Stephen Mason, senior counsel and founder of specialist travel law firm Travlaw, celebrated 50 years as a lawyer in April and continues to play a leading role in the development and application of travel law.
Only last week Mason provided an update on the latest guidance from the European Commission on EU Regulation 261 on air passengers’ rights which now forms part of UK law, and he represented the industry in the most-recent case to go to the Court of Appeal, Sherman v Reader Offers, which resulted in a ruling in May.
Mason is joint author of the seminal book on law and the travel industry, Holiday Law, which is now in its sixth edition.
More: Interview: Travlaw senior counsel and founder Stephen Mason
Abta head of legal affairs Simon Bunce hailed Mason’s contribution to developing travel law practice, saying: “I started in travel in 1996 and the first edition of Holiday Law, published in 1995, was invaluable.
“It wasn’t a dry, legal textbook but showed real understanding of the industry and how it works.
“Since then, Stephen has been instrumental in so many developments. Whenever anything novel happens, I check with Stephen to make sure we’re thinking the same way.
“He is the person I’ve been in touch with to check my thinking at all the fundamental moments in the development of travel law.
“Stephen has always been a real support. Having the confidence of talking to someone with his experience and expertise has been great.”
Bunce noted: “When I was in law school, consumer law was ignored really. Stephen led the way for the rest of us. We all came along on his coat tails.
“He is seen as a leader among travel lawyers, who paved the way for others and has given us a body of case law.”
He added: “I was honoured to be asked to contribute to the most recent edition of Holiday Law. The book’s value is it’s rooted in the industry. It’s not just a law book aimed at lawyers, it’s a guide to the industry.
“Stephen is embedded in the industry and it’s great to have someone like him in the industry. He always recognises the significance of cases for the wider industry.
“Travel is such a people industry and Stephen ensured his firm reflects that. The industry sees itself reflected both in the firm and in him.”
More: Interview: Travlaw senior counsel and founder Stephen Mason