Providing ‘a breadth of maritime expertise‘, Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP regularly handles dry shipping disputes as well as admiralty and regulatory work for a range of domestic and international clients. The firm also fields expertise in relation to yachts and superyachts, where it advises owners, charterers, traders, and P&I Clubs, among others. The practice is led by Darryl Kennard, whose work encompasses both wet and dry shipping matters, and charterparty specialist Alex McIntosh. Tony Riches was promoted to partner in April 2022 and specialises in admiralty law and charterparty disputes. Wet shipping expert Nick Donnelly and James Severn, who focuses on small commercial vessels as well as maritime injuries and fatalities, are further key contacts.
‘Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP provide a breath of maritime expertise giving the client standout advice.’
‘They are all extremely committed to their clients, and to obtaining the best result.’
‘The partners work very well together and use associates appropriately.’
‘Shipping specialists with great response time, professionalism and pragmatism.’
‘Darryl Kennard has a sharp mind, fast understanding of the issues, wide spectrum of experience, pragmatic and commercial approach to disputes.’
The Legal 500 - 2023 edition
Works with clients on wet and dry shipping matters, with acknowledged ability in contract disputes, maritime casualties and marine insurance matters. Other areas of expertise include pollution and marine personal injury matters. Notable global presence, with offices in Europe and Singapore. Also offers expertise in yachts.
Strengths: One client notes: ‘They are an excellent and extremely efficient firm.’
Another source adds: ‘They are a formidable team and enjoyable to work with. They are very committed to shipping law and have a good mix of wet and dry skill sets.’
Notable practitioners
‘Darryl Kennard brings a lot of experience and is a dab hand at salvaging. He is a real enthusiast for shipping law.’
‘He is very good dealing with complex matters and is very easy to communicate with. He knows the market, is very proactive and finds a solution quickly.’
Chambers UK - 2022 edition
Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP is highly active in the full range of contentious shipping work… Darryl Kennard is frequently instructed by shipowners, underwriters and salvage companies on wet and dry shipping disputes. Another key individual is Tim Kelleher, who has 35 years of experience of the marine industry. Alex McIntosh focuses on contractual disputes. Wet shipping specialist Nick Donnelly and James Severn are also names to note.
‘The Penningtons shipping team is excellent. Their lawyers combine a strong foundation in the law with legal creativity, and a high level of commercial and litigation acumen.’
‘A very knowledgeable department, headed by the very experienced and personable Darryl Kennard. There seems to be more good shipping case law coming out of Penningtons than any other shipping firm at present.’
The Legal 500 - 2022 edition
Notable practitioners
Darryl Kennard is known for expertise in handling wet and dry shipping matters. He often advises on collision and salvage matters, and he also has experience in charter party and bill of lading claims.
Chambers UK - 2021 edition
Penningtons Manches Cooper is active across a range of shipping matters including admiralty disputes, dry shipping disputes and shipbuilding work. The practice is led by Tim Kelleher, who has over 35 years' experience in this area, and Darryl Kennard, who is active in both wet and dry shipping disputes. Alex McIntosh is another key contact, recognised for his work on charterparties; he is well-regarded by clients.
Darryl Kennard has excellent knowledge and experience in his field – he is efficient, proactive and solution driven.
Alex McIntosh is always available, quick to respond and very proactive. He knows the law and is very practical.
The Legal 500 - 2021 edition
With an international reach, the team is 'well-known in the sector for its shipping and trade knowledge and expertise' and 'regularly punches above its weight'. It handles a broad range of instructions including casualties, major losses and commercial disputes; the team is 'particularly strong in pure shipping disputes, with a wealth of knowledge and experience'. Tim Kelleher is noted for his disputes expertise and team head Darryl Kennard, who is 'energetic and knowledgeable', specialises in wet work including salvage, loss and collision claims.
Mark Sachs is likable and able; he has a strong understanding of China and South East Asia and the particular commercial and legal culture of those regions.
Tom Moisley's breadth of knowledge, strategic thinking, and calm and considered approach is invaluable.
Lisa Hillary shows huge commitment to her clients and cases.
The Legal 500 - 2020 editon
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Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC311575 and is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority under number 419867.
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