We've been steering through the choppy waters of maritime law for over two decades now. Started small, grew steady, and learned a ton along the way.
When you're dealing with international shipping disputes or cross-border trade headaches at 3 AM, you need folks who've actually been there. We have. Multiple times. And we're pretty good at sorting out the mess.
Founded by Sarah Chen and Marcus Dreadwell in a cramped office overlooking the Vancouver docks. Back then, it was just us two, a fax machine, and way too much coffee. We handled our first cargo dispute that year - turned out pretty well, actually.
Opened our first international partnership with a firm in Singapore. Suddenly we're handling cases that span three continents. Sleep schedules? What're those? But honestly, this is when things got really interesting.
Secured a landmark ruling in the BC Supreme Court on marine insurance liability. The case lasted 14 months, involved testimony from experts across four countries, and nearly killed us. But we won, and it set precedent that's still cited today.
Brought on three senior associates who actually know what they're doing. Also moved into our current Waterfront Centre offices. Real windows! Natural light! We felt like we'd made it.
COVID hit the shipping industry hard. We handled more force majeure claims in six months than in the previous five years combined. Learned how to do maritime arbitration over Zoom at weird hours - not ideal, but you adapt or sink.
Now we're a team of 12 with connections across the Pacific Rim and beyond. Still based in Vancouver, still love what we do, and still answering late-night calls about detained cargo in Rotterdam or customs issues in Shanghai. Wouldn't have it any other way.
Hover over the photos to see what makes each of us tick. We're lawyers, sure, but we're also real people who happen to be obsessed with maritime law.
Founding Partner
Started this whole thing back in '01. Still gets a kick out of solving impossible shipping disputes. Won't shut up about her sailboat on weekends.
Founding Partner
Actually worked on ships before law school, which helps more than you'd think. Handles the gnarly insurance claims nobody else wants to touch.
Senior Associate
Our customs and compliance guru. If there's a tariff code or import regulation, she knows it. Makes navigating trade agreements look easy (it's not).
Senior Associate
Joined us in 2016 and hasn't looked back. Specializes in cargo liability cases. Really good at finding creative solutions when contracts fall apart.
Associate
Came from the insurance side of things, which gives her a unique angle on marine claims. Clients love her because she explains stuff in plain English.
Associate
Our youngest but don't let that fool you - he's sharp as they come. Handles a lot of the cross-border agreement work and somehow stays organized.
We don't just read about maritime law - we've lived it. Pulled all-nighters during arbitration, negotiated in six time zones, and seen every trick in the book. That matters when your cargo's stuck or your contracts are disputed.
Look, legal jargon is sometimes necessary, but we're not gonna drown you in it. We'll tell you what's actually happening with your case, what the realistic outcomes are, and what it'll take to get there. No BS.
Shipping doesn't stop at 5 PM on Friday, so neither do we. Had clients call us from Singapore at 2 AM Vancouver time. That's just how this works, and we're good with it. Your emergency is our emergency.