Jonathan Hadley-Piggin
Consultant – Keystone Law
T: +44 (0) 20 7152 6550
What sort of clients do you advise?
A broad spectrum in the super yacht industry including, owners, yards, finance houses, management companies and crew from time to time.
How did you end up in superyacht law?
Having spent twelve years at sea as a navigator in both the Mercantile marine and Royal Navy, my legal career was always going to be focused on the marine sector, initially undertaking commercial shipping law with a focus on the “wet” side – salvage and collisions. Having spent a period driving a yacht after leaving the Navy and with family in the yachting business in France I decided I wanted to focus more on the leisure marine sector. Once I had gained some all-round experience in shipping law , I started out in yachting by concentrating mainly on claims work for insurers before drifting into the super yacht sector and into all it encompassed as this area developed.
What makes a good superyacht lawyer?
We work for an eclectic client base in this industry and so being pragmatic and commercial as well as the obvious of knowing your job important, coupled with providing clear and sometimes controversial advise.
What do you most like about your job?
Seeing the yachts, going on board (particularly to the bridge where I feel like a dinosaur with today’s navigational advances etc) and the people you meet, be it client, crew or other professionals in the industry.
What one piece of advice would you give to potential yacht buyers?
Take your time, kick lots of tyres and take advice from the wide array of experts in the market. Also try to enjoy the trip.
