Expert shipping lawyer Gordon Sewell has taken his career a step further by joining Hull firm Williamsons Solicitors' civil litigation department.

He will provide maritime law expertise along with civil litigation and defence advocacy after working for two other firms over the past 12 years. He is also targeting more commercial business.

Bill Waddington, Williamson' director, said that Mr Sewell had built a strong reputation.

"We are very keen to develop the maritime and regulatory law sector and Gordon can make a big contribution to our practice. He brings high-level experience with him.”

In addition to his shipping interests, Hull-born Mr Sewell is intent on building up more commercial business with Williamsons, which has a Hull head office and Beverley, Driffield and Bridlington branch offices.

"We are a multidisciplinary firm which means there is plenty of support available to deal with any additional issues arising, allowing us to take a belts and braces approach," he said.

"Also where maritime and criminal law converge, it will be a real advantage to tap into advice from the experienced people here.

"I found a niche in shipping law, but I also dealt with general litigation, which has given me a fairly broad knowledge base."

Mr. Sewell, 37, has appeared in the Admiralty and Commercial Court in London, as well as county and magistrates’ courts and inquests.

When Mr. Sewell was in his early 20s he became 'completely hooked' on law whilst studying the subject at A level in anticipation of joining the police.

However, due to his aptitude for the subject, his tutor recommended he go to university instead.

With a law degree from the University of Hull, he took his Bar exams at Northumbria University and was called to the Bar in 2005. He then passed the qualified lawyers transfer exam to become a solicitor immediately without having to go on a training contract.

His cases have ranged from shipboard incidents including serious accidents and fatalities, to collisions, ship arrest, cargo claims, Maritime and Coastguard Agency and road haulage prosecutions and industrial disease.

He has represented International Group Protection and Indemnity Clubs, shipowners and managers and a national insurer in the defence of a wide range of personal injury claims. His civil litigation experience includes professional negligence, contractual disputes, property litigation and nuisance claims.

After leaving school in Hull at 17 he worked in William Jackson's bakery, but eyed a police career when the government made a big push for more bobbies on the beat until the law took over.

Mr. Sewell, who is married with three sons, enjoys reading and is a fan of rugby league and Hull FC.