News

Sat, 23 Jan 2010

Shipping Law Specialists Launch New Firm

Shipping, transport and insurance lawyers Scott Yates and John Habergham have launched a new niche law firm in the city of Hull.

Myton Law, the first specialist shipping, goods in transit and insurance law firm in the Humber region, will provide wet shipping, dry shipping, insurance and technical shipping advice from offices at The Deep Business Centre on the city’s Humber river front with 24/7 call out service.

With nearly 35 years of shipping law experience between them both Scott Yates and John Habergham have national reputations in their respective fields.

Formerly, a partner and head of the wet shipping unit at Hull firm Andrew Jackson, Scott Yates specialises in claims arising out of shipping and transport incidents undertaking a range of matters, including collisions, salvage and damage to fixed & floating objects. He is a seasoned investigator of marine incidents and is known, in particular, for personal injury claims acting on behalf of ship owners and leading marine liability insurers.

John Habergham focuses on disputes arising out of the carriage of goods by road, sea and rail. He is rated as one of the leading practitioners in the transport law sector by Chambers Legal Directory, is a former chairman of Leeds Marine Insurance Association and currently sits on its Technical & Advisory Committee. He is also a member of the London Maritime Arbitrators Association. John was also previously a partner at Andrew Jackson and headed their dry shipping unit.

Now, as Myton Law, they are attracting a national and international client base, already acting for shipping and transport companies, major insurers, including leading goods in transit insurers, and P&I clubs.

The new firm has brought together a skilled team, including Iain Butterworth who, prior to qualifying as a lawyer, was a chief engineer in the Merchant Navy. With his unique combination of legal and practical mechanical & technical knowledge Iain advises on issues such as ship repair and mechanical damage claims.

Other members of the new Myton team include paralegal Gordon Sewell working on personal injury and goods in transit claims and practice manager Carol Stovin who has nearly 20 years experience in law firm administration.

“Myton Law draws together some of the most highly renowned shipping lawyers in the North to create a vibrant, new, niche law firm in Hull,” said Scott Yates. “We are proud to be based in this maritime capital of the Humber sub region – the UK’s largest ports conurbation. Here we are well placed to serve the many major shipping and transport companies in this area, as well as national shipping, transport and insurance clients throughout the UK.”

John Habergham added: “Our international experience and strong links with lawyers, consultants, experts and shipping communities on the near Continent, especially The Netherlands, will extend our reach far beyond Yorkshire.

“Being based in Hull and operating as a lean, capable, specialist team with a pragmatic commercial approach we offer a competitive service with absolutely no compromise on quality.”