Cargo Law, the specialist marine law practice launched in partnership with international fee-share firm Excello Law, has appointed maritime disputes specialist Francesca Santoro as part of the firm’s continued expansion.
Founded by leading marine lawyer Charlotte Gale in March 2024 as part of Excello Law’s innovative House of Brands model, Cargo Law specialises in cargo recovery claims, with a particular focus on soft commodities such as rice, grains and wheat. The firm acts for insurers, traders, brokers and logistics operators in disputes arising from the loss and damage of goods transported by sea, road, rail and air.
Francesca Santoro joins Cargo Law with significant experience advising on complex, high-value disputes across the maritime, logistics and supply chain sectors. Drawing on in-house experience with the United Nations World Food Programme, Francesca advises on legal issues arising from a broad array of commercial cargo transportation and global humanitarian food aid operations.
Her recent experience includes advising in relation to the salvage of the FSO SAFER off the coast of Yemen, supporting contractual and insurance arrangements in a major humanitarian operation aimed at preventing an environmental disaster. She has also advised on the legal and operational framework for fuel transportation from the Dominican Republic to Haiti during a period of civil unrest.
Francesca Santoro commented: “I enjoy the freedom of being able to engage in intellectually stimulating legal work, without the targets and pressures of a traditional law firm. I have a young daughter, and I have made a conscious decision to make her a priority, as well as the other things I love in life. Excello and Cargo Law helps me to achieve that work/life balance that we all deserve but often are not offered.”
Charlotte Gale, Founder of Cargo Law, commented: “Francesca’s experience is exceptional and brings a unique international and humanitarian dimension to Cargo Law’s growing disputes practice. She combines deep technical expertise with commercial pragmatism and an impressive understanding of the operational realities facing clients across the maritime and logistics sectors. We are delighted to welcome her to the team at Cargo Law.”
Excello Law’s House of Brands is the legal sector platform for entrepreneurial lawyers to launch their own firms, with full operational support and infrastructure provided by Excello. Cargo Law is one of a growing number of specialist firms launched in partnership with Excello Law through its House of Brands model. Others include boutique family law boutique Lowry Legal, intellectual property firm Ionic Legal and tech outfit Three Points Law.
