Penningtons Manches Cooper is the latest UK law firm to take advantage of an exodus of marine expertise from under-fire rival Ince & Co.
The London-based firm announced that three lawyers and one trainee have agreed to join it from Ince & Co.
Paul Crane is set to join as a partner, William Chetwood as a senior consultant and Akshay Misra as a managing associate. The trainee will follow the three new hires in the coming weeks.
Crane specialises in the full range of maritime and insurance disputes, which has included arbitration, mediation and commercial litigation right up to UK Supreme Court level.
Chetwood is an experienced litigator in the field of ship and yacht finance and sales and dispute resolution involving charterparties, memorandums of agreement, newbuilding contracts, insurance and sale of goods disputes.
Misra is known for his expertise in London maritime arbitration and commercial court litigation.
Their arrival will boost the Penningtons Manches shipping team to 18 partners and 20 lawyers and maritime specialists.
Darryl Kennard, head of marine, trade & energy, said: “We are delighted that Paul, William and Akshay have chosen to join Penningtons Manches Cooper.
“They are all brilliant lawyers and highly regarded in our specialist field. Their knowledge and experience complements the team’s expertise very well and will bring additional strength when supporting clients on complex matters.”
There has been an exodus of talent from Ince & Co recently. Seven maritime law specialists left to join Birketts last week.
The departures come as reports emerged that Axiom Ince — Ince & Co’s owner — is being investigated on suspicion of using client funds for a number of acquisitions made this year.
This included the acquisition of Ince & Co out of administration in April.
Ince & Co’s website has now been taken down, but the Axiom website is still working.
