Rhys Clift
Consultant
Rhys is a consultant in the firm’s marine, trade and aviation team. An English solicitor with more than 40 years’ experience, his specialisms are insurance and reinsurance, transportation and commercial dispute resolution.
Much of his work is in complex, high-value disputes, including piracy, political violence, terrorism, marine hull and war claims (for example arising from seizure, detention, fire, explosion, structural failure of ships), aviation, energy, carriage of goods and transportation. He is also responsible for policy drafting, including foreign market yacht cover, foreign market hull package cover and a fixed premium P&I cover.
I am known for my ability to assimilate and analyse large volumes of information quickly and to handle complex, high-value disputes, explaining issues simply and clearly. I am a highly regarded public speaker and author, and a commercial mediator.
Articles and papers published by Rhys, notably on insurance, maritime business and dispute resolution, are cited widely, nationally and internationally in several languages. His recent papers on Covid and its enduring impact are published in the Journal of International Maritime Law (2021), by CPR in New York (2022/23), and are also available on the World Intellectual Property Organization Knowledge Repository. Some of his work is also published on the Social Science Research Network by le Droit Maritime Francais and by the International Union of Marine Insurance.
Rhys is also a commercial mediator at SeaMediation Chambers in shipping and insurance (accredited in 1998), and a Distinguished Neutral at CPR International Institute for Conflict Prevention and Resolution, New York. He is a member of BILA and of the Executive Committee of the British Maritime Law Association.
Recent work highlights
Illegal vessel detention
Complex Middle East fraud
Case of political unrest
Illegal narcotics smuggling
High-value cargo detention
External recognition
What people are saying
A shrewd and highly competent litigator, a real force to be reckoned with, and a veteran of some huge cases particularly in the marine sector.
He has decades of experience in insurance and particularly marine insurance.
His technical knowledge and understanding of principles of insurance is second to none.
Extremely committed and dedicated to his clients, frequently working around the clock to get the job done.
He is very knowledgeable about the law of marine insurance, and has excellent judgement.
