Thomas Hawkins

Thomas Hawkins is an Adjunct Professor at the University of British Columbia (UBC) Faculty of Law, where he has lectured on maritime law since 1996 (with a hiatus until 2022). As a founding partner at Bernard LLP, he specializes in maritime law, marine insurance defense, and commercial litigation, handling cases involving pollution, collisions, cargo claims, and bodily injury.

His research interests focus on

• Maritime liability frameworks
• International shipping regulations
• Marine insurance policy interpretations
• Environmental compliance in maritime operations
• Arbitration and jurisdictional conflicts
• Bodily injury compensation trends

Publications and lectures highlight his expertise in complex maritime disputes, particularly cross-border oil spills and salvage operations.

Scientific awards include recognition in

• Best Lawyers Canada
• Who’s Who Legal: Canada
• Legal Lexpert Directory as a leading maritime lawyer

Advising and grants are not explicitly mentioned, but his practical approach to maritime law has earned client praise for resolving operational and legal challenges.