Partner Nick Austin joins Stephenson Harwood

Law firm Stephenson Harwood LLP has strengthened its Maritime, Trade and Offshore practice with the arrival of Nick Austin as Partner and Head of Maritime and Offshore. Nick joins the firm’s London office from Reed Smith.

With more than 25 years’ experience in the sector, Nick represents shipowners, operators, insurers and commodity traders in shipping and international trade disputes, including litigation, arbitration and mediation. He also advises on charterparty and other shipping contracts, P&I Club coverage and rules questions, LNG issues, and maritime decarbonisation. Nick acts for clients worldwide, with notable expertise in Europe and Asia, including Japan and Singapore. 

“Stephenson Harwood has a unique market position, combining both a premier maritime and trade finance and a premier maritime and offshore practice in one firm,” said Dora Mace-Kokota, Head of Maritime, Trade and Offshore, Stephenson Harwood. “Nick’s arrival demonstrates our commitment to building on that position. He is a recognised leader in the London maritime market, and brings a wealth of experience which strengthens our capabilities in maritime and offshore, as well as trade and commodities.”

“The Transportation and Trade sector is one of our key areas of strategic focus, and we continue to actively look for opportunities to grow our practice and further strengthen our capabilities,” said Eifion Morris, CEO, Stephenson Harwood. “Nick brings many years of experience, an impressive track record supporting clients, and adds depths to our maritime, trade and offshore team.”

The Stephenson Harwood Maritime, Trade and Offshore practice offers services to clients in the shipping, insurance, offshore and commodity sectors. Clients include many of the world's largest shipowners, shipyards, major ship finance banks, marine insurers and IG P&I clubs, energy services companies, oil and gas companies and commodities traders.