Admiralty

Navigating maritime law requires specialized legal expertise governed by distinct federal, international, and jurisdictional rules. Our admiralty practice provides comprehensive legal solutions for vessel owners, cargo shippers, maritime employers, insurers, and maritime workers. From high-stakes litigation to complex regulatory compliance, we protect your interests across inland waterways, coastal ports, and international seas.

Core Practice Area Descriptions

1. Vessel Operations & Commercial Maritime

We advise maritime businesses, shipowners, and operators on complex commercial transactions and regulatory compliance.

  • Vessel Arrests & Maritime Liens (Enforcing and defending claims against vessels)
  • Charter Party Agreements & Disputes (Bareboat, time, and voyage charters)
  • Ship Sales, Purchases, & Registration (Flag state compliance and vessel financing)
  • Port State Control & Environmental Compliance (MARPOL and Coast Guard regulations)

2. Maritime Personal Injury & Jones Act

We represent both employers defending against claims and individuals seeking legal remedies under federal maritime laws.

  • Jones Act Claims for injured seamen and crew members
  • Longshore & Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA)
  • Passenger & Cruise Line Claims
  • Maintenance and Cure Disputes

3. Cargo, Freight, & Salvage Disputes

Protecting commercial interests when cargo is damaged, delayed, or lost at sea.

  • Bills of Lading & COGSA (Carriage of Goods by Sea Act) Claims
  • Cargo Damage & Loss Recovery
  • General Average Claims & Marine Insurance Recovery
  • Salvage & Towage Contracts

Core Service Features

  • 24/7 Casualty & Emergency Response: Immediate legal counsel and on-site investigation following vessel collisions, oil spills, or serious maritime casualties.
  • Deep Jurisdictional Expertise: Decades of experience navigating federal district courts, international arbitration panels, and Coast Guard administrative hearings.
  • Comprehensive Risk Management: Proactive vessel inspections, contract reviews, and safety compliance audits to prevent costly maritime litigation.
  • Full-Service Lien & Asset Recovery: Rapid legal action to enforce maritime liens or secure vessel arrests to recover unpaid claims.


Why Choose Our Services?

Why Choose Our Services?
Our Admiralty and Maritime practice delivers specialized legal expertise tailored to the unique complexities of federal and international waterborne law. With round-the-clock availability for rapid casualty response and emergency vessel arrests, we provide immediate protection when critical situations arise on the water. Backed by extensive experience in federal courts and maritime arbitration, we offer strategic representation for both commercial operators and individuals, swiftly enforcing maritime liens and resolving high-stakes disputes to safeguard your assets and rights.
  • 24/7 Marine Casualty & Emergency Response
  • Vessel Arrest & Maritime Lien Enforcement
  • Comprehensive Jones Act & LHWCA Defense
  • Contract Drafting & Charter Party Disputes
  • Port State & Environmental Regulatory Compliance

Frequently Asked Questions

Admiralty law is a distinct body of law governing activities on navigable waters. It operates under federal court jurisdiction with unique rules, such as maritime liens, limitation of liability acts, and special statutes like the Jones Act, which do not apply to land-based incidents.

Under admiralty law, unpaid services, fuel, repairs, or crew wages can create a maritime lien against the vessel itself. This allows creditors to file an action in federal court to arrest the vessel until the claim is resolved or security is posted.

The Jones Act is a federal statute that provides protection to "seamen"—workers who spend a significant portion of their time working aboard a vessel in navigation. It allows injured seamen to bring claims directly against their employers for negligence.

First, ensure safety and seek medical attention. Next, notify relevant maritime authorities (such as the Coast Guard) and secure all physical evidence, logbooks, electronic navigation data, and witness statements. Contacting a maritime attorney immediately ensures critical evidence is preserved and your rights are protected during preliminary inquiries.
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