Debt recovery under contracts

International trade ranks among the most dynamic forms of global commerce, but it also carries inherent risks. Drawing on over two decades of experience, Interlegal’s team of international lawyers offers tailored solutions for trading companies, ensuring smooth handling of contractual obligations and productive engagements with carriers, freight forwarders, and terminals.

1. Personal Legal Advisor

We provide a dedicated legal advisor who is available 24/7/365, specializing in key trade agreements (GAFTA, FOSFA). This advisor works in concert with more than 50 specialists spanning various fields, operating out of six offices located in the Black Sea region.

2. Preparation and Analysis of Contracts

• Customized Drafting of Proformas and Maritime Agreements: We create and refine charters—bareboat, time, and voyage—to match your specific needs.
• Asset Acquisition Support: We guide you through purchases of fleet assets, equipment, and other valuable resources.
• Risk Assessment and Mitigation: Our team reviews trading schemes, contracts, and service agreements, identifying potential pitfalls and offering targeted solutions.
• Due Diligence: We thoroughly evaluate counterparties, companies, and assets in Ukraine, protecting your business from hidden liabilities.

3. Negotiating and Collecting Debts

• Insurance Claims Recovery: We liaise with insurance companies to secure settlements and expedite the claims process.
• Obligations and Settlements: We help structure pledges, sureties, bank guarantees, and insurance-backed guarantees.
• Pro Forma Charters: We ensure smooth contractual compliance using widely recognized forms like Gencon, Synacomex, and Baltime.

4. Advice on Trade Finance

• Financing Mechanisms: Our specialists offer guidance on trade finance and letters of credit to reinforce financial stability.
• Operational Hurdles: We address demurrage, shortages, delayed or incorrect deliveries, and other logistical challenges.
• Customs Compliance: Our services extend to navigating customs formalities for seamless cargo clearance.

5. Dispute Resolution

• Pre-Arbitration Settlement: We pursue amicable resolutions with approximately a 70% success rate, reducing the need for costly arbitration.
• Litigation and Arbitration: Should disputes escalate, we represent you in Ukrainian and international courts, as well as maritime arbitration forums like GAFTA, FOSFA, LMAA, and more.

6. International Arbitration

• Specialized GAFTA/FOSFA Representation: We frequently advocate for clients in arbitrations governed by English law, leveraging extensive sector-specific knowledge.
• National Arbitration Forums: Our attorneys also appear before the ICAC at the Ukrainian CCI, MAC at the Ukrainian CCI, and the Maritime Arbitration Commission at the Russian CCI.

7. Enforcement of Arbitral Awards

• Asset Freezing and Cargo Release: We coordinate preliminary asset seizure and oversee the release of cargo from arrest—whether at port, terminal, or onboard a vessel.
• Regulatory Interface: Our efforts include managing state authority interventions to allow for smooth onward shipment of goods.

Why Choose Interlegal

• Experience and Expertise: Over 20 years of focused practice in international trade and maritime law.
• Efficiency and Effectiveness: Prompt, streamlined responses to your needs, backed by a proficient multidisciplinary team.
• Comprehensive Approach: End-to-end solutions—ranging from contract drafting to enforcing international arbitral awards—designed to fit each client’s unique circumstances.

Contact us for dependable debt recovery under contracts and robust protection of your interests in international trade. Our lawyers ensure efficient dispute resolution and first-rate legal support so you can pursue your core business goals with confidence.