Global, sector‑focused law firm HFW has boosted its market‑leading shipping practice with the hire of senior partner Nick Fisher.
Nick has more than 25 years’ experience in commercial shipping litigation, international trade and insurance. He will join HFW’s London office on 1 May 2018 from Fishers Solicitors, the sole‑practitioner boutique he founded in 1993. He was previously an equity partner at Richards Butler (now Reed Smith) and also founded specialist shipping law firm More Fisher Brown.
He acts for a number of major container, liner, tanker and reefer operators, as well as P&I Clubs and defence associations. Nick is also experienced in litigation relating to the buying and selling of soft commodities and petroleum products.
On the international trade side, Nick drafts charterparties, bills of lading and general terms & conditions for international traders, as well as advising on forward freight agreements.
HFW Head of Shipping Craig Neame: “We are very pleased that Nick has decided to join HFW. He is one of the market’s most experienced maritime litigators and will enhance the firm’s already strong capabilities in the sector.”
HFW Managing Partner Marcus Bowman: “While we have broadened our practice significantly in recent years, having invested heavily in our aviation, commodities, construction, energy and insurance industry groups, shipping remains an important part of our business globally. Bringing in such a senior hire demonstrates our ongoing commitment to the sector.”
Nick Fisher: “I am proud to be joining what is undoubtedly the finest shipping firm in the market. It will be a big change from running my own business, but HFW’s extensive international network will be invaluable to my clients. I am looking forward to working with its talented shipping lawyers around the world and hopefully contributing positively to its pre‑eminent shipping practice.”
Nick’s hire comes just days after HFW promoted two new shipping partners: London-based Alex Kemp and Melbourne-based Simon Shaddick. Alex and Simon were promoted on 1 April alongside six other new partners across the firm’s industry groups and international offices. (Full details here.)
HFW has the world’s leading shipping and maritime practice. The firm has over 200 shipping lawyers and 13 Master Mariners across 18 international offices, specialising in dry shipping, admiralty and crisis management, and transactional work. It represents the full spectrum of those involved in the industry, including shipowners and charterers, P&I Clubs, banks, international agencies, shipyards, marine insurance underwriters, governments and brokers.