Neil has worked in the marine industry at a senior management level for over 20 years, focusing on the legal and commercial aspects of the superyacht industry. He has contributed to the marine press, presented at international seminars and forums, and is a Trustee of the Association of Sail Training Organisations (ASTO), a registered sail training charity. Until recently, Neil was a senior RYA Yachtmaster Examiner. Neil joined Burgess as General Counsel in 2016 and made Partner in 2019.

Neil has sailed since childhood, both for pleasure and professionally. On leaving school, he skippered a 22m sail training vessel taking young people to sea, before going on to study Hydrographic Surveying and Marine Navigation, which led him into North Sea oil and gas subsea construction. He later requalified as a marine solicitor, initially working in performance sport and professional sailing, before focusing on superyacht work acting for shipyards and yacht owners before moving into management roles. Immediately prior to Burgess, Neil was managing director of a leading superyacht supply and procurement business.

With his role at Burgess, Neil liaises across all offices and departments worldwide, focusing on risk and contract management, regulatory compliance and commercial awareness.

Keeping abreast of the developing laws and evolving cultures in key jurisdictions presents its challenges, yet as a keen troubleshooter with a firm grasp on all professional and legal aspects of the company, Neil seeks to ensure the many facets of the business are on a sound footing.

“The role of General Counsel at Burgess pulls my professional skill sets together, drawing on my marine knowledge, legal background and proficiency and commercial acumen,” he says. “It’s exciting to work at a company that demands a keen professional, commercial and legal focus and is constantly expanding its multi-jurisdictional needs.”