Nicholas Saunders
Called to the Bar in 1989

Nicholas Saunders is an experienced and persuasive advocate who undertakes commercial work at all levels.

He has been a specialist in all areas of shipping and aviation law throughout his career at the Bar, and has achieved success in courts and arbitrations up to and including the House of Lords (as was). He is also experienced at mediations and he has a particular experience in matters of costs, with extensive experience of detailed assessments.

As a former RAF pilot, Nicholas brings invaluable practical knowledge and experience to his work. Most of his work has an international dimension, and he is happy to accept instructions to appear abroad if required.

AREAS OF PRACTICE

• Charterparty and shipbuilding claims;
• Marine cargo claims, salvage arbitrations and collision actions;
• Marine and aeronautical engineering claims;
• Insurance claims for lost vessels and for lost and damaged marine and air cargoes;
• Seaboard Offshore Ltd v Secretary of State for Transport, the leading House of Lords authority on the criminal liability of corporations for the safe operation of ships;
• Pilot authorisation reviews, including Sea Empress;
• Criminal proceedings under flying training regulations;
• A claim against an airline for failing to wake a passenger at the correct airport;

HIS WORK

Nicholas is widely regarded as a safe pair of hands. Professional and lay clients find him highly approachable, and he makes it his business to give advice in useful and practical terms. He wins the confidence of judges and arbitrators before whom he appears by the straightforward and clear presentation of his client’s case.

WHAT OTHERS SAY

Recommended for his expertise in shipping and aviation law
Legal 500 2015

A specialist in shipping and aviation law
The Legal 500 2014

Well respected for his aviation and shipping expertise
The Legal 500 2013

Nicholas Saunders is an experienced and persuasive advocate who undertakes personal injury work at all levels.

Nicholas has achieved success in courts up to and including the House of Lords (as was). He has a particular experience in matters of costs, with extensive experience of detailed assessments.

AREAS OF PRACTICE

All areas of personal injury law including:

• Fatal accident and personal injury claims arising out of marine and aviation incidents;
• Workplace accidents;
• Accidents arising in the context of service in the armed forces;

HIS WORK

Nicholas is widely regarded as a safe pair of hands. Professional and lay clients find him highly approachable, and he makes it his business to give advice in useful and practical terms. He wins the confidence of judges before whom he appears by the straightforward and clear presentation of his client’s case.