Quadrant Chambers was pleased to host this Maritime London and Law Commission London International Shipping Week event. 

The Law Commission of England and Wales is a statutory, independent body, which aims to ensure that the law is as fair, modern, simple and cost-effective as possible. On the basis of research and consultation with stakeholders, the Law Commission makes recommendations for reform to Government. In 2020 the Law Commission was asked by Government to consider how the law of England and Wales should be reformed to facilitate the digitisation of trade documentation including bills of lading, ship’s delivery orders and cargo insurance certificates. On 30th April 2021 it published a consultation paper which outlined its research, proposals for reform and a draft Bill designed to implement those proposals. Responses to this consultation were due by 30th July 2021, and the Law Commission is aiming to publish its final report and recommendations in early 2022.

At this event, Law Commissioner for Commercial and Common Law, Prof Sarah Green, and her team gave an overview of the proposals together with some insight into the responses received from stakeholders. This was followed by a panel discussion featuring legal practitioners discussing the effects of the proposed reforms and industry participants who will give insight into the possible implications of the reforms for their daily operations.

Moderator: 
Prof Miriam Goldby, Prof of Shipping, Insurance and Commercial Law & CCLS Research Director & Director, Insurance, Shipping and Aviation Law Institute
 
Panellists:
Nick Austin, Partner, Reed Smith 
Mark Brattman, Claims Director, ITIC
Michael Howard KC, Barrister, Quadrant Chambers
Prof Sarah Green, Law Commissioner for Commercial and Common Law
Stephen Chapman, Marine Claims Manager, Ascot Group
Stewart Jeacocke, Senior Member of the TradeLens Collaboration, Chair, the Foundation Carrier Council