LAWFUEL – The Law Firm Newswire – David Relf, (Partner) has joined international law firm Holman Fenwick & Willan (HFW) from Stephenson Harwood. David is a recognised industry leader in the area of aviation financing, operations and regulations covering both commercial aircraft and corporate jets.
David’s practice complements HFW’s existing aviation practice which covers all key areas including the expanding markets of the Middle and Far East. His clients represent all aspects of the industry and include airlines, financiers, lessors, brokers and governments. He has developed a particular expertise in the specialised private jet market acting for a key lender and numerous owners. David’s joining HFW emphasises the commitment of the firm to expand further its presence in this dynamic area.
HFW is delighted to announce, with effect from 1 May 2007, the election of five new Partners — Ruth Allcoat, Kapil Dhir, Alistair Feeney and Toby Stephens, based in our London office and Stanislas Lequette based in Paris.
Three of the new Partners are members of our Shipping & Transport Group. Ruth Allcoat is an experienced ship finance lawyer, who joined HFW from Stephenson Harwood in 2004. Ruth acts for both banks and owners advising on syndicated lending, leasing and financing of super yachts.
Admiralty lawyer, Toby Stephens specialises in litigation and arbitration arising out of marine casualties and collisions, salvage and dock damage. He has conducted both civil and criminal litigation relating to environmental pollution from both dry and wet cargo vessels, including making initial investigations, interviewing ships’ Masters and crew, collecting evidence and advising various parties in relation to both criminal and civil liability on scene. His practice also covers disputes arising from charterparty and bill of lading contracts, cargo claims, MOA, ship repair/building contracts, contracts of affreightment and insurance policies.
Stanislas Lequette specialises primarily in international commercial litigation and arbitration with a particular emphasis on shipping and transport (maritime, inland waterway transport and aviation) as well as commodities, he also covers civil liability litigation, in particular, in distribution agreements.
Kapil Dhir is a member of HFW’s Commercial Group and concentrates on providing corporate and regulatory advice to the insurance industry including insurers, brokers, banks and industry clients. His experience includes the establishment of schemes of arrangement and both domestic and cross-border insurance portfolio transfers, the terms of mergers and acquisitions, commercial issues arising out of joint ventures and other business service arrangements, and assisting with all related financing issues including loan and security arrangements and the use of transactional insurances.
Trade specialist Alistair Feeney (Trade & Energy Group) has experience of a wide range of commercial litigation and arbitration, particularly in the areas of international trade, charterparties, MOAs, newbuildings and guarantees. He has a particular interest in jurisdictional disputes.
As previously announced, Richard Crump became HFW’s Senior Partner on 1 May. The former Senior Partner, Roderic O’Sullivan retired after 36 years as a Partner in the firm. John Dillon, an Admiralty Partner, also retired on this date. Roderic and John are now HFW Consultants and are expected to be active in this role.
Finally, international shipping and trade law Partner Chris Quennell has moved to our Dubai office from Melbourne, whilst Richard Jowett, a native Australian, who specialises in shipping and insurance/reinsurance has moved in the opposite direction. Both Partners were involved in the setting up of the firm’s Australian and Middle Eastern offices respectively in early 2006.
Richard Crump, Senior Partner comments, ‘We are pleased to report on these elevations to partnership reflecting our measured and planned expansion. The promotions are in our key areas and advance our aim of expanding within our select specialist fields. This is also the case with David Relf’s appointment where we have secured the services of a clear leader in this aspect of aviation to supplement our existing aviation practice.’
On the switching of location for Chris Quennell and Richard Jowett, Richard says, ‘The firm has a long tradition of Partners gaining experience in other regions and it is refreshing for them and the offices they go to. Much of our work is multi jurisdictional and such moves enhance our capability internationally.’
