South Africa
• Jan Dreyer – Arnecke Sibeth Dabelstein, Germany
• Johannes Grove Nielsen – Bech-Bruun, Copenhagen
• Darryl Kennard - Thomas Cooper, London
• Morten Lund Mathisen – Wikborg Rein Advokatfirma AS, Norway
• Omar Omar – Al Tamimi & Company, U.A.E
• Simon Rainey QC – Quadrant Chambers, London

 

Leading firms

HFW

The “smart and sensible” Craig Neame gains recognition among peers for his impressive work advising clients on logistics and supply chain disputes.
Jonathan Webb is widely considered “a fantastic practitioner” by sources, who particularly point to his exceptional skill and experience in shipping disputes.
Elinor Dautlich is looked upon with enormous favour by market sources who single her out as a top name for high-value transactions in the shipping sector.
One peer dubs Stanislas Lequette a “great lawyer and great person”. He ranks highly among peers for his first-rate practice spanning shipping law and related liability disputes.

Norton Rose Fulbright

Harry Theochari is a “very well-known practitioner in the sector” and a “top-notch name for ship finance” report sources. He possesses a “high profile in the shipping community”.
Malcolm Hartwell is a pre-eminent figure in the South African market, where he stands out among peers for his expertise in international trade and maritime casualties matters.
Andrew Robinson earns extensive endorsement from peers for his impressive experience in shipping litigation including admiralty, charter party and environmental disputes.
Neil Miller is highlighted by sources for his excellent disputes practice that encompasses a large variety of shipping-related arbitration and litigation proceedings.

Hafnia Law Firm

Henrik Thal Jantzen receives extensive praise from peers as "one of the top names for shipping law in Denmark and "an excellent and reliable colleague”.
Mathias Steinø is identified as a “skilled and strong litigator” and a “great practitioner” for disputes pertaining to international trade and insurance claims.
Peter Schaumburg-Müller is a seasoned maritime and shipping lawyer who comes highly recommended by peers for his extensive experience across all sector-related litigation.

Quadrant Chambers

The “ferociously intelligent” Simon Rainey QC is considered “a pleasure to deal with”, and is “highly recommended” for his excellence in high-value shipping disputes.
James Turner QC is distinguished among peers as an “incredibly capable” lawyer who is particularly “excellent on casualty cases”.
Luke Parsons QC is “one of the best around” according to impressed sources, who commend his practice spanning sale of goods, shipping and contractual disputes.
David Goldstone QC is “hugely intelligent” and much respected by peers and clients thanks to his work on international trade and shipping disputes.
Nevil Phillips is highly sought after by clients and recommended by sources for his impressive shipping advisory and advocacy work.

Studio Legale Mordiglia

Aldo Mordiglia is a “clear and knowledgeable” lawyer who is “excellent to work with”. He frequently advises P&I clubs and underwriters on marine casualty claims matters and ship financing.
Pietro Palandri is an “exceptionally hard-working” practitioner, commended for his “thorough and knowledgeable” approach to shipping-related insurance issues.
Paolo Manica continues to impress market commentators with his top-notch shipping practice, which spans disputes arising out of charter parties and collisions.

Arnecke Sibeth Dabelstein

Jan Dreyer excels when it comes to advising shipping clients on shipping and shipbuilding contracts as well as transport insurance law.
Dieter Schwampe holds a prominent position in the shipping market thanks to his in-depth understanding of insurance claims within the maritime industry.
Olaf Hartenstein focuses his first-rate practice on maritime and transport law, as well as related insurance claims and contentious proceedings.
Esther Mallach is identified by sources as a go-to figure in the German market when it comes to transportation and logistics matters.

AKD

Haco van der Houven van Oordt is a leading name in the shipping sector where he enjoys a stellar reputation as “the best shipping lawyer in Holland”.
Taco van der Valk is well versed in advising clients on contentious and non-contentious shipping matters including cargo claims, charter party issues and bills of lading.
Pieter den Haan specialises in wet and dry shipping matters and is sought out by clients for related contentious proceedings.

Bech-Bruun

Johannes Grove Nielsen earns endorsements from sources for his top-tier work on complex charter party agreements and damages claims.
Jes Anker Mikkelsen focuses his practice on a wide array of contentious shipping and maritime-related matters including insurance claims.

 

Other leading individuals

Belgium

At Roosendaal Keyzer Advocaten, Jorne Adriaensens is a seasoned shipping lawyer, recognised for his extensive experience handling issues ranging from the arrests of vessels to cargo claims.

Cyprus

Michael McBride at Chrysses Demetriades & Co wins high praise from sources who state they “highly recommended” him when it comes to the sale and purchase of ships and taxation matters.

At Montanios & Montanios, Adam Montanios is a well-established figure in the shipping sector, where he is respected for his work on related transactions and disputes.

Imad Elias with I. Elias & Co is a first-rate shipping lawyer, regularly engaged to handle shipping disputes on behalf of P&I clubs and H&M underwriters.

Denmark

Peter Appel at Gorrissen Federspiel is a leading light in the maritime sector, hailed for his first-class work on a range of dry and wet shipping disputes.
Jens Mathiasen comes highly recommended by market sources thanks to his impressive work advising on high-value ship financings.

Jakob Rosing at Kromann Reumert is a transport law specialist, well known in the market for his strong understanding of matters concerning related insurance and D&O liability claims.

England

Darryl Kennard at Penningtons Manches Cooper is “one of the main names in the market for shipping work” say peers, who recognise his expertise across charter party disputes, casualty and insurance claims.

Winter Scott Solicitors’ Glenn Winter is a “highly intelligent” shipping lawyer who elicits praise from market sources as a “tough opponent” and as someone who is “a pleasure to deal with.”

At MFB Solicitors, Edward Gray is well known globally for his shipping practice that spans commercial and contentious shipping matters.

Crowell & Moring’s Michelle Linderman is identified as the “go-to person for sanctions issues” and stands out among peers for her “hard-working” approach.

Richard Gunn at Reed Smith is “one of the top names around for casualty work”, according to impressed sources who applaud his superb maritime practice.

David Pitlarge at Hill Dickinson is regarded as “an approachable and commercial lawyer” who focuses his impressive practice on dry shipping and admiralty matters.

Finland

At Castrén & Snellman Attorneys, Niklas Langenskiöld receives widespread plaudits from peers who consider him a go-to name for litigation and arbitration proceedings across the maritime and transport sectors.

France

Sébastien Lootgieter at Villeneau Rohart Simon & Associes excels when it comes to advising clients on the sale and purchase of vessels, as well as the drafting of shipping contracts.

At DelViso-Avocats, Henri Najjar is a maritime law specialist with extensive experience advising P&I clubs and H&M underwriters on insurance and international trade disputes.

Germany

Dieter Armbrust at Lebuhn & Puchta ranks highly among peers in the German market thanks to his superb work on and cargo and insurance litigation, with one market commentator noting he is “one of the best shipping lawyers I have met”.

Greece

Philip Bush at PA Bush Law Firm is a well-recognised name in the Greek shipping market thanks to his extensive experience of insurance claims, financings and disputes across the sector.

Ireland

Helen Noble at Noble Shipping Law stands out among peers, thanks to her impressive work for P&I clubs on cargo claims and charter party matters.

Malta

At Fenech & Fenech Advocates, Ann Fenech is sought out in the shipping arena for her leading work on a range disputes on behalf of maritime operators.

Netherlands

Tim Roos at Van Dam & Kruidenier Advocaten is a stellar shipping lawyer, highly esteemed by peers for his expertise in damages claims.

Arnold J Van Steenderen with Van Steenderen Mainport Lawyers impresses market commentators with his work on wet and dry shipping matters including dispute resolution proceedings.

Jolien Kruit at Van Traa Advocaten wins widespread endorsements from peers for her fantastic work on maritime law issues, including cargo claims.

Norway

Morten Lund Mathisen at Wikborg Rein Advokatfirma stands out in the market as a specialist on international maritime law, including casualty claims.

At Advokatfirma Simonsen Vogt Wiig, Ingar Fuglevåg is held in high esteem by sources who consider her “a well-regarded transactional lawyer”.

South Africa

Craig Cunningham of Bowmans ranks as one of the foremost shipping experts in the region. Peers say he is an “exceptional, thorough, efficient and knowledgeable lawyer”.
Mark van Velden wins praise from market commentators thanks to the first-rate advice he delivers to underwriters, shipowners and P&I clubs.

Spain

At San Simón Duch & Co, Mercedes Duch draws praise from peers and clients alike for her work advising and litigating across the gamut of shipping matters, such as cargo claims.

With over 25 years of experience, Carlos López-Quiroga at Uría Menéndez has a deep experience of maritime and transport law and is well known for his counsel on ship financing.

Switzerland

Giovanna Montanaro at Wartmann Merker draws high praise from market sources who consider her a top name for contractual and insurance issues in the shipping sector.

Alexander von Ziegler with Schellenberg Wittmer impresses market commentators with his impressive work handling international trade disputes and insurance issues.

Stephan Erbe at ThomannFischer is a well-recognised specialist in ship financing matters, with outstanding knowledge across international trade and transport law.

United Arab Emirates

Omar Omar at Al Tamimi & Company enjoys a strong international reputation for his superb shipping practice and is highlighted by peers for his impressive knowledge of logistics and customs law.

 

North America

Global Elite Thought Leaders

• Shelley Chapelski – Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP, Vancouver
• Keith Heard – Lennon Murphy & Phillips LLC, New York
• John D Kimball – Blank Rome LLP, New York
• Marc de Man – De Man Pillet, Montreal
• Richard Singleton - Blank Rome, New York

 

Leading firms

Norton Rose Fulbright

Shelley Chapelski is a leading light in the North American maritime industry, where she is highly respected for her exceptional work on ship financing and litigation.
John Bromley QC is held in high esteem for his extensive experience representing clients from across the shipping sector before all levels of courts in Canada, including the Supreme Court.
Brian Devine continues to impress market commentators with his superb work on corporate finance matters within the maritime sector including ship finance and M&A.
Vanessa Rochester wins high praise from market sources thanks to her adept handling of ship collisions and accidents, contractual claims and insurance matters.

Blank Rome

Richard Singleton is singled out by peers as “an excellent lawyer” who is held in high esteem for the superb counsel he delivers to clients on shipping litigation and arbitration proceedings.
John Kimball is hailed “a top player” in the US maritime sector where he stands out for his exceptional work on major high-value cases. Casualty cases, insurance claims and charter party disputes are just some areas in which he excels.
Thomas Belknap is “an important figure in the market”, recognised by sources as “a versatile attorney capable of handling complex disputes and commercial matters in the maritime industry”.

Brisset Bishop

David Colford comes highly recommended by market sources whom he impresses with his profound ability when it comes to contentious proceedings and contractual issues across the maritime sector.
Richard Desgagnés is a pre-eminent maritime lawyer, well known among peers for his top-tier litigious and non-litigious work in the sector.
Danièle Dion ranks highly among peers for her experience across all forms of dispute resolution and on commercial and regulatory matters within the maritime industry.

Bernard

Gary Wharton is a well-recognised figure in the Canadian market who receives plaudits from peers for his leading work on marine casualty cases, charter party disputes and insurance claims.
H Peter Swanson is highly sought after by clients in the maritime industry thanks to his substantial experience advising on ship collisions and regulatory issues.
David Jones gains recognition for his impressive handling of a range of shipping-related claims spanning insurance, personal injury and cargo damage.

 

Other leading individuals

Canada

Marc de Man at De Man Pillet enjoys a strong international reputation for his considerable experience in the shipping sector, advising a range of clients from shipowners to underwriters.

John O’Connor at Langlois Lawyers is a prominent figure in the Canadian transport and maritime space, where he is renowned for his excellence when it comes to insurance disputes and litigation.

At Fernandes Hearn, Rui Fernandes is highly sought after by domestic and international clients for his market-leading expertise in insurance coverage, contracts and regulatory matters across the shipping sector.

At Borden Ladner Gervais, Darren McGuire ranks highly among peers thanks to his first-class work advising shipping industry players on a range of commercial and administrative matters.
Jean-Marie Fontaine is highly respected among peers and clients alike who highlight him as a top name in Canada for cargo claims, ship arrests and charter party contracts.

Marc Isaacs at Isaacs Odinocki possesses over 40 years’ experience practising in the field of maritime law, an area in which he is hailed for his tremendous understanding of corporate financing and insurance matters.

Metcalf & Company’s Eric Machum is well versed in a range of maritime law matters and is frequently engaged by a range of industry players including exporters, insurers and shipowners.

USA

At Lennon Murphy & Phillips, Keith Heard is distinguished as one of the foremost shipping lawyers in the North American market. He is recognised for his leading work on contentious proceedings across the sector.
Patrick Lennon is “an extremely good lawyer” who is recognised by sources as “one of the top lawyers in the jurisdiction” and “great on the transactional side”.

At Tisdale Law Offices, Thomas Tisdale is “very active” in the shipping sector according to sources who note he is “a great advocate and terrific on his feet”. One peer considers him “a go-to lawyer in New York”.

Raymond Burke Jr at BakerHostetler is a seasoned shipping lawyer who comes in for high praise thanks to his profound expertise in charter party disputes and casualty claims.

Michael "Mike" Frevola with Holland & Knight is widely recognised by peers across the US market as a go-to figure for collision, cargo damage and charter party disputes.
Vincent Foley is “a very prominent plaintiff lawyer” who impresses sources with his adept handling of insurance coverage claims and maritime disputes.

Lawrence Rutkowski with Seward & Kissel draws acclaim from clients and peers for his deep knowledge of ship financing matters.
Bruce Paulsen is singled out by respondents for his excellent work advising clients on high-value maritime disputes at both trial and appellate levels.

Vedder Price’s Francis Nolan III comes highly recommended by market sources for his impressive work in the shipping sector, most notably when it comes to complex financings.

 

Asia-Pacific

Global Elite Thought Leaders

• Vivian Ang – Allen & Gledhill, Singapore
• Makoto Hiratsuka - Hiratsuka & Co, Tokyo
• Chris Howse - Howse Williams, Hong Kong
• Gina Lee-Wan – Allen & Gledhill, Singapore
• Gregory Nell SC– New Chambers, Sydney

Leading firms

HFW

Toby Stephens is highlighted by sources for the strength of his stellar practice, which covers the gamut of risk and crisis issues in the shipping sector.
Richard Crump is a key name in the market who is lauded by sources as an expert on disputes arising out of charter parties and bills of lading.
George Lamplough secures recognition from market sources for his excellent work on wet and dry shipping matters and trade disputes.
Paul Aston earns endorsements from sources as a specialist across a range of shipping matters including projects and complex transactions.

HWL Ebsworth

Joe Hurley is head of the firm’s shipping and trade practice and is singled out by respondents as a go-to name for dry and wet shipping disputes.
Chris Sacre has a “thoroughness and ability to understand clients’ commercial needs“ and an impressive “ability to appreciate the commercial complexity that surround parties in litigation”.
Jesper Martens is applauded for his outstanding knowledge of maritime, trade and insurance law.
Simon Liddy is widely considered a standout practitioner by peers, who particularly point to his exceptional skill and experience in shipping accidents.

Colin Biggers & Paisley

Stuart Hetherington is one of the market’s foremost shipping specialists, praised for his vast experience acting for clients in litigation proceedings.
Stephen Thompson is held in high esteem by peers who say he is a well “versed in the transactional side of shipping, as well as regulatory and disputes matters”.
Andrew Tulloch is recognised by respondents as shipping insurance expert, regularly engaged by clients for maritime, transport and logistics issues.

Other leading individuals

Australia

Edward Cox SC at Greenway Chambers secures wide-ranging endorsements from market commentators, one of whom highlights him as “our (and many other people’s) go-to NSW shipping Senior Counsel”.

Peers dub Frazer Hunt with Mills Oakley as “the cargo-claimant king”, adding that “he really has a hold on the domestic cargo insurance market, and deservedly so”.

Geoff Farnsworth of Holding Redlich is a key name in the market for international disputes and regulatory matters across the shipping sector.

At New Chambers, Gregory Nell SC is “a seasoned professional”, with sources stating that “no one has more knowledge or experience at the shipping Bar” than him.
Catherine Gleeson ranks highly among peers thanks to her in-depth understanding of complex shipping and transport disputes.

Hong Kong

At Lau, Horton & Wise Steven Wise is a shipping specialist whose practice covers marine insurance, and international trade litigation and arbitration.

Chris Howse at Howse Williams is well thought of among market sources thanks to his sweeping knowledge of shipping, insurance and trade disputes.

India

ZBA’s Zarir Bharucha is one of the India’s elite shipping specialists with over 20 years of experience handling wet and dry disputes, as well as international trade matters.
Japan

At Max Law Office, Taka Matsui is commended for his exceptional experience across the gamut of matters from collisions and personal injury proceedings to maritime disputes.
Makoto Hiratsuka with Hiratsuka & Co draws praise from sources who commend his deep knowledge of dry shipping law including insurance matters and insolvency proceedings.

Singapore

Vivian Ang with Allen & Gledhill draws widespread endorsements across the market for her world-class shipping practice and adept handling of high-value contentious proceedings across the sector.
Gina Lee-Wan is identified as one of the foremost shipping lawyers globally, with clients regularly seeking out her knowledge on contentious shipping proceedings.

Kah Wah Leong at Rajah & Tann Singapore ranks as a key name in the maritime industry, and is singled out for his profound expertise in international shipping and trade disputes.

 

Latin America

Global Elite Thought Leaders

• Luis Felipe Galante - Escritório Jurídico Carbone, Rio de Janeiro
• Godofredo Mendes Vianna – Kincaid – Mendes Vianna Advogados, Rio de Janeiro
• Camila Mendes Vianna Cardoso – Kincaid – Mendes Vianna Advogados, Rio de Janeiro

Leading firms

Kincaid – Mendes Vianna Advogados

Godofredo Mendes Vianna is praised by peers for his excellent practice that spans a range of maritime and customs law matters.
Camila Mendes Vianna Cardoso is singled out by respondents for the first-rate counsel she delivers to P&I clubs and insurers.
Iwam Jaeger is one of the Brazil’s leading shipping specialists, whose practice covers shipping-related arbitration and litigation, as well as insurance claims.
Lucas Leite Marques is widely considered to be “an up-and-coming partner”, well recognised for his strong skill and experience in maritime-related arbitrations.

Pedro Calmon Filho & Associados

Pedro Calmon Filho is a distinguished maritime lawyer and “a statesman of the shipping industry", well versed across the gamut of shipping law proceedings.
Pedro Calmon Neto draws praise as an “excellent practitioner” from sources when it comes to his work representing P&I clubs, insurers, and h domestic and international shipowners.
Henrique Oswaldo Motta is well regarded among peers, with sources commending his stellar maritime practice.

 

Other leading individuals

Brazil

At Escritório Jurídico Carbone, Artur Carbone is dubbed by peers as a “statesman of the shipping industry” thanks to his vast experience across the sector.
Luís Felipe Galante is a “very well-known lawyer” with “a lot of useful insight and shipping knowledge” that he uses to advise clients on complex liability claims.

Chile

Ricardo Rozas at Jorquiera & Rozas Abogados stands out in the Chilean market for his top-tier practice that encompasses a range of issues from shipping finance to bills of lading.

Panama

Francisco Carreira Pitti at Carreira Pitti is a top name in the maritime industry where he ranks highly among peers for his expertise across admiralty, damage claims and liability matters.