Richards Butler

Richards Butler has been working with the shipping industry since the firm was founded in 1920. The Admiralty Unit is one of the leading "wet" practices with a strong international reputation particularly in collisions and salvage work.

Central to the departments skill and expertise is the practical experience of its members; led by ex-mariner Richard Harvey, who is recommended as a leading individual by the Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession, and including legally qualified Master Mariners and other seafarers complemented by specialist salvage practitioners.

We operate a 24 hour Casualty Information Line, with members available to travel at a moment's notice. The department has pioneered and utilises the latest IT enabling communications to be maintained where, in the past, it has proved impossible. Digital imaging provides an immediate view of the extent of any particular casualty, thus enabling more effective commercial decisions to be taken.

The fact that the unit has been involved in many if not most of the major casualties in recent years amply illustrates our capability. For instance we acted for the owners of the MSC Carla, MSC Rosa M, Maersk Tokyo, Sea-Land Mariner, Erika, World Discoverer, and Ievoli Sun.

Apart from covering all other shipping specialisms, the firm also has groups specialising in E-Commerce, Corporate, EU, Property and Commercial Disputes.