David Semark

Called: Admitted as a solicitor (England & Wales): 2002
Admitted as an attorney (South Africa): 2000

B. Comm. (Stell.), LL.B. (Stell.), LL.M. (Maritime Law)(Soton.)
Blackstone Prize 1998
Candidate Attorney (Shepstone & Wylie, Durban): 1998-2000
Associate (Shepstone & Wylie, Durban): 2000-2001
Associate (Richards Butler, London): 2001-2006
Partner (Reed Smith Richards Butler LLP (now Reed Smith LLP)): 2007-2009
Barrister (England and Wales): since 2010, practising at Quadrant Chambers

After a previous career as an army officer, David trained in the Shipping Department of one of South Africa's leading maritime and international trade firms, before joining the Shipping Group of Richards Butler in London as an assistant solicitor. David became a partner in the merged firm, Reed Smith Richards Butler LLP on 1^st January 2007, before switching to the Bar and retraining as a barrister at the end of 2009. He has been a member of Quadrant Chambers since 5^th April 2010.

David specialises in commercial law, with a particular emphasis on:

• Shipping and maritime law (especially dry shipping disputes)
• International trade and commodities
• Jurisdictional disputes
• Insurance

Recent Cases

X v. Y [2011] 1 Lloyd's Rep. 694 Shipping — Modified Centrocon arbitration clause — Consecutive voyage charter — Whether arbitration commenced within 12 months of final discharge or termination of charterparty.

Sovarex S.A. v. Romero Alvarez S.A. [2011] 2 Lloyd's Rep. 320 Jurisdiction - Whether proceedings should be stayed in favour of Spain - Application to enforce FOSFA arbitration award under s. 66 of the Arbitration Act 1996 - Effect of real doubt as to the validity of the award on the s. 66 application.

HMM Co. Ltd v. Trafigura Beheer BV [2011] EWHC 3108 (Comm) Shipping — Clause 24 of Shelltime 3 form — Gasform C — Construction of the Charterparty— Whether Owner's performance warranty excluded weather conditions in excess of BF 4.