Global law firm HFW has boosted its shipping practice by appointing experienced Stephenson Harwood partner Paolo Ghirardani.
He joins as senior partner in London from Monday.
The move marks a return to HFW for a lawyer described to TradeWinds as the architect of Stephenson Harwood's shipping practice.
During his 31 years at the firm, Ghirardani built it up to become a credible rival to HFW, who the lawyer joined as a trainee in 1983 and spent the first seven years of his career.
Ghirardani was head of Stephenson Harwood's global marine and international trade practice for 15 years.
Andrew Chamberlain, head of admiralty and crisis management at HFW, said the firm is pleased to welcome back their former colleague.
"It's not every day that you get a chance to bring in one of the most senior shipping lawyers in the market, and his arrival will further strengthen our offering across shipping and admiralty, as well as broader commercial dispute resolution," Chamberlain said.
"Paolo's standing is reflected by the fact that he is the lead advisor for some of the biggest names in the industry, and we're all very excited to have him on board."
Ghirardani specialises in wet and dry shipping disputes, and has significant experience acting on major fires, explosions and groundings.
The veteran lawyer also handles complex, multi-jurisdictional trade and commodity litigation, focusing on fraud investigations and asset tracing.
Top shipping firm
He said: "I am excited to be returning to what is unquestionably the market's top shipping law firm.
"HFW's first-rate admiralty offering and its significant international network will be a real benefit to my clients, and I'm looking forward to working with the firm's expert shipping lawyers around the world."
HFW has more than 200 shipping lawyers and master mariners across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific.
