HFW Recognised in Chambers Asia-Pacific 2026

Global, sector-focused law firm HFW has once again been recognised as a leading firm in the Chambers Asia-Pacific Guide 2026, which ranks top law firms and lawyers across the region.

HFW achieved 32 practice and lawyer rankings. This included maintaining its Band 1 rankings for Shipping in Australia and Shipping Litigation in Singapore and the Asia Pacific region. The firm also maintained its Band 1 ranking for Climate Change in Asia Pacific.

Three of the firm’s partners – Gavin Vallely in Melbourne and Chris Metcalf and Peter Zaman in Singapore – also received Band 1 rankings in their respective practice areas. In addition, Special Counsel John Canning in Sydney received a new ranking of Senior Statesperson for Asset Finance and Leasing in Australia.

HFW’s strong sector focus is reflected in client testimonials within the directory. Client comments included:

• “HFW are the best maritime law firm in Australia. They are highly professional and provide outstanding knowledge.”
• “HFW has specialised lawyers with deep knowledge in shipping, banking and finance. This ensures that their clients receive expert advice and representation tailored to their specific needs.”
• “HFW’s expertise and advice are unsurpassed when it comes to shipping related matters.”

Several clients also commented on the firm’s commerciality:

• “They are very commercial, prompt and always think of the bigger picture.”
• “HFW has a solid understanding of the business issues and tries to accommodate and think of solutions to problems.”
• “The firm is prompt, accessible, and concise. An exceptional understanding of specific businesses underpins its commercial savoir-faire.”

HFW practice rankings:

• Climate Change, Asia Pacific – Band 1
• Shipping: Litigation, Asia Pacific – Band 1
• Shipping: Litigation, Singapore – Band 1
• Shipping, Australia – Band 1
• Shipping: Finance, Asia Pacific – Band 2
• Shipping: Finance, Singapore – Band 2
• Dispute Resolution: Arbitration – Highly Regarded, Singapore – Band 2
• Insurance, Singapore – Band 2
• Aviation: Finance, Asia Pacific – Band 3
• Aviation: Finance, Singapore – Band 3
• Insurance: Policyholder, Australia – Band 3
• Employment NSW, Australia – Band 4
• Construction, Australia – Band 5

HFW lawyer rankings:

• Chris Metcalf, Shipping International: Litigation, Singapore – Band 1
• Gavin Vallely, Shipping, Australia – Band 1
• Peter Zaman, Climate Change, Asia-Pacific – Band 1
• John Canning, Banking & Finance: Asset Finance & Leasing, Australia – Senior Statespeople
• Jo Delaney, Dispute Resolution: Arbitration, Australia – Band 2
• John Forrester, Shipping International: Finance, Singapore – Band 2
• James Jordan, Insurance, Singapore – Up and Coming
• Richard Jowett, Insurance, Australia – Band 2
• Ling Lui, Aviation: Finance, Singapore – Band 3 and Aviation: Finance, Asia Pacific – Band 3
• Mark Sant, Employment NSW, Australia – Band 3
• Kate Seaton, Insurance, Singapore – Band 2
• Justin Sun, Aviation: Finance, Asia-Pacific – Band 3
• Maurice Thompson, Shipping, Australia – Band 2 and International Trade/WTO, Australia – Band 2
• Stephen Thompson, Shipping, Australia – Band 2
• Elizabeth Sloane, Shipping, Australia – Band 3
• Toby Stephens, Shipping International: Litigation, Singapore – Band 2
• Siri Wennevik, Shipping International: Finance, Singapore – Band 3

The Chambers rankings are based on a combination of research and client feedback, with assessments made on technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, commercial astuteness, diligence and commitment.

HFW’s full rankings in the Chambers Asia-Pacific Guide 2026 can be found here: https://chambers.com/law-firm/hfw-asia-pacific-8:197