Department profile

Shipping

UK Guide 2026 : UK-wide

Reed Smith LLP

Rankings

Ranked Individuals

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Shipping - UK-wide

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Reed Smith has an accomplished shipping group housing a deep bench of practitioners with the capability to act for clients on the full range of shipping issues. It works with a large number of international clients on contentious and non-contentious matters including both wet and dry work. The firm is known for its work in London-based arbitrations. The team is routinely sought after for advice by a range of clients, including shipping, transport, energy and commodities sector organisations. Additionally, the firm's lawyers provide expert guidance on salvage and wreck removal.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

Reed Smith successfully represented KCH Shipping as carrier in the Supreme Court.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

The team have broad knowledge in legal cases ranging from shipping to ports and commercial law.
Shipping respondentUK
They have an ability to lead and coordinate legal teams with external multi-jurisdictional parties while maintaining sensitivity to commercial interests.
Shipping respondentUK
They are very good at handling the cases that are just that bit bigger and need significant resourcing.
Shipping respondentUK
Reed Smith are always professional and conduct their work in a speedy manner.
Shipping respondentUK
What distinguishes Reed Smith is their unique combination of deep sector-specific knowledge, commercial awareness and strategic thinking.
Shipping respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Senior Statespeople
Senior Statespeople
Andrew D Taylor
Andrew Taylor has extensive expertise in matters such as offshore contracts, charter party disputes and insurance issues. He counts owners and P&I clubs among his impressive client base.
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Band 1
Band 1
Charles Weller
Charles Weller has wide-ranging market expertise which includes enforcement actions and charter party claims spanning numerous locations across the world. He also represents a broad clientele, including lenders, ship builders and ship owners.
Charles is the best. He is commercial, knowledgeable, sophisticated and can get points across with clarity.
Shipping respondentUK
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Band 2
Band 2
Richard M Gunn
Richard Gunn focuses his practice on casualties, and he often acts on issues such as collisions, groundings and salvage. He is experienced in acting for owners and insurers of vessels.
Richard is extremely experienced and has a thorough, approachable understanding of shipping law.
Shipping respondentUK
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Band 4
Band 4
Stephen Kirkpatrick
Stephen Kirkpatrick frequently assists insurers, charterers, ship owners and traders. He advises clients with regard to drafting contracts, casualties and charter party issues.
It is a great pleasure to work with Stephen.
Shipping respondentUK
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Band 5
Band 5
Alex Andrews
Alex Andrews possesses extensive expertise in international mandates, including jurisdictions such as Korea and Oman. He regularly acts for ship owners in a range of disputes.
Alex is a demanding solicitor who gets the best out of his counsel team and surrounds himself with very good assistance.
Shipping respondentUK
Alex is very experienced and dependable.
Shipping respondentUK
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Band 5
Band 5
Sally-Ann Underhill
Sally-Ann Underhill regularly advises clients on an array of contentious shipping matters including charter party disputes and insurance claims. Her clients include traders and ship owners.
She combines legal acuity with an intuitive grasp of interpersonal and intercultural dynamics, which is particularly valuable when dealing with international counterparties.
Shipping respondentUK
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Band 6
Band 6
Alexander Sandiforth
Alexander Sandiforth works across both wet and dry shipping in contentious cases. He has extensive experience advising on arbitrations and early dispute management in the transportation of hard and soft commodities.
Alexander is a young partner who is super bright.
Shipping respondentUK
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Band 6
Band 6
Jeb Clulow
Jeb Clulow is particularly adept in shipping, logistics, sale of goods, offshore and construction issues.
Jeb has in-depth knowledge of the legal framework but also the commercial aspects of the business.
Shipping respondentUK
Jeb is dynamic and enthusiastic, and also a delight to work with.
Shipping respondentUK
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Band 6
Band 6
Thor Maalouf
Thor Maalouf regularly advises clients on commercial shipping and maritime law matters. She showcases expertise in undertaking contentious work, particularly LMAA arbitration.
Thor is approachable, knowledgeable and smart.
Shipping respondentUK
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