Lawyer in the news

Who? Tim Addis-Jones, 37-year-old partner specialising in shipbuilding and construction at 38-partner City firm Sinclair Roche & Temperley.Why is he in the news: Acted for Belfast ship builder Harland & Wolff in its dispute against US firm Global Marine, which claimed that one of two ships Harland & Wolff undertook to build was not up to scratch.

An arbitration backed the shipbuilder in the 20 million claim, but the High Court later ruled against it.

When the Court of Appeal restored the arbitrator's original decision last week there was relief for around 500 workers who faced losing their jobs.Background: Degree in law from Manchester University 1982-1985.

Called to the Bar in 1986, having served his pupillage at Gray's Inn, before changing direction and joining his current firm as a consultant in 1988.

Qualified as a solicitor in 1993, becoming a partner in 1997.Route to the case: 'Sinclairs has had a long history of dealing with shipbuilding and construction matters.

In 1997 Harland & Wolff approached us because they wanted to use a specialist, and we have continued to work for them ever since.'Thoughts on the case: 'We are all delighted at the result, and think it shows that shipbuilding in this country does have a future.

Harland & Wolff has been under a lot of pressure.

I have spent a lot of time in the shipbuilding yard and it has been depressing because it has been incredibly difficult for them to secure new orders, which of course would mean losing the workforce.

It is good to see that shipbuilding is alive and well in this country.'Dealing with the media: 'Most of the media's questions about the case have been deflected to Harland & Wolff, but we have found that the coverage has been extremely helpful.

Of course there has been the odd misquote or whatever, but the media attention has helped to raise the public interest in Harland & Wolff, and in shipbuilding in this country in general.'Paula Rohan