Business Details
36 Years
experience
Expert Shipping & Commercial Law Services in London
Waterson Hicks is a well-established legal practice based in the heart of London, renowned for its expertise in shipping and commercial law. Since 1990, our dedicated team of skilled lawyers has provided tailored legal solutions to a diverse client base, including major corporations, state-owned organisations, and industry leaders. Our practice areas encompass dry shipping, admiralty, marine insurance, commodities, and transactional work, supported by a commitment to quality and innovation. With team members boasting over 40 years of combined experience, we deliver timely, expert attention to complex cases across jurisdictions.Our proprietary software enhances efficiency in speed and consumption disputes, while our global network ensures effective litigation coordination. Recognised in Legal 500, Chambers and Partners, and Super Lawyers, we combine deep maritime knowledge with commercial acumen to achieve optimal client outcomes. Our lawyers hold advanced qualifications and maintain active roles in international maritime organisations, reflecting our dedication to excellence in legal practice.
Services
Admiralty
Dry shipping
Insurance and reinsurance
Speed and consumption analysis
Commodities
Transactional
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- Established in 1990 with continuous maritime law expertise
- Team includes lawyers listed in Legal 500 and Chambers
- Proprietary software for speed and consumption dispute analysis
- Handles cases across 15+ international jurisdictions annually
- 100% success rate in High Court antisuit relief applications
Associations and certifications
- Solicitors Regulation Authority
What people say
Vast knowledge
Commercial acumen
Successful track record
Excellent technical skills
Prompt and commercial advice
Services
Admiralty
Our admiralty practice handles complex maritime disputes including collisions, groundings, and salvage operations. We represent shipowners, insurers, and P&I Clubs in High Court proceedings and international arbitrations. With decades of experience in maritime law, our team provides strategic legal solutions for vessel arrests and jurisdictional challenges.
Dry shipping
Specialising in non-marine insurance shipping disputes, we handle charterparty disagreements, bill of lading issues, and ship sale/purchase conflicts. Our lawyers have resolved over 100 MOA disputes using innovative approaches. We advise on contractual interpretation and regulatory compliance for global shipping operations.
Insurance and reinsurance
We provide comprehensive legal support for marine insurance claims and reinsurance recoveries. Our expertise covers policy interpretation, coverage disputes, and claims handling for P&I Clubs and insurers. With experience in complex cargo claims and general average cases, we deliver practical solutions for risk management.
Speed and consumption analysis
Our proprietary software enables precise analysis of vessel performance disputes. We handle speed and fuel consumption claims using technical expertise and data analysis. This specialist service has secured numerous awards in London arbitrations, providing clients with evidence-based dispute resolution.
Commodities
We advise on commodity trading disputes involving contracts for difference and international sales agreements. Our team handles quality disputes, delivery issues, and sanctions compliance for energy traders and commodity houses. With cross-jurisdictional experience, we resolve complex commercial conflicts efficiently.
People
John Hicks
Principal
Qualified barrister with 40+ years maritime law experience, specialising in shipping disputes and shipbuilding conflicts. Listed in Legal 500, Chambers and Partners, and Super Lawyers as leading maritime lawyer. Holds multiple industry accolades for dispute resolution.
Edward Bayliss
Partner
Shipping litigation expert with 100% success rate in High Court antisuit applications. Specialises in wet shipping disputes and infectious disease clause interpretations. Former IMO ethics adviser with LLM in Maritime Law and extensive arbitration experience.
Stuart Parkin
Admiralty Manager
Former deck officer with BP Shipping, combining technical maritime expertise with legal practice since 1985. Developer of proprietary software for speed and consumption disputes. Recognised in Legal 500 for technical proficiency in maritime claims.
Sofia Xylouri
Senior Associate
Dual-qualified lawyer with LLM in Maritime Law, handling cross-border litigation in Singapore, UAE, and China. Awarded excellence in marine insurance. Fluent in Greek and English, with working knowledge of French and Mandarin Chinese.
Tom Hughes
Associate Solicitor
Admitted 2024, with maritime industry experience as sailing instructor and commercial vessel master. First-class maritime law degree, specialising in Admiralty Court litigation and London arbitrations. Holds multiple maritime certifications.
Questions
What areas of law does Waterson Hicks specialise in?
We specialise in shipping law, admiralty, marine insurance, commodities trading disputes, and transactional maritime work.
How experienced is your legal team?
Our lawyers have 30+ combined years in maritime law, with individual recognitions in Legal 500, Chambers and Partners, and Super Lawyers.
Can you handle international legal disputes?
Yes, we manage cases across 15+ jurisdictions including Singapore, China, UAE, and Greece with coordinated litigation strategies.
Do you offer emergency legal services?
We provide urgent assistance for vessel arrests and jurisdictional challenges but don't operate 24/7 services.
What makes your speed and consumption claims service unique?
We use proprietary software developed by our team's maritime expert for precise performance dispute analysis.
