The Admiralty Solicitors Group » Test

Protecting and promoting high standards in the practice of English Maritime Law, the Admiralty Solicitors Group (ASG) was formed in 1972 to promote and preserve standards in the practice of maritime law in England. ASG member firms all have established reputations in maritime law and are committed to the continued development of England, and particularly London, as a maritime legal centre. Although the group was established principally with Admiralty Law matters in mind its interests now also embrace ‘dry’ matters: carriage of goods, sale and purchase, insurance and all other aspects of shipping law in which member firms play a prominent part.

Many if not most firms have among their practitioners Master Mariners or other ex-seafarers also qualified as lawyers. This industry ‘inside knowledge’ gives case-handlers a unique and thoroughly practical insight into the issues to be resolved in cases, resulting in a cost-efficient approach.

The Group meets regularly to discuss current issues that affect the efficient practice of English maritime law. Over the years the ASG has developed and agreed standard wordings: for instance, guarantee and jurisdiction wordings which are regularly accepted internationally in the shipping and insurance industries, thus saving time and money by avoiding unnecessary drafting and negotiation. The Group is represented on committees and working parties including the Commercial Court Users Committee and the Lloyd’s Salvage Group and is consulted by other organizations on shipping issues and the development of maritime law.

The ASG offers a panel of experienced practitioners to act as arbitrators in small collision and salvage cases and a panel of solicitor mediators.