Reed Smith continues to build global shipping capability with significant Paris team hire
Publication Date: September 01, 2008
International law firm Reed Smith announced today the appointment of leading shipping lawyer, Luc Grellet, to its partnership. Grellet joined Reed Smith’s shipping practice in Paris from Bouloy, Grellet & Godin on 01 September 2008. He brings with him a team of two associates.
This significant development is a further example of Reed Smith’s ongoing commitment to the shipping industry since its merger with Richards Butler in January 2007. It follows the recent relocations of ship finance partner, Adam Morgan, and Admiralty Manager, Ron Clark, to the firm’s Dubai and Hong Kong offices respectively. Grellet’s appointment, together with the redeployments of Morgan and Clark, will enable the firm to better service the global needs of its shipping client base.
Grellet, ranked in the top-tier of shipping lawyers in Paris by Chambers and Partners, focuses on mainstream dry shipping, marine casualties and pollution, trading work, sale of goods disputes and insurance disputes. He represents a number of Classification Societies. His practice and client base has strong synergies with Reed Smith’s shipping group in London. Shared clients include a number of P&I clubs, for example the UK Club, Britannia and Steamship Mutual, and a large number of ship owners and insurers, such as CMA CGM and Groupama.
Nick Shaw, head of the firm’s shipping practice, commented:
“Paris is, after London, the second largest shipping arbitration centre in Europe, making it an important location for us to have a strong presence in. The recruitment of Luc and his team strengthens our existing offering there and sends a clear message to the market about our ongoing commitment to the global shipping industry.”
Grellet also handles international arbitration and product liability matters. His appointment provides considerable cross-selling opportunities for the firm in these areas.
Roger Parker, Managing Partner for Europe and the Middle East, added:
“Paris is a world renowned arbitration centre. Luc and his team joining us strengthens our disputes and arbitration capability in Paris and reinforces our international offering to the shipping industry. We are continuing to invest in top level arbitration talent adding to the recruitment of Stephen York and Shai Wade in London earlier this year.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
Luc Grellet
The latest edition of Chambers Europe, a leading client research tool for the legal profession, commented:
“Luc Grellet enjoys the greatest market kudos of the lawyers here.” (Transportation: shipping)
Reed Smith’s shipping group
The firm is a market leader in the area of shipping, with over 70 lawyers working in its shipping group world-wide.
About Reed Smith
Reed Smith is one of the 15 largest law firms in the world, with more than 1600 lawyers in offices across Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the United States.
We advise many of the world’s leading organisations on cross border transactions, complex dispute resolution and regulatory matters.
For further information please visit www.reedsmith.com, or contact:
Nick Shaw, head of shipping, on +44 (0)20 7772 5898
or
Jeyda Star, senior branding and communications executive, on +44 (0)20 7772 5949