Lara Moore

Partner

Biography

Lara is a Partner and leads our Marine Team which is nationally recognised for its expertise in Ports, Harbours and Coastal Development. Lara acts for a range of Ports, Harbours, Local Authorities and Developers. She regularly advises on multi-million pound developments across the whole of the UK and has been described by Maritime Journal as a pre-eminent marine licensing lawyer. Her expertise in Ports and Harbours is recognised by the industry and highlighted by her position on the National Council of the UK Harbour Masters’ Association.

As a result of her market leading expertise, Lara is also the consultant editor of the Ports and Harbours Volume of Halsbury’s Laws of England. She has won numerous academic awards, including the Sweet and Maxwell Prize for graduating at the top of her year at Exeter University. Lara is also ranked as a ‘Leading Partner’ by Legal 500 2025.

Lara has written for prominent publications including the Local Government Lawyer, Maritime Journal and Planning Magazine. In addition, she speaks at national conferences, including UK Harbour Masters’ Association Seminars and the British Ports Association Conferences.

"Lara Moore is the leading ports and harbour lawyer in the country, she is concise, commercial and her industry knowledge is exceptional" (Legal 500, 2025)

Relevant experience

Harbour Revision Orders and Harbour Empowerment Orders: Instructed in relation to 35 Harbour Order applications in 2024 (including drafting).
Successfully defending Littlehampton Harbour Board in respect of three section 31 Harbours Act 1964 challenges to the Secretary of State (including a 4-day Public Inquiry).
Multi-million pound coastal developments: Advising in respect of marine licences, other marine consents (including Wildlife Licensing), Harbour Orders, Transport and Works Act Orders, the Public Right of Navigation and EIA Regulation 10 Deferral connected to a number of multi-million pound coastal developments.
Complex commercial / development arrangements including in respect of major port infrastructure development and procurement of port operators.
Acting in respect of the St Ives (G7) Harbour Revision Order 2021 and the Clydeport (COP 26 etc.) Harbour Revision Order 2021, required to enable national security arrangements for world leaders and other attendees at the G7 and COP 26 Summits.

Specialisms

Marine

Coastal Development

Harbour Revision, Empowerment & Closure Orders

Ports & Harbours

Marine Licensing & Planning

Marine Prosecutions

Marine Regulatory

Risk & Regulation

Testimonial

"Lara Moore is the leading ports and harbour lawyer in the country, she is concise, commercial and her industry knowledge is exceptional"

Legal 500 2025

Testimonial

"Lara Moore has in-depth knowledge of the subject area and her advice is provided in a practical, timely and clear manner. She has significant experience in dealing with matters such as Harbour Revision Orders and has provided excellent advice in connection with the operation and regeneration of harbours generally."

Legal 500 2025

Testimonial

"Lara Moore is approachable, intelligent and her understanding of how ports operate is exceptional. Her ability to quickly grasp the crux of a problem is impressive and saves time and money."

Legal 500 2024

Testimonial

"Lara Moore – Always reliable; always delivers; and always maintains contact despite her other workload."

Legal 500 2023