Maritime and shipping agreements and disputes
Commercial advice on shipping agreements and cargo matters
Robert’s shipping work forms part of his commercial and international practice. He considers agreements and disputes where English law applies, including matters involving overseas parties.
Charter parties and shipping arrangements
Advice may concern drafting, reviewing or interpreting charter-party terms and related commercial arrangements. Questions can arise before an agreement is made, during performance or when the parties disagree.
Robert will establish which documents and obligations are relevant and agree the scope of the work. This is an English-law service rather than an offer of advice on every port or jurisdiction.
Bills of lading and cargo
Robert considers legal questions concerning bills of lading, cargo damage and shortages. An enquiry may involve a contractual responsibility, the shipment documentation or a disagreement between commercial parties.
The contractual or cargo dispute and an insurance coverage question may require different advice. Marine insurance is a separate service destination.
Disputes and the role offered
Robert offers advice to parties in negotiation, arbitration and mediation and accepts separate neutral appointments where appropriate. Court litigation is not offered.
An initial enquiry does not protect a deadline or confirm availability. For time-sensitive matters, phone to check whether Robert can consider the work rather than relying on a web submission.
An initial shipping enquiry
Briefly identify your role, the type of agreement or shipment and the broad issue. Indicate whether English law applies and mention any relevant timing. Keep confidential cargo documents, party details and detailed legal information out of the contact form until a suitable channel and engagement are agreed.
About your adviser
Robert Jonathan Pitman is an SRA-regulated freelance solicitor. Called to the Bar in 1973; admitted as a solicitor in 1987.
Robert will consider suitability, conflicts, scope and engagement terms before confirming whether he can act. An initial enquiry does not create a solicitor-client relationship or protect a deadline.