I specialise in international marine transactional work and I am well versed in the law pertaining to Yachts, Superyachts, Commercial Shipping and uniquely, Equine law.

I believe in securing the best possible legal and commercial outcome for my clients and I see my role as helping my clients navigate through decisions relating to the allocation of risk.  It is important clients understand the level of risk involved, so that sensible commercial decisions can be reached and control maintained over the transaction.

Yachting

I provide specialist advice and consultancy services on all aspects of yacht-related legal issues, including the unique peculiarities of Australian Maritime law, to simply pleasure sailing, chartering or employing superyacht crew.  I am a Member of Superyacht Australia and the Superyacht Group Great Barrier Reef and have a broad legal practice focusing on; sale and purchase (both national and international), chartering and general yacht contracts, new build transactions, repair and refit, yacht registration and general regulatory issues, employment, insurance and ownership of yachts and superyachts.

Shipping

I have particular experience in the sale and purchase of commercial ships both nationally and internationally and have extensive experience negotiating shipbuilding, charterparty, sea carriage and other commercial contractual documents, including joint ventures and share fishing agreements.

Horse Law

I am one of the few legal practitioners in Australia to have both the practical and the legal expertise pertaining to the equine industry and Equine law.  I have extensive experience negotiating and drafting contractual documents for buying and selling, lease and agistment of horses, embryo transfer, international sales and other equine related contractual documents.  I own and train Andalusian horses in the discipline of Classical Spanish Dressage.

International Experience

At the commencement of my career, I spent a number of years living in Europe (Germany, Italy, France and Spain) where I laid the foundation of my professional and legal career. I gained invaluable experience consulting to high-net worth individuals, owners, owner’s representatives, project managers, captains and crew and additionally; managed high value marine insurance claims for a top commercial shipping company based in Germany.  I also gained vital experience negotiating complex contracts with various industry Stakeholders in the Oceania and Asia Pacific Region whilst working for the same company.

I am friendly and approachable, yet motivated and dedicated, I will find workable, legal solutions to your highly complex and specialised legal needs.

Claire Potter has worked within the legal industry for the past fourteen years and has gained a wealth of experience within the Maritime, Corporate and General Legal Sectors.

Complimenting Claire’s substantial wealth of knowledge, Claire is adept at maintaining a highly flexible and complex working environment, enabling her to manage intricate legal issues.  Pursuant to the supervision of Principal Lawyer Emma Connolly, Claire assists with file management, complex legal research and the drafting of court documents and legal correspondence.

In her role as a paralegal, Claire has researched and assisted with a variety of matters including (but not limited to):

• Transactional matters including the sale and purchase of commercial vessels and private yachts;
• Contractual agreements including charterparties and sea carriage agreements;
• Liaised with various fixed premium insurers and International Protection and indemnity Insurers and their members, pertaining to matters including emergency response, personal injuries and matters including collisions and cargo claims;
• Briefing barristers, drafting pleadings, document responses and discoveries;

Claire continues to refine her level of expertise and is further developing her skill set in the comprehension and research of Equine Law.