Gemma Pearce

Career

Gemma is a Partner in Clyde & Co’s Energy, Marine & Natural Resources practice group. Having first qualified as a barrister in 2001, Gemma then cross-qualified as a solicitor in 2005. She has 19 years’ experience in the sector.

Gemma provides a comprehensive range of wet and dry shipping and related trade services for clients across the maritime sector, dealing with all issues arising out of the interaction between ship, port and cargo interests. From claims relating to collisions, unsafe ports, pollution and environmental incidents, bailment and goods in transit to fatal accidents, HSE and MCA intervention, slippers and trippers, her detailed understanding of operational and legal issues affecting the marine industry as a whole enables her to give expert commercial advice.

Gemma advises a wide range of clients including commercial operators and their insurers on both contentious and non-contentious matters, across the whole of the maritime and offshore industries, advising ship owners, charterers, shipyards, P&I clubs, port and terminal operators, underwriters and traders, insurers and reinsurers.

Gemma also advises on personal injury and loss of life cases and class actions arising out of illness and disease outbreaks as well as extensive occupational disease experience, again in respect of the sector. She draws upon her practical experience and real commercial understanding when handling marine casualty work. She regularly attends ports and vessels as part of an immediate casualty response service and liaises with the relevant authorities. She also drafts/advises on health and safety procedures, policies and risk management and trains management and personnel.

Gemma is practical, straightforward and commercial, delivering an efficient and effective service in line with those standards set by the industry and clients. Gemma’s understanding of the marine industry goes beyond the interpretation of the law, it extends to practical and operational expertise emanating from years of working in partnership with marine industry leaders. Providing solutions is at the heart of what she does.