About the Admiralty Solicitors Group
Protecting and promoting high standards in the practice of English Maritime Law
The Admiralty Solicitors Group (ASG) was formed in 1972 to promote and preserve standards in the practice of maritime law in England. ASG member firms all have established reputations in maritime law and are committed to the continued development of England, and particularly London, as a maritime legal centre. Although the group was established principally with Admiralty Law matters in mind ( ‘wet’ cases: collisions and salvage etc) its interests now embrace ‘dry’ matters: carriage of goods, sale and purchase, insurance and all other aspects of shipping law in which member firms play a prominent part.
Many if not most firms have among their practitioners Master Mariners or other ex-seafarers also qualified as lawyers. This industry ‘inside knowledge’ gives case-handlers a unique and thoroughly practical insight into the issues to be resolved in cases, resulting in a cost-efficient approach.
The Group meets regularly to discuss current issues that affect the efficient practice of English maritime law. Over the years the ASG has developed and agreed standard wordings: for instance, guarantee and jurisdiction wordings which are regularly accepted internationally in the shipping and insurance industries, thus saving time and money by avoiding unnecessary drafting and negotiation. The Group is represented on committees and working parties including the Commercial Court Users Committee and the Lloyd’s Salvage Group and is consulted by other organizations on shipping issues and the development of maritime law.
The ASG offers a panel of experienced practitioners to act as arbitrators in small collision and salvage cases and a panel of solicitor mediators, through the closely related Maritime Solicitors Mediation Services.
English Maritime Law
English maritime law continues to evolve through the judgments of the High Court, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. These decisions are widely reported, ensuring transparency within the English legal system. Lloyd’s now publishes most decisions of its salvage arbitrators and appeal arbitrator’s Awards, further enhancing openness in the development of Admiralty jurisprudence.
London has an unparalleled concentration of expertise across all aspects of the shipping services industry. Insurance, banking, chartering, shipowning, ship management, adjusting, surveying and a wide range of technical support services all flourish in the city of London. A significant contributing factor is the depth of maritime experience that has developed over centuries as part of the English legal tradition, renowned worldwide for its independence and specialist expertise.
The Commercial Court, a specialist division of the High Court’s King’s Bench Division, handles commercial claims arising from trade and commerce. Many of its judges previously practised in shipping and insurance law, giving them a practical and thorough understanding of the relevant industries. The Admiralty Court, another specialist court within the King’s Bench Division, hears collision, salvage and other maritime disputes. The Admiralty Judge has extensive experience in matters involving navigation, seamanship and other practical nautical issues, and the court’s judgments are influential in maritime jurisdictions worldwide. The Admiralty Registrar and Admiralty Marshall provide further expert support, such as assessing the quantum of claims and administering the arrest of vessels within the English jurisdiction.
London is also a long‑established global centre for maritime arbitration. Arbitration before a Lloyd’s‑appointed arbitrator is the most common method for resolving salvage and towage disputes worldwide—not only under the long‑standing Lloyd’s Open Form (LOF) salvage contract, but also under other contractual arrangements or at common law. Some ASG solicitors also serve as arbitrators. The London Maritime Arbitrators Association (LMAA) offers a panel comprising individuals with wide‑ranging commercial, practical and legal experience in shipping, specialising in carriage of goods, ship sale and purchase, and other contractual maritime disputes.
For these reasons, English law and jurisdiction are not only the default choice in many international shipping contracts, but are also frequently selected for dispute resolution, whether in the High Court or through arbitration. As a result, English judges and arbitrators are highly experienced and well practised in handling maritime cases.
ASG members aim to manage cases efficiently, commercially and cost‑effectively. Many maritime disputes brought to London are resolved by agreement before reaching trial or arbitration. Where settlement proves more challenging, there is an increasing reliance—whether voluntarily or by court direction—on mediation as a form of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
Current Office Holders
- ASG Chairman – Alistair Johnston (CJC Law)
- ASG Secretary – Paul Haworth (Tatham & Co)