Watson Farley & Williams (“WFW”) is pleased to announce that maritime disputes expert Nikki Chu has joined the firm as a Partner in London. She was previously a Managing Associate in the Marine and International Trade group at Stephenson Harwood.
Nikki has over 11 years’ experience as a disputes lawyer in the maritime and international trade sectors. She specialises in dry shipping, including charterparty, bill of lading, cargo and shipbuilding disputes and advises clients on LNG shipping issues. Nikki has also advised on commercial disputes including injunctive relief and issues arising from ship finance contracts. She has worked on cases involving major incidents such as container stack collapses and fires. On the non-contentious side, she advises on the drafting and negotiation of shipping contracts (including LNG charterparties).
She has acted for a wide range of client including owners, charterers, P&I Clubs, insurers, traders, cargo interests and maritime investment companies. She adopts a practical and commercial approach to ensure that disputes are resolved efficiently. Having spent a year at an International Group P&I Club in London, she is well-experienced in dealing with FD&D and P&I matters, often with a real-time element.
London Dispute Resolution Co-Head Rob Fidoe commented: “I am delighted to welcome Nikki to WFW. Her expertise in marine disputes and LNG shipping is invaluable and contributes greatly to our growing maritime disputes practice”.
Nikki added: “I am thrilled to be joining WFW whose reputation in the maritime sector is globally renowned and WFW are experts in the LNG market. This is the perfect firm for me to service my clients and to reach out to new contacts as WFW represents many of the biggest names in the shipping industry. I am looking forward to working with old and new colleagues in London and contributing to WFW’s growing reputation in maritime disputes”.
