The new Curtis Davis Garrard partner on the challenges of writing a book & his passion for shipping law
Matt Hannaford is a partner at specialist shipbuilding, maritime finance and offshore practice Curtis Davis Garrard. He recently joined the firm from Clyde & Co's transportation finance group. Matt is co-author of leading legal textbook Goldrein's Ship Sale and Purchase.
What was your route into the profession?
My father was a historian and I never thought about doing anything else but history for my bachelor’s degree (it’s obviously rubbed off a little since my eldest daughter has just finished her first year at University reading history too...). In my second year at university, I was lucky enough to get a training contract with Clifford Chance. I wanted to do something that was intellectually challenging but, at the same time, was heavily people focused. Shipping law ticked all the boxes and I haven’t looked back since.
What has been your biggest career challenge so far?
Without doubt this was co-authoring the 5th edition of Goldrein’s Ship Sale and Purchase. I completely underestimated the amount of time and work that would be needed to complete this project. Even though I had the much more experienced Iain Goldrein QC and Paul Turner as co-authors, I felt under enormous pressure to deliver added value. Working with Iain and Paul on the 6th (current) edition was a lot easier.
If you weren't a lawyer, what would you choose as an alternate career?
I would like to write screenplays for films, ideally big historical dramas. I have absolutely no idea whether I would be any good at it but I’m pretty sure I’d enjoy the process.
Who is your favourite fictional lawyer?
There are quite a few. If I had to pick one, I think it would have to be Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird. I first read this book when I was at school and then read it again last year (it was a course book for my younger daughter)—so almost 30 years apart! I enjoyed it much more the second time round: to appreciate Finch’s qualities I think you need to have lived a little yourself. I shall diarise to read it again in another 30 years...
What change would you make to the profession?
As a commercial shipping lawyer I see myself as much a part of the shipping profession as the legal profession. Shipping and law are two of the UK’s most important exports but there are significant challenges from other jurisdictions which could erode the UK’s prominent global position in these sectors. A lot of time and effort already goes into promoting these industries across the world but I believe an even bolder (and more unified) approach is needed if the UK is to continue to enjoy the same success in the years ahead.
How do you relax?
I’m at the stage in life where a lot of my downtime is spent moonlighting as a taxi driver for my children and watching them playing team sports (football, rugby and lacrosse at the moment). Relaxing is going to a restaurant with my wife or watching a film.
