Lucy Goff
Co-Founder and Partner of Ocean Legal
Contact Jennie
Jennie Harris is the co-founder of Ocean Legal, established in 2024 with Lucy Goff, in partnership with Excello Law and under Excello’s House of Brands. Ocean Legal offers tailored legal services to the marine, ports, and harbours sectors, combining deep industry knowledge with innovative and client-centric solutions.
Jennie has a proven track record of successfully handling complex disputes within the leisure marine, superyacht, and commercial sectors across a number of jurisdictions. She also advises clients on commercial and regulatory matters and has particular experience of drafting bespoke contracts and advising ports and harbour authorities. Jennie is regularly called upon to advise on matters of statutory interpretation.
Litigation and Dispute Resolution
Jennie’s experience and ability to grasp technical matters make her a valuable asset for cases involving:
- Contractual Disputes, including disputes relating to vessel purchase, charter, construction and general commercial agreements.
- Vessel Construction / Design Disputes
- Collisions
- Marine Insurance Disputes
Maritime Regulation
Jennie provides clear and accessible advice in relation to maritime conventions and domestic laws and regulations from vessel construction and safety standards to environmental conventions and the employment and working conditions for seafarers.
Ports and Harbour Authorities
Jennie acts for harbour authorities on regulatory and commercial matters, including drafting agreements between harbour authorities and vessel operators, recovering harbour dues and regulatory compliance. With previous experience in a public authority, Jennie is well placed to advise trust and municipal ports.
In 2024, Jennie co-founded Ocean Legal with Lucy Goff to create a forward-thinking legal practice in collaboration with Excello Law. Their partnership offers specialist legal expertise to the marine and yachting industries while embracing a modern and dynamic approach to client service.
Jennie's Experience
Litigation / Dispute Resolution
- Successfully represented the owners of a new build vessel in a multi-million pound design and build dispute.
- Advised a yacht dealer on a late delivery dispute arising from a delay in shipping the vessel.
- Represented an owner in a collision case involving a UK-flagged vessel and a Maltese-flagged vessel.
- Handled a complex build dispute related to the supply of over 50 vessels.
Regulatory / Criminal
- Represented clients at interviews under caution for offences under the Merchant Shipping Act 1995.
- Defended the Master of a commercial vessel in relation to alleged offences under the Merchant Shipping Act 1995.
- Acted for liquidators in the defence of a prosecution under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1972.
- Successfully prosecuted the Master of a vessel for breach of the COLREGS.
Jennie is an advocate for change in the delivery of legal services and her views formed the foundations for Ocean Legal’s vision to provide clients with exceptional services and price certainty, even for contentious matters, ensuring that our interests are aligned with those of our clients.
Jennie is also passionate about supporting seafarers and promoting fair and safe working conditions. She regularly offers pro bono advice to seafarers facing issues such as non-payment, harassment and discrimination.
Team Members