Ex-Watsons partner in shipping bid

A former Watson Farley & Williams partner is taking on some of the largest shipping firms by setting up his own niche practice.

Paul Rodgers has set up Rodgers and Co as a litigation-only boutique operation specialising in shipping and international trade disputes.

The practice, based in the London offices of Den Norske Bank, will be competing with shipping heavyweights such as Ince & Co, Clyde & Co and Holman Fenwick & Willan, as well as his former firm.

Den Norske Bank is a client of Rodgers. Other clients will be drawn from his client base and by undercutting larger rivals.

Rodgers says: "I am able to undercut most of the other players. My charge-out rates will be £100 less than my former firms."

This will be funded by savings Rodgers believes he will make by eschewing a large overseas network.