Tatham Law names Wastnage as new Partner

Specialist maritime law firm Tatham & Co has named Margot Wastnage as its newest Partner, effective 1 May 2026, as part of the firm’s move to further strengthen its business in Europe, including France, Switzerland, Belgium and Luxembourg, as well as French-speaking areas of Africa.

Wastnage began her career at Ince & Co, qualifying as part of its London Energy and Infrastructure Group and gaining significant experience in energy disputes and shipping. Her career, which has included extensive time working in Ethiopia, Lebanon and France, has also involved working for a leading P&I club within the International Group and a major energy and commodities trader.

Alongside a strong track record in arbitration, she specialises in charterparty disputes, including off-hire, demurrage, war clauses, force majeure and frustration, as well as bills of lading and wider trade disputes. She also advises on sale and purchase agreements for bulk commodities, carbon capture arrangements, and the drafting and interpretation of charterparty clauses.

As Partner, Wastnage will lead the development of the firm’s shipping and trade practices in French speaking Europe and Africa, as well as enhancing the firm’s expertise in supporting the global energy and renewables industries.

“We are honoured and thrilled to name Margot as Tatham’s newest Partner. With more than 12 years of experience within the maritime and energy law landscape, Margot’s promotion recognises, not only the quality of her legal work but the trust and relationships she has built with clients and colleagues alike throughout her career. As Partner, Margot will play an important role in shaping the future of our business, bringing a strong commercial and collaborative approach that reinforces our commitment to delivering excellent and renowned service to our clients around the world,” said Stephen Askins, Partner and Founder of Tatham & Co.

“Our industry is moving at an incredible pace, driven by geopolitical tensions, regulatory change and broad global challenges. More than ever, shipping professionals need clear, commercially grounded legal advice that is tailored to the realities in which they operate,” said Wastnage.

“Tatham Law is committed to helping make the international maritime industry more connected, resilient and a safer place to operate. As a Partner, it is an honour to help lead that cause, working alongside all of our senior partners and up-and-coming legal professionals, to provide the specialist expertise that our firm is renowned for,” she added.

In addition to naming Wastnage as a Partner, Tatham & Co also recently welcomed Tristan Harwood as a Legal Director. Harwood, who was a former barrister at Shearwater Law, advises owners, charterers and marine insurers on a wide range of wet and dry shipping matters, including marine casualty, admiralty, and regulatory issues.

The continued steady growth of the team at Tatham & Co comes a year after its successful merger with Sea Green Law as part of the firm’s drive to strengthen and expand its core capabilities in shipping, offshore and energy contractual disputes, admiralty and casualty response, as well as piracy, war, terrorism and maritime security.