Natalie is a Partner in the Maritime and Dispute Resolution groups.
Natalie specialises in contentious and non-contentious matters in the shipping, international trade and energy sectors.
She advises a broad range of global clients who span the full range of actors across the maritime industry. This includes advising shipowners, charterers, their insurers and P&I Clubs in connection with charterparty, bill of lading and contractual disputes, as well as disputes arising out of collisions and allisions, to name just some of the areas of her diverse and busy practice.
One of Natalie’s core specialisms is in relation to bunkers quality disputes, on which she regularly advises and represents clients in both UK and Singapore-based arbitrations. Her reputation in the market means she regularly speaks at industry fora on issues affecting the bunkers industry.
She regularly provides sanctions advice to multiple clients in the fast-evolving global regulatory landscape.
Her practice is enhanced by her early career experience in the Freight Defence & Demurrage department of an International Group P&I Association, which enables her to provide unique commercial insight to clients on maritime insurance and P&I matters.
Natalie has extensive experience in English arbitrations, High Court proceedings, as well as DIFC and United Arab Emirates onshore litigation.
Natalie is ranked by Chambers and Partners and recognised by Legal 500 as a ‘Key Lawyer’ in Shipping, Insurance and Dispute Resolution. She is one of only a few lawyers to be twice honoured as a ’20 Under 40 Leader of Tomorrow’ by SeaTrade Maritime Middle East, affirming her reputation as a talented lawyer who paves the way for industry change.
She is described by Chambers and Legal 500 as “…an exceptional younger lawyer. She understands client requirements and comes highly recommended”, “…on the ball and is very knowledgeable about the industry and practices” and “…responsive, helpful and thorough in how she responds to requests, prompt in delivering feedback and gives high-level responses quickly”.
The leading directories also describe her as having “…developed a speciality in bunker disputes in the UAE”, “…a growing reputation in the market [and] is increasingly to be seen leading…standout work” and she “…understands her clients’ needs exceptionally well and has a drive to bring matters forward in a very efficient manner”.
- Acting for owners in respect of a significant charterparty claim brought by charterers for losses incurred following delays arising out of COVID-19.
- Acting for disponent owners in two SCMA arbitrations with owners and sub-charterers, following damage to a vessel, with ensuing multi-million dollar disputes for unpaid hire and damages for non-payment.
- Acting for global bunker traders in LMAA and an SCMA arbitrations against owners and physical suppliers respectively, regarding alleged off-specification bunkers and mechanical issues suffered by the vessel.
- Acting for global subsea cable owners and operators in relation to numerous multi-million dollar damages claims caused by vessel anchors.
- Representing one of the world’s largest ship owning companies in a high-profile claim following an allision at Jebel Ali port. This resulted in a landmark decision, which established the ability for ship owners to limit their liability by way of a P&I Club undertaking in the United Arab Emirates.
Education
- 2007 – 2009 · Law LLB (Hons), The College of Law
- 2003 – 2007· Modern European Languages & Cultures (French & German), Durham University
memberships and associations
- Member of WISTA
- Member of the British Business Group