Shipping & Maritime Law

Stone Chambers have a leading practice in shipping and maritime law. Shipping and maritime law is a central specialization of Stone Chambers - members have expertise and experience in all aspects of shipping law, both 'wet' and 'dry'. Members advise and represent parties in all types of cases relating to shipping and offshore activities in the civil and criminal courts, arbitrations, inquiries and other tribunals in the UK and other countries. Several members have been instructed by the Treasury Solicitors in Admiralty matters. Senior members sit as arbitrators in commercial maritime, collision and salvage disputes and have chaired public inquiries.

The Legal 500 (2004) recommends Stone Chambers as a Leading Set in the Shipping sector. Barristers Steven Gee QC, Elizabeth Blackburn QC, Jervis Kay QC, John Reeder QC, Vasanti Selvaratnam QC, Timothy Hill, Rachel Toney and Mark Jones, are all commended for their Shipping work:

".Smaller than the other main shipping sets, Stone Chambers nevertheless competes in terms of the quality of its practitioners and is commended for being 'pleasant to deal with.' In 2003, Steven Gee QC, 'an incredibly ingenious lawyer', and Vasanti Selvaratnam QC acted for the cargo owners in The Starsin and were both involved in Arkin v Borchard Lines. Elizabeth Blackburn QC's specialities are pollution and limitation. The set's leading junior Timothy Hill is said to have great courtroom presence. Last year he appeared against Vasanti Selvaratnam QC in the Court of Appeal case The Nikmary on liability for demurrage. 'On the ball and nice to deal with', Rachel Toney is a promising younger junior, as is Mark Jones."

[Erratum: Steven Gee QC, Vasanti Selvaratnam QC and Mark Jones in fact acted for the successful shipowners / demise charterers in The Starsin.]

Stone Chambers is also recommended for its expertise in 'Shipping & Commodities' in Chambers UK (2005):

"... For a lengthy and complex trial requiring skilful cross-examination, head of chambers Steven Gee QC receives market recommendation. He is said to be a good choice for clients "who want the House of Lords to sit and take dictation." Elizabeth Blackburn QC is valued by solicitors for her ability in wet disputes. Industry sources say that she has a "strong grasp" of the law relating to pollution. Following her recent success for the defendants in Arkin v Borchard Lines, Vasanti Selvaratnam QC continues to enjoy a reputation for being a "good advocate." Jervis Kay QC regularly attracts high regard for his ability as a wet shipping lawyer, and has been kept busy this year with a number of heavy salvage cases. Senior junior Timothy Hill frequently finds himself up against top silks. He is recommended for his ability to "get to the heart of a dispute and address it head on." New entrant this year is "outstanding" junior Rachel Toney who was recently appointed as junior counsel to the Crown…"

Subjects covered include