Department profile
Lester Aldridge LLP

Shipping

UK Guide 2026 : UK-wide


Lester Aldridge LLP

About

Provided by Lester Aldridge LLP

From shipping, logistics and offshore supply vessels to regulatory offences, contract advice and insurance, LA Marine are experts in this unique field of law.

We are one of the few specialist shipping departments with two offices outside of the City of London which offer the full range of shipping services from transactional work to shipping / marine litigation to clients, nationally and internationally.

Arbitration / Litigation work:

  • Charterparty disputes and disputes involving breach of affreightment contracts, bills of lading, collisions and arrests.
  • Commodity disputes
  • Assisting clients with security actions.
  • Cargo claims- defending and bringing actions for the recovery of claims.
  • Personal injury defence work.
  • Superyacht and yacht disputes.
  • Sale of goods and warranty issues arising from yacht sale and purchase contracts.

Transactional and Regulatory work:

  • Drafting/negotiating complex/high-value contracts for operators and specialist vessel owners.
  • Financing of superyachts/yachts, small commercial vessels and workboats, including negotiation of all facility documentation and security registration.
  • Default and recovery action.
  • Sale, purchase, refit, and build contracts for superyachts, yachts, and workboats.
  • Assisting racing yacht teams / operators with sponsorship agreements and contracts.
  • Advising in respect of investigations and prosecutions by the MAIB/MCA for breaches of the Merchant Shipping Regulations (Regulatory offences).

Industries (10)

  • Chemicals
  • Transportation
  • Telecommunications
  • Mining & Metals
  • Insurance
  • Marine
  • Logistics
  • Aviation
  • Maritime
  • Shipping

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Shipping - UK-wide

Band 6

Band 6


What the Team is Known For
Lester Aldridge is capable of handling both wet and dry shipping matters. It acts for owners on a range of issues, with a particular focus on superyacht matters, such as collision liability, sale and purchase, and contract negotiations. The firm also maintains a strong maritime personal injury and marine regulation practice. The team's clients include marine insurers, port authorities and yacht owners.
Notable practitioners

Linda Jacques is a key contact at the firm.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Lester Aldridge represented clients that sold steel to Chinese buyers. Following a cargo collapse, they are now defending claims and seeking recovery in an arbitration.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The team were helpful and efficient but also very knowledgeable, and they expressed huge empathy and support for us at a very difficult time.

    Shipping respondentUK
  • The team have a thorough knowledge of the industry, with detailed analysis, speed of follow-up and case preparation, and a visible passion for the work and care for the client.

    Shipping respondentUK

Members

Provided by Lester Aldridge LLP

  • Linda Jaques

  • Jennie Harris

  • Lucy Goff

  • Philippa Langton

  • Brodie Ross

  • Charlotte Russell

  • Helen Whitaker

  • Jessica Slater

  • Elisabetta Scanferla

What success is built on

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