Maritime and commercial law firm Tatham & Co is pushing into the Greek market with a new recruit.

The UK company has added senior Athens-based lawyer Ioanna Vitta to its growing team.

Vitta brings more than 30 years of experience, specialising in dry cargo shipping.

She has been a partner in the marine, trade and international shipping team at Penningtons Manches Cooper since 2002, and was a member of the emergency response team.

“A qualified Greek and English lawyer, Ioanna is also a well-regarded and well-known figure in Piraeus and Athens,” Tatham & Co said.

Chris Farmer, a solicitor master mariner, joined the team earlier in the year from Ince to increase the firm’s Admiralty capability.

Bringing in an experienced lawyer based in Greece was the next step for Tatham & Co in consolidating its business in this area and supporting its Mediterranean clients and the wider shipping industry, the firm added.

Senior partner Simon Tatham said: “The recruitment of Ioanna Vitta marks an important moment in the firm’s development, and we are both delighted and excited.”

Vitta is retained regularly by blue-chip Greek shipowners, he added.

Having the highly experienced and respected solicitor on hand in Greece is a perfect fit, he said: “Ioanna is a senior member of the Athens legal community, she has a strong following herself and is known, respected and instructed by owners and the Piraeus-based clubs alike.”

Strong backing from London

Vitta will have the back-up of a strong and growing team in London covering dry, wet, marine insurance and special situations, the firm said.

Tatham said another senior ex-master mariner solicitor will join in the new year.

“We will be working closely with Ioanna to ensure that our Greek clients are given the best possible service,” he said.

Tatham & Co is led by founding partners Tatham, Stephen Askins and James Hickland.