History

Founded on 1 August 2016, Hannaford Turner LLP (HT) commenced operations from its original premises at 15 Old Bailey, directly opposite the iconic Central Criminal Court. From inception, the firm was built on a clear and ambitious vision: to establish a specialist English law practice with a global reputation for excellence in the maritime sector.

The founding partners – Matt Hannaford, Justin Turner, Owen McHugh, and Keith Krut – brought decades of combined experience from magic circle and leading international and City law firms. Their shared belief was that the market required a new kind of maritime law firm: one that combined deep sector expertise with a commitment to long-term client relationships and exceptional service delivery.

Since its establishment, HT has evolved into a fifteen-partner practice with a broad international client base and a exceptional reputation across the maritime, superyacht, aviation, energy, and physical assets sectors. The firm’s growth has been deliberate and strategic, with lateral hires selected not only for their technical excellence but also for their alignment with HT’s core values and client-centric ethos.

HT’s expansion has been supported by a robust administrative and finance infrastructure, ensuring operational excellence and seamless client service. The firm’s support teams are integral to its delivery model, enabling HT’s lawyers to focus on providing high-value legal advice.

HT is today recognised as one of London’s most dynamic and preeminent specialist city law firms, offering best-in-class service to a diverse range of clients including major international shipping and aviation companies, some of the world’s most affluent business men and women and their private family offices, global law firms seeking specialist advice and a wide array of market participants in the specialist areas in which we operate. In 2019, HT was named Chambers & Partners Emerging Firm of the Year, and many of its lawyers are consistently ranked in leading legal directories for their expertise and client service.

HT is proud to support a number of charitable organisations and community initiatives, including the Sabre Education Trust, Sailors’ Children’s Society, Bow Food Bank, Down’s Syndrome Association, and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. These partnerships reflect the firm’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and its connection to the communities in which it operates.

In 2021, HT relocated to its current offices at 107 Cheapside, in the heart of the City of London, a stone’s throw away from St Paul’s Cathedral, the Bank of England and the Royal Exchange.