Department profile
Shipping
UK Guide 2026 : UK-wide
Rankings
Ranked Individuals
Ranked Individuals
Chambers Review
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Work Highlights
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HFW acted for the Republic of South Africa in a claim which arose out of the salvage of a cargo of 2,364 bars of silver from the wreck of the SS 'Tilawa'.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
In addition to the top lawyers, there are many talented young lawyers, so many complaints are handled individually and reliably.
Shipping respondentUKTheir way of communicating is ideal insofar as their advices are easy to understand while at the same time leaving no questions.
Shipping respondentUKHFW has a balanced strategy of legal proceedings and negotiations, which delivers good end results for a client.
Shipping respondentUKEach member of the team assigned to the case was on top of the relevant law and each one brought an unusual perspective to each consultation.
Shipping respondentUKThey have exceptional commitment to us as their client, a deep understanding of diverse legal matters, and a highly experienced team of lawyers who are available 24/7.
Shipping respondentUK
Notable Practitioners
Provided by Chambers
Band 1 
Band 1 Andrew Chamberlain
Andrew Chamberlain is particularly renowned for his expertise in salvage, collision and wreck removal matters. He frequently acts for salvors, owners and underwriters. Band 1 
Band 1 Rory Butler
Rory Butler demonstrates wide-ranging expertise in the shipping market, particularly with regard to disputes pertaining to shipbuilding, salvage and bills of lading. His clientele includes owners, cargo interests and charterers. One of the most qualified and trustworthy lawyers I have worked with.
Shipping respondentUK
Band 3 
Band 3 Paul Dean
Global head of shipping Paul Dean is a shipping and offshore expert who frequently acts for charterers and P&I clubs. His practice includes collision matters and charter party issues. Paul is a seasoned shipping litigator who is completely calm and unflappable in a crisis. He manages his team well and comes across as a wise pair of hands.
Shipping respondentUKWe are very happy with the standard of service delivered by Paul.
Shipping respondentUK
Band 3 
Band 3 Richard Neylon
Richard Neylon is frequently involved in disputes relating to marine casualties, including collisions. He has additional expertise in matters concerning liability, war risk and kidnapping. Neylon's clientele includes insurers, ship owners and charterers. Richard Neylon is exceptional.
Shipping respondentUK
Band 4 
Band 4 Jean Koh
Jean Koh is head of dry shipping at HFW. She is comfortable working on some of the largest litigation in the shipping world and has detailed expertise in the Asian market.
Jean Koh was super.
Shipping respondentUK
Band 6 
Band 6 Claire Womersley
Claire Womersley is a master mariner who focuses her practice on the field of crisis response and related wet litigation. Claire is extremely professional, trustworthy and a dedicated partner who brings a personal ethos to our collaboration that is very appreciated.
Shipping respondentUK
Band 6 
Band 6 Michael Ritter
Michael Ritter expertly handles a range of sophisticated and cross-border shipping matters for clients including insurers as well as salvors.
Michael Ritter is an outstanding lawyer.
Shipping respondentUK
Ranked Individuals at HFW (7)
UK-wide
Andrew Chamberlain
Shipping
View profile Rory Butler
Shipping
View profile Paul Dean
Shipping
View profile Richard Neylon
Shipping
View profile Jean Koh
Shipping
View profile Claire Womersley
Shipping
View profile Michael Ritter
Shipping
View profile
HFW has rankings in the following guides
Band 1 Asia-Pacific 2026
Practice area: Shipping
Location: Australia
View department profile for Asia-Pacific 2026
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