HFW strengthens Greek shipping practice with Partner and Master Mariner hire

Global, sector-focused law firm has strengthened its market-leading shipping practice with the hire of Partner and Master Mariner Stephen Angove.

Stephen has extensive experience investigating marine casualties and handling related claims. Before working in the legal industry, he spent more than 20 years at sea, working on oil and gas tankers and cruise ships, with command experience of large vessels, and has maintained his Master Mariner Certificate of Competency. Stephen is also a qualified marine engineer, having held an Engineering Officer of the Watch Certificate of Competency for both motor and steam ships.

Stephen will initially be based in HFW’s London office and will relocate to Piraeus in early 2026, at which point he will be the only full-time Greek-based mariner of any international law firm. He joins HFW from Campbell Johnston Clark.

This follows HFW’s appointment of Master Mariner Mike Bunton in London and shipping disputes Partner Elizabeth Sloane in Australia. HFW now has 15 Mariners and Master Mariners across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific, working as part of a global shipping practice of more than 220 lawyers – the largest specialist shipping team of any international law firm.

Dimitri Vassos, Head of Piraeus Office, HFW:

“Stephen is an outstanding addition to our market-leading shipping practice. As a Master Mariner, a qualified marine engineer, and an English-qualified solicitor, Stephen has a rare multi-discipline perspective that enables him to bridge the gap between operational realities and legal strategy. And with over 20 years of seagoing experience, including command as Captain, he brings hands-on insight into vessel operations.

“Stephen’s arrival means that HFW will be the only international law firm with a mariner based full-time in Greece, further underlining our deep and longstanding commitment to the Greek shipping market, which we’ve been serving as a firm for more than 140 years.”

Stephen advises shipowners, P&I clubs, hull and war underwriters and salvors on marine casualties including collisions, grounding, sinking, fire and explosion, salvage, mechanical breakdown, damage/contamination to cargo, and acts of piracy. He also has significant experience on shipping- and insurance-related disputes, including speed and performance, cargo shortage, general average, and coverage, as well as on matters relating to ship management and chartering.

Stephen Angove, Partner and Master Mariner, HFW:

“HFW is rightly regarded as the world’s leading maritime law practice. Having acted as opponent to HFW many times over the years, I’ve always been impressed by its strategic thinking and its sector-led, client-first approach, and consider it a great compliment that they have asked me to join their team. I also really appreciate HFW’s recognition of the value of Master Mariners, which speaks to the firm’s commitment to practical, hands-on expertise. I am confident that, as a member of the global mariner team, I can contribute to expanding HFW’s regional presence, enhancing its casualty response capabilities, and further deepening the firm’s relationships with Greek and international shipowners.”

HFW has more top-tier rankings for shipping in legal directories Chambers and The Legal 500 than any other law firm, and is ranked by The Times as one of the UK’s top maritime practices.

HFW has been Piraeus for more than 30 years and recently relocated its office to the landmark Piraeus Tower.