City team gets Estonia disaster case

SHIPPING lawyers from City-based Stephenson Harwood have been appointed to handle the legal representation in London of familiesbereaved in the Estonia disaster.

They were chosen to act for the relatives' steering committee following the tragedy in which nearly 1,000 people died when the ferry sank on a voyage between Estonia and Sweden last year.

The maritime team has also received instructions from the owners and underwriters of the Sea Prince which was grounded and caught fire off South Korea during a hurricane two months ago.

David Slade, head of shipping, said: "The breadth of legal and maritime expertise in the group, coupled with many years of practical experience, results in a formidable admiralty team."

Earlier this year, the shipping department was boosted by the arrival of eight new lawyers from Sinclair Roche & Temperley.

Among the new batch were four partners including Slade's brother Robin.

The unit's previous experience of shipping work included legal work following the Herald of Free Enterprise and the Braer disasters.