We are a high-end boutique firm, regularly being against the largest firms in our sectors. All of our partners were formerly at large firms. We have a wide international client base, including some of the largest blue chip companies in our specialist sector areas, with clients from every continent.

Almost all of our work has an international element, allowing us to build relationships around the world, with a lot of opportunity for travel.

Our practice is approximately 80% contentious (litigation and arbitration), and 20% non-contentious. Our areas of practice are:

Shipping law (contract disputes, casualties, shipbuilding, ship sale and purchase);

Insurance law (marine insurance, aviation insurance, general insurance);

International sale of goods;

Aviation law;

Energy/offshore law; and

General commercial litigation (contract disputes, banking disputes, shareholder disputes, fraud).

We act regularly in cases in the Commercial Court, Court of Appeal and in London arbitration (mostly under LMAA, LCIA, GAFTA, FOSFA or ICC rules).

Recent reported cases include:

Argentum Exploration Ltd v The Silver (Republic of South Africa) [2022] EWCA Civ 1318 (Court of Appeal)

Ferand Business Corporation v. Maritime Investments Holdings Limited and Ors [2021] EWHC 40 (Commercial Court)

Herculito Maritime Ltd v Gunvor International BV [2024] UKSC 2 (Supreme Court)

We find our work fascinating – dealing with high value international issues, and grappling with real law, every day. There is never an ordinary or dull day.

We offer two one week summer placements.

We offer a first-class, hands-on, varied training, with trainees having responsibility and client interaction from an early stage, of the sort that all of our partners had, but which may be difficult to find at some of the larger firms now due to the size of some of the matters that they have and the number of lawyers working on those matters above trainees.

Our trainees are valuable members of the team from day one, and gain exposure to a wide variety of commercial litigation situations working directly with partners, which accelerates their development and allows them to hit the ground running as qualified solicitors.

Our preference is for trainees to have completed the SQE/LPC before joining us, but we are open to considering alternative arrangements.

We recruit based on ability. In light of our international client base and work subject matter, we especially value diversity and an international outlook.

We cover the cost of SQE/LPC fees (including retrospectively), and offer a grant for trainees studying the SQE before joining us.

• Commercial litigation
• Shipping
• International trade
• Aviation

• General Commercial
• Niche

• City of London