Paul Griffiths

Partner

Admitted as a Solicitor in 1979.

Paul is instructed in connection with an extensive variety of both ‘dry’ and ‘damp’ commercial shipping and associated underlying commodity related disputes, including cargo claims of all types. Most arise in the context of actual or potential issues involving London arbitration and/or mediation, but also in cases involving the High Court.

Paul’s experience includes advising and dealing with issues in both the liquid and bulk cargo markets under both time and voyage charterparties; contracts of affreightment and bills of lading along with the associated commodity/underlying contracts for the sale of goods by sea. Advice is also given on issues of liability/recovery under policies of insurance, general average and jurisdictional/limitation issues as needed.

Instructions received can be directly from individual owners/charterers/insurers/cargo owners/sellers/buyers, with such instructions frequently provided via Defence and P&I Clubs, liability and indemnity insurers and international trading companies.

Paul's longevity in the market has given him an all-round experience of most facets of marine claims. Paul is listed in the Legal 500 “Hall of Fame” and is individually ranked in “Shipping” by Chambers & Partners.

Work highlights include:

• Handling significant and complex claims arising out of major ship and cargo damage/loss
• Immediate practical advice and recommendations given on issues and/or incidents as they occur
• Assistance with claims of all values
• COA, time and voyage charterparty disputes of all kinds
• Multi-jurisdictional litigation including Starlight Shipping Co v Allianz Marine and Aviation Versicherungs AG and Others (the “ALEXANDROS T”) [2014] 2 Lloyd's Rep. 579
• Range of sale of goods and commodity trading disputes
• Bunker quality and supply issues
• Drafting and considering standard terms of trade/carriage for clients
• Advice on settlement of claims and potential resolution by ADR and mediation
• Cases involving calculation of market recoverable loss/damages