Italiano
Collective strength of Italian law firms on show
Maritime law firms based in Italy are enjoying an enhanced profile, thanks to their initiative in publishing a widely-supported periodical that surveys their entire specialist realm. Their global reach was intensified when many of the leading lawyers supported the staging in Genoa in September of the 2016 conference of the International Union of Marine Insurance.
Practitioners are demonstrating their zeal to advance awareness of and dialogue on key topics by means of the publication LexTrasporti, which they describe as “the first Italian online free magazine” of international and national transport law.
A special “Welcome IUMI 2016” edition contained 15 detailed articles by lawyers on subjects ranging from the UK’s Insurance Act 2015 to an overview of the Italian freight forwarding system.
The publication, launched in 2013, has some 2,000 subscribers. It is aimed at shipowners, shippers, insurers, forwarders, shipping agents, multimodal operators, adjusters and others. It sets out to be written in an accessible manner without over-simplifying or descending to the banal.
While it goes out online, a batch of copies were printed for distribution during the IUMI meetings in the Italian port city.
Among those closely observing the IUMI conference were LexTrasporti director and editor Dr Luca Florenzano, and Daniela D’Alauro, Simona Coppola and Barbara Pozzolo from the editorial team of lawyers.
Law firm sponsors of IUMI 2016 included Studio Legale Camera Vernetti, Studio Navale Canepa, TDP Avvocati, and Siccardi Bregante & C.
TDP Avvocati was introduced early to visiting journalists as the firm sponsored the lunch (at the conference venue Magazzini del Cotone) which was the forum for the opening press briefing by IUMI committee chairmen. TDP representatives at the lunch were partner Elena Dell’Utri Vizzini and paralegal Lara Sandrone.
Lex TrasportiEstablished at the start of 2009, TDP takes its name from the initials of partners Andrea Tracci, Ms Dell’Utri Vizzini and Margherita Pace. It operates from Genoa, Milan and London.
The firm specialises in areas such as third party liability, national and international marine insurance claims, cargo and hull-related matters, and advice to logistics operators, lending institutions and members of the insurance market. Shipbuilding loans and intellectual property are among fields covered.
TDP advises on intermodal issues, from the wording of commercial contracts, to terms and conditions of engagement and insurance policy drafting. The partners are consulted by governmental institutions, especially over contractual and administrative issues arising from the carriage of goods and of dangerous waste.
Mr Tracci is an expert in insurance law, freight and logistics, a regular lecturer at Ministry of Transport courses, and a mediator in marine insurance disputes.
Ms Dell’Utri Vizzini graduated in law with honours at Genoa University and took a postgraduate degree in International Law at UCL London. A qualified solicitor for England and Wales admitted by The Law Society, she assists insurers, Lloyd’s agents and others often in matters relating to the London market. Ms Dell’Utri Vizzini is a member of Wista Italia.
Mr Tracci and Ms Dell’Utri Vizzini contributed to the IUMI special edition of LexTrasporti an article on carriage and limitation of liability under Italian law.
Margherita Pace of TDP advises on insurance coverage in areas such as third party liability, intellectual property and large risks policies.
Ms Sandrone is taking her law degree at Genoa University with a final dissertation in environmental damage matters.
A personality long familiar to members of the international insurance market is Massimo Canepa, who welcomed IUMI delegates and visitors to the promotional stand of Studio Navale Canepa.
Mr Canepa, a doctor in mechanical engineering, is a leading marine surveyor, operating worldwide from his base in Genoa. Alongside his expertise in naval architecture and marine engineering he has a deep knowledge of claims handling, and considerable experience as an expert witness in international courts and arbitrations.
He is a member of the IUMI loss prevention committee and the steering committee of the International Marine Claims Conference.
Established in 1970, Studio Navale Canepa is an independent consultancy operating worldwide directly and through a network of correspondents. The firm says that it “has built up a multi-discipline technical structure, providing the maritime community with highly specialised expertise and experience grown through the involvement in hundreds of major marine incidents.”
Through complementary skills of highly qualified hull and machinery surveyors, mechanical engineers and naval architects, “our company offers a unique package to the clients and provides expert advice to marine insurers and the shipping industry.”
Clients include hull and machinery insurers, P&I clubs, Admiralty law firms, average adjusters and shipowners.
Host for the IUMI conference, which returned to Genoa after 15 years, was the Italian insurance association ANIA (Associazione Nazionale fra le Imprese Assicuratrici).