We believe in settling claims in the best interests of clients and other stakeholders, and avoiding protracted litigation so all parties are free to move forward.

Marine

We are the region’s largest and most experienced practice managing all aspects of transactional and disputable shipping, maritime and transport law.

Our Maritime + Transport specialists are committed to providing clients with peace of mind and are the go-to advisers for insurers and owners when incidents occur in Queensland, Northern Australia, Papua New Guinea, the South Western Pacific, Melanesia and Micronesia.

We are appointed correspondent for all members of the International Group of Protection and Indemnity Associations, and are also on the panel of various marine and other insurers.

We are a safe pair of hands for our clients providing practical industry knowledge and skilled technical expertise to secure efficient and cost-effective solutions.

With offices in Brisbane and Cairns, and representatives in Darwin and Papua New Guinea, the firm has deep connections to the maritime industry. Relationships with marine and other insurers extend back 100 years to 1921 and the team is working hard to help our clients and the industry navigate the challenges of the next century.

The firm also has equivalent expertise in aviation, road and rail.

 

Professional Indemnity

With more than 40 years’ experience specialising in professional indemnity, and with an outstanding track record of successfully defended claims, our professional indemnity team is one of Australia’s most established and experienced professional indemnity practices. This success has been witness to a number of landmark judgments and precedent-setting legal engagements.

Involved in an extensive range of cases in Australia and overseas, our recognised expertise helps us resolve difficult cases both litigated and pre-litigation efficiently and in a cost-effective way. We always look for the best way forward. Our aim is to resolve matters according to their true merits and, where possible, guide the process away from the pitfalls of protracted and expensive litigation. If we can resolve pre-litigation, we do.

Testament to the strength of relationships between the professional indemnity industry and Thynne + Macartney is the recognition by stakeholders of our expertise in the field.

Knowing the relationships involved in professional indemnity matters means we can avoid misunderstandings and guide the claims process towards appropriate strategic outcomes.

We understand the importance and sensitivities of appropriate handling of the variety of issues that can and do arise in an array of different professional claim scenarios.

 

Whether you’re mitigating risks or navigating claims – we’re with you.

 

Discover our full range of services

Maritime + Transport   Professional Indemnity

 


Find An Expert

Thynne + Macartney is a greatly respected player for Queensland-centred shipping matters, particularly for P&I-related issues. Its team is highly experienced in casualty mandates, including associated wreck removal and environmental issues. The firm is also noted for its coverage of cargo damage claims and chartering disputes.

Chambers Asia-Pacific (2023)

Awards & Recognition

Best Lawyers

Insurance

  • John Moore – (2013-2024)
  • Michael Fisher – (2013-2024), Lawyer of the Year (2020)
  • Matthew Hockaday – (2019-2024)
  • David Fisher – (2023-2024)

Professional Malpractice Litigation

  • John Moore – (2010-2024)
  • David Fisher – (2022-2024)

Shipping & Maritime

  • Michael Fisher – (2012-2024), Lawyer of the Year (2021 & 2024)
  • Matthew Hockaday – (2019-2024), Lawyer of the Year (2022)

Transportation

  • Michael Fisher – (2012-2024), Lawyer of the Year (2016, 2019 & 2024)
  • Matthew Hockaday – (2018-2024)

Best Law Firms

Best Lawyers Best Law Firms – Brisbane

  • Insurance Law– (2025)
  • Professional Malpractice Litigation – (2025)
  • Shipping & Maritime Law – (2025)
  • Transportation Law – (2025)

Shipping

  • Law Firm – Band 2 (2019-2023)
  • Michael Fisher – Band 2 (2014-2015 & 2019-2023)
  • Matthew Hockaday – Band 3 (2019-2023)

Legal 500

Transport: Shipping

  • Law Firm – Band 3 (2019-2020), Band 4 (2021-2023)

Admiralty, Shipping & Maritime

  • Leading Law Firm – Third Tier (2011, 2016 & 2020-2023), Second Tier (2018-2019), First Tier (2017), Recommended (2014-2015)
  • Michael Fisher – Leading (2016 & 2018-2021), Preeminent (2017), Recommended (2015, 2022-2023)
  • Matthew Hockaday – Recommended (2015-2018 & 2020-2023), Leading (2019), Rising Star (2014)

Medical Negligence

  • Leading Law Firm – Recommended (2015-2016)

Professional Indemnity

  • Leading Law Firm – Second Tier (2015 & 2020-2021), Third Tier (2016-2019 & 2022)
  • John Moore – Leading (2015-2016 & 2018-2022), Recommended (2017)

Public & Occupier Liability

  • Leading Law Firm – Recommended (2015)

Shipping (Global)

  • Michael Fisher – Recommended (2015-2023)
  • Matthew Hockaday – Recommended (2017-2023)

Shipping (National)

  • Michael Fisher – Recommended (2017-2022)
  • Matthew Hockaday – Recommended (2017-2022)