James Cottrell

Legal Director

Practice areas

• Competition, EU and Trade

Practice notes

James is a Legal Director in our Competition, EU and Trade group. James acts for clients globally on every aspect of dry contract shipping and international trade governed by English law. His clients include ship owners and operators, managers, charterers, cargo interests and the insurance sector, defence, P&I, war risk, or cargo insurance. His experience covers all forms of charterparties, contracts of carriage and contracts of affreightment; sale contracts and GTCs; advising, drafting and litigating disputes.

James acts in disputes through the English Courts and all forms of Arbitration, whether the seat is in London or elsewhere. Liaising, as required, with an international network of lawyers and maritime experts to obtain the necessary local assistance and expertise. James has experience in all forms of ADR, including mediation.

James’ experience includes advising on:

• Cargo claims
• Demurrage and freight disputes
• Sales contract review and disputes
• Cancellation and termination claims
• Off hire
• Piracy
• International sanctions
• Hold cleaning and contamination claims
• Speed and performance disputes
• Hull fouling and damage claims
• Ship sale and delivery disputes
• Enforcement and arrest, both in the UK and internationally
• Freezing injunctions and jurisdictional disputes
• General Average
• Unsafe ports
• GTCs review