Shipping partner leads new team in Newcastle
Commercial law firm Hill Dickinson has announced the addition of a new marine team to join its growing Newcastle office.
The six-strong marine team is to be led by shipping partner Stephen Mackin, who will help strengthen the firm’s marine offering across the UK.
Stephen is joined by Sophie Pollard as legal director, and senior associate Amy Cope. Associate Charlotte Padgett, trainee solicitor Gabriella Matthews, and PA Lisa Richardson will also join the team from Clyde & Co’s Newcastle office.
With over 30 years’ experience at both Clyde & Co and Eversheds Sutherland, Stephen brings expertise in all aspects of shipping issues arising from the carriage of liquid cargoes by sea. As a former seafarer, he also brings practical experience, including the operation of VLCCs, product tankers, LNG tankers and bulk carriers.
Stephen said: ‘Hill Dickinson has a strong heritage and reputation when it comes to its marine services, and I’m incredibly excited to be taking this next step in my career to join the firm’s Newcastle office. I have lived and worked in Newcastle for almost 30 years, so I am very familiar with the market and the opportunities that Newcastle as a city holds. I look forward to working together with Sophie to grow the team.”
Tony Goldsmith, head of the marine and trade group at Hill Dickinson, said: ‘Over the last year, we have continued to expand our marine and trade team, and the addition of a team in Newcastle represents the next stage in this growth strategy. Newcastle is steeped in maritime and commercial trading and Stephen’s extensive connections in the city and internationally—in particular in Greece—will further cement our UK and international service offering.
‘Increased regulation around the safe and sustainable carriage of goods by sea is seeing continued demand for legal services globally. Having expanded in Hong Kong, Singapore, Piraeus and now Newcastle, with additional associations in Limassol and Geneva, our existing international network continues to work collaboratively to meet this demand and provide a seamless service to our clients.’
Andrea Proudlock, partner and head of Hill Dickinson’s Newcastle office, added: ‘The Newcastle office of Hill Dickinson has expanded rapidly since we opened in 2022 following significant client demand for advice from our specialist health team. The addition of Stephen’s respected marine team to our office is a real coup, and a demonstration of the firm’s commitment to investing in, and growing, its presence in the North East.’
Pictured, left to right: Amy Cope, Charlotte Padgett, Gabriella Matthews, Stephen Mackin, Tony Goldsmith, Sophie Pollard and Lisa Richardson.
