The maritime practice at K&L Gates is distinguished for its ‘outstanding’ regulatory and policy knowledge, harnessing extensive experience working alongside legislative and executive brand agencies, as well as international governmental bodies and officials. With a large global network, the firm is well-equipped to provide comprehensive support to clients in the full gamut of maritime issues, notably arrests, attachments, and seizures of vessels; marine insurance claims; vessel collisions, allisions, and groundings; and a range of maritime contract disputes. In Washington DC, Michael Scanlon co-leads the policy and regulatory practice, representing US and foreign shipping companies and marine service providers before federal agencies, US Congress and federal courts; Mark Ruge handles federal government matters, and associate Elle Stuart assists on regulatory, policy, and legislative matters. Boston-based Jeffrey King specialises in complex commercial litigation and arbitration concerning maritime and transportation matters, whilst the ’intelligent and responsive’ George Kontakis leads on domestic and international commercial and criminal matters in the New York office. Houston-based associate Jody Schisel-Meslin is another key contact for maritime litigation.    
L’éditorial du Legal 500

Témoignages

Collectés indépendamment par l'équipe de recherche du Legal 500.

  • ‘Members of K&L Gates' shipping team in New York are knowledgeable experts. What makes them unique is that they always know their clients' business.’

  • ‘George Kontakis is a very bright lawyer. He is intelligent and responsive.’

  • ‘Outstanding knowledge of the U.S. regulations and international treaties which impact merchant marine training.’

  • ‘Mark Ruge: Possibly the most effective admiralty lawyer in the U.S. today.'

  • ‘The overall practice has a breadth of knowledge and experience in a particularly niche corner of the maritime industry that is invaluable and incomparable to any other firm. We have been so pleased with the depth of expertise, candor, and ethical legal advice from the K&L Gates team. ’

Clients clés

  • RWS and Associates Entertainment, Inc.
  • American Maritime Partnership
  • Matson, Inc.
  • Mediterranean Shipping Company SA
  • Transportation Institute
  • Lake Carriers’ Association
  • American Bureau of Shipping
  • Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Ltd
  • American Roll-on Roll-off Carrier Group

Points forts

  • Developed an industry and congressional coalition that advocates for construction of a new navigation lock in a key waterway in the Great Lakes.
  • Advising a large wholesale retailer, in connection with a demurrage/detention dispute under a Global Freight Forwarder Services Agreement between the parties with charges exceeding $24 million.
  • Representing RWS and Associates Entertainment, Inc. in two separate federal court actions involving Jones Act claims asserted by seamen alleging person injuries aboard a cruise vessel. Significant personal injury damages claimed.

Avocats

Les grands avocats du marché

Avocats associés reconnus parmi les leaders du marché par leurs pairs et leurs clients, régulièrement présents dans les grands dossiers dans lesquels ils sont au premier plan.

Jeffrey King

Les grands avocats de demain

Jeunes associés disposant d’une reconnaissance montante sur le marché, jouant régulièrement un rôle clé dans des dossiers majeurs.

George Kontakis

Meilleurs collaborateurs

Jeunes avocats collaborateurs ou counsels qui se distinguent régulièrement par leur présence dans des dossiers importants du marché, et qui sont identifiés par le marché comme de jeunes talents à suivre.

Elle Stuart

Responsable de la pratique

Darrell L. Conner; Clare Kempkens; Michael Scanlon

Autres avocats clés

Jeffrey King; Mark Ruge; George Kontakis; Jody Schisel-Meslin; Elle Stuart