Legal opinions, consulting, memorandums

International trade stands as one of the most robust and expansive facets of global relations, yet it also entails a wide array of inherent risks. Drawing on two decades of expertise as the foremost law firm on the Black Sea, our skilled team of international lawyers is equipped to guide your trading enterprise in mitigating such risks and proficiently managing contractual obligations. We also assist you in establishing profitable partnerships with carriers, freight forwarders, and cargo terminals.

Our services

1. Legal support for GAFTA and FOSFA trade contracts
   • Personal legal advisor 24/7/365: Benefit from a dedicated legal expert around the clock, with the added advantage of tapping into a network of over 50 specialists stationed across six Black Sea locations.
   • Preparation of pro forma contracts and shipping agreements: We craft tailored pro forma documents for a variety of charters—bareboat, time, voyage, or otherwise—to meet your precise operational needs.
   • Support in the acquisition of fleet, equipment, and other assets: We offer comprehensive legal backing throughout the process of acquiring vital assets for your enterprise.
2. Risk analysis and mitigation
   • Evaluation of your trading framework: We thoroughly examine your contracts and service agreements, pinpoint risks, and propose actionable solutions to minimize potential liabilities.
   • Counterparty and asset verification: We conduct thorough due diligence on your Ukrainian-based partners and assets to safeguard your interests.
   • Engagement with insurance providers: We negotiate directly with insurers to ensure any legitimate claims are effectively recovered.
3. Advice on key issues
   • Trade finance and letters of credit: We guide you in deploying and managing pivotal financial instruments for international trade.
   • Securing obligations and settlements: We offer strategic counsel on collaterals, sureties, bank guarantees, and insurance-backed guarantees.
   • Working with pro forma charters: We prepare and evaluate standard charter templates such as Gencon, Synacomex, and Baltime to fit your operations seamlessly.
   • Demurrage, steel, and delivery delays: We facilitate the resolution of challenges arising from incomplete shipments, erroneous deliveries, or delivery hold-ups.
   • Customs formalities: We provide clear guidance on customs processes and ensure they are executed accurately.
4. Disputes and arbitration
   • Pre-arbitration settlement: In the face of disputes, we aim for swift, amicable resolutions, boasting a success rate of up to 70% without incurring arbitration fees.
   • Arbitration and litigation: When a mutual agreement proves unattainable, we defend your interests in both Ukrainian and international courts, as well as in key maritime arbitration forums like GAFTA, FOSFA, and LMAA.
   • Enforcement of arbitral awards: We facilitate the enforcement of international arbitration decisions, utilizing pre-emptive asset seizures where necessary.
   • Release of cargo: We secure the liberation of arrested cargo across ports, terminals, and vessels—even in cases involving governmental interference—and ensure smooth onward shipment.

Benefits of working with us

• Extensive track record and professionalism: We bring two decades of proven excellence in providing legal support for international trade.
• Tailored approach: We assign a dedicated legal advisor to every client, backed by a cohesive team of seasoned specialists.
• Holistic support: We offer a robust suite of legal solutions to safeguard your investments and interests in global commerce.

Turn to Interlegal for dependable legal guidance on your trade contracts and charter agreements, strengthening both stability and productivity within your international business.