HFW boosts market-leading yacht, corporate jet practices with London Partner hire

Global, sector-focused law firm HFW has further strengthened its market-leading yacht and corporate jet practices with the hire of Partner Toby Joy in London.

Toby advises ultra-high net worth individuals, family offices, trustees, lenders, and operators on a broad range of luxury asset transactions, with a particular focus on the acquisition, finance, and structuring of yachts and private jets.

Toby is dual-qualified in England & Wales and the BVI, and joins HFW from Withers, where he led the firm’s European luxury assets practice.

Toby’s arrival also continues the significant recent growth of HFW’s London office. The firm has now added six new Partners in London in 2026, following the recent hires of aviation disputes Partner Guy Marrison, ship finance Partner Simon Petch, and aviation finance Partner Oliver Tebbit, and the internal promotions of aviation disputes Partner Mark Waters and construction Partner Tanya Chadha.

Paul Dean, Global Head of Shipping, HFW:
“Toby’s experience advising on complex, high-value asset transactions complements our existing offering and strengthens our ability to support clients across the full spectrum of their interests. He brings energy and drive, a collaborative, client-focused approach, and – as a private pilot and enthusiastic sailor – a genuine passion for the aviation and yachts sectors, all of which makes him a natural fit at HFW.”

Toby Joy, Partner, HFW:
“I am delighted to be joining HFW. The firm’s first-rate reputation in yachts, private jets, and related sectors; its international reach – including in key luxury asset markets, such as the Middle East, Geneva, and Monaco; and its collaborative culture provide an excellent platform for me to achieve my ambition of becoming one of the world’s leading private aviation and yacht lawyers.”

HFW’s global yachts team has been an integral part of the yachting industry for over 30 years advising on all legal issues a yacht is likely to encounter during its life, including in relation to design and construction, ownership structures, sale and purchase transactions, financing, operation, management, crewing, refit, chartering, physical and cyber security, and insurance.

The firm is also a go‑to advisor for clients across the private and business aviation industry on complex multi‑jurisdictional matters, from aircraft finance, leasing, sale and purchase through to commercial disputes and enforcement, corporate and commercial advice, insurance and emergency response, claims and recovery, and regulatory issues.