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