RM Cubed brings 200 years of experience
Kevin Mayhew
ROUTLEDGE MODISE Moss Morris - already known by its clients as “RM Cubed” - is new in name to maritime law but certainly not in experience.
From its new Durban office - headed by Mike Posemann who has been involved in the field since 1976 - it will specialise in shipping, marine insurance and international trade law. Along with him are fellow director, Andrew Clark, associate, Dusty Donnelly, paralegal, Eva Loubser and support staff.
“The commercial firm’s roots go back over 100 years. It has an extensive “blue chip” client base of major domestic and international corporations, banks, financial institutions and state authorities,” says Posemann. “ We identify with the firm’s passion for the law, and the firm’s commitment to client service,” he said.
The Durban office opened its doors on October 1, coinciding with the merger of Routledge-Modise and Moss Morris. The firm is a member of Meritas, the world’s largest association of independent law firms with over 200 years of collective experience.
“We believe our clients will benefit greatly from the synergies between the maritime office and our head office in Johannesburg, providing them with vital commercial advantages,” explains Posemann.
He adds that the shipping industry has seen a great deal of change, and it has been the ability of industry players to adapt and to continue to provide service excellence, that has been the key to success.
“We see ourselves in the same light and make accessibility to our clients a priority. In the shipping world 24/7 availability on cell, e-mail and fax are the norm, and if our clients need us they
will be able to contact us,” says Clark.
The key priority for improving trade performance must be greater efficiency on the key transport networks with industry playing its part. Clark and Donnelly sit on the local Maritime Law Association sub-committee on road and rail transport and are currently working on a proposal for legislative intervention.
Donnelly explains: “We act for road transporters as well as cargo interests and their insurers. We believe that greater certainty about the rights and obligations of transporters and improved clarity on insurance risks and appropriate cover would benefit everyone concerned. The law is supposed to provide that certainty and clarity, but unfortunately at the moment it does not appear to be doing so.
“Something we do differently is taking the jargon out of law. We believe in educating our clients, providing clear, concise advice and working together with them to understand the risks of their business and tighten the legal loopholes that may have gone unnoticed before,” concludes Donnelly.
