Maritime CEO

Holman Fenwick Willan: “Seek our guidance early”

 

London: In the job for just a week, Paul Dean, the new head of law firm Holman Fenwick Willan’s (HFW) shipping practice, talks to Maritime CEO today.
 
Dean’s key recommendation to shipowners in this tricky year is not to hang around asking for legal advice.
 
“Our advice to owners is always that it is prudent to seek our guidance early in a transaction or a dispute,” he says. “In my experience, the earlier we are involved the more value we can provide.”
 
Dean says HFW’s clients are asking these days for “quick, cost effective advice which complements their ability to do business”. This applies whether HFW is asked to assist with a transaction or in working to help resolve a dispute without the need for litigation, “our preferred outcome” points out Dean. “If however litigation does become necessary,” he adds, “we will pursue this with all means necessary.”
 
Dean has 25 years of experience at HFW Dean says it is impossible to predict the market and that different sectors recover at different rates. However, he maintains there are “signs”, he says, that some major players believe the worst is over and that the industry will start to see “increased opportunities for investment”.
 
Dean specialises in dispute resolution arising from marine and offshore matters. He is a member of the India Maritime Association in the UK and a member of the Marine Personnel Committee of the British Chamber of Commerce.  [09/03/13]

Splash

Splash is Asia Shipping Media’s flagship title offering timely, informed and global news from the maritime industry 24/7.
Back to top button