Hill Dickinson’s yacht team is the market leader in the provision of legal services in the superyacht industry. In 2007/08, we handled in excess of 150 new build, sale and purchase and/or financing transactions on yachts with a total value of around €5 billion.
The recent growth in the number, size and complexity of pleasure craft, particularly in superyachts, combined with more legislative intervention, has made it essential for clients to seek specialist advice.
Our unparalleled yacht-owning client base includes many high-profile individuals from around the world. Clients come to us because we specialise in the marine industry. Our team receives new instructions on an almost daily basis from owners, brokers and banks. As a result we are fully up to date with market knowledge and practices.
Areas of expertise include:
- Sale, purchase and new-build contracts
- Conversions and refits
- Financing (on behalf of owners and banks)
- UK and offshore incorporation/company trustee and secretarial services
- VAT advice
- Registration and related issues
Hill Dickinson also specialises in the field of aerospace law and aircraft finance. The aviation department advises individuals and commercial organisations on the sale and operation of private jet ventures as well as subsequent maintenance and operational matters.
We also have significant experience of advising on the sale or purchase of new or used commercial or private aircraft. This can range from a single aircraft to large fleets. Our advice can include dealing with price, delivery requirements, title warranties, tax and the assignment of manufacturers’ warranties.

The team is experienced in providing both
onshore and offshore trusts and tax advice to high-net-worth
individuals based in the UK or overseas.
Hill Dickinson has offices in Liverpool and Manchester and
so enjoys a commanding position in the region, providing advice to
leading business figures, wealthy families and landed estate
owners. This sophisticated department engages in a good deal of
international and offshore tax and estate planning. The practice
was given a boost by its acquisition of a number of former
Halliwells solicitors.
