LAWYER PROFILE
Gavin Fitzmaurice

Gavin Fitzmaurice

Global 2026

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Ranked in 1 practice area

About

Provided by Webber Wentzel

Practice Areas

Gavin has been involved in major maritime litigation resulting from disasters and casualties since 1992, including all aspects of casualty investigations, dealing with access to crew, vessels and documents, taking evidence on commission, subsequent trial and arbitration work, and in courts of marine enquiry. He has experience in all aspects of arrest work, having represented parties in relation to enforcement proceedings, obtaining of security, and both effecting and setting aside complex associated ship arrests. He has experience in all port related work, and also in dealing with P&I Club matters, for owners or charterers. Gavin has been involved in precedent-setting legal decisions and numerous judgments and has expertise in mortgage foreclosures, judicial ship sales, and related commercial work, as well as in marine and transport insurance and related cargo claims. He deals with loss of life and personal injuries matters in the marine context. He has experience in ship repair matters, including related arbitration work. Gavin served as the president of the Maritime Law Association of South Africa (MLASA) from August 2018 to August 2020, chaired the Cape Chapter of the MLA from 2007 to 2017 and is an external examiner for the University of Cape Town's Admiralty Law Department.

Career

Gavin's qualifications include:

Postgraduate Diploma in Maritime Law, University of Cape Town, 1994

LLB, University of Cape Town, 1990

BA, University of Cape Town, 1989

Admitted attorney of the High Court of South Africa

Professional Memberships

Member of The Maritime Law Association of South Africa's National Executive Committee (2014 to present)

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers Global Guide

Shipping - South Africa

Band 1
Band 1

Individual Editorial
Cape Town-based Gavin Fitzmaurice co-heads the practice. He has cultivated a stellar reputation for his representation of port authorities, shipping companies, P&I clubs and underwriters in all manner of complex issues, such as arrests, collisions and casualty response.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • He is an excellent lawyer who is able to deliver succinct and reliable advice with great expediency.

    ShippingChambers Global Guide
  • Gavin is without a doubt one of the top maritime lawyers. He has a charming manner that places clients at ease and an unparalleled ability to identify key legal issues under pressure.

    ShippingChambers Global Guide
  • He stands out to me not only for his knowledge and technical understanding, but also for his calm approach in stressful matters.

    ShippingChambers Global Guide
  • Gavin Fitzmaurice provides an exceptional level of service. He stands out as a trusted adviser who combines technical excellence with genuine strategic insight.

    ShippingChambers Global Guide
  • He is a top lawyer with fantastic analytical skills and is very easy to work with. He thinks outside the box and is a go-to person in the region for complex and difficult cases.

    ShippingChambers Global Guide

Ranked Individuals at Webber Wentzel (81)

Africa-wide

Global Market Leaders

South Africa

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