People

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People
Portrait of James Severn

Profile

James is a partner in the shipping group in the London office, and a key member of the casualty response team. He has a broad shipping and commercial dispute resolution practice, with a particular focus on marine casualties, salvage, insurance, and personal injury and fatality claims. His clients include shipowners, marine insurers, cruise and ferry operators, and oil companies. James has particular expertise in investigations by the MCA, MAIB and HSE following casualties, and regularly advises on injuries and death at sea, or on offshore installations.

With extensive experience in the offshore and energy sectors, James regularly acts for shipowners and their insurers in disputes arising from the operation of vessels in and around wind farms, and other offshore installations. He advises on the contracts frequently used in the offshore/energy sector.

A member of the British Association for Sport and Law, and recognised by The Legal 500 in both shipping and sports law, James’ sports practice focuses on football. He advises players, clubs and intermediaries on transfers, image rights, contract negotiations and disciplinary issues at a club and Football Association (FA) level. He also has significant experience of FIFA and CAS claims, and advises on the regulatory requirements of the English FA.

Recent work highlights

  • Advising owners and insurers in respect of a significant collision resulting in multiple fatalities and the subsequent investigations.
  • Acting for owners and insurers in an MAIB investigation and personal injury claim following a serious injury at an offshore installation.
  • Advising cruise companies on contractual and litigation issues arising from the Covid-19 pandemic.
  • Acting for a football agent in a dispute with a former client in a FA Rule K arbitration.

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC311575 and is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority under number 419867.

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP