DEPARTMENT PROFILE

Blank Rome LLP

Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Litigation (New York)

5 ranked lawyersBand 1USA - NationwideUSA 2021 View ranking table

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What the team is known for

Esteemed practice with significant experience handling high-profile maritime litigation for national and international clients, including P&I clubs, shipping companies and owners. Highly regarded for crisis response and offering additional expertise in alternative dispute resolution. Maintains an excellent reputation for advising maritime industry entities in federal investigations arising from intentional misconduct allegations and casualty events, as well as in a host of cybersecurity issues. Recently active on a range of fuel contamination, cargo loss, salvage and collision cases.

Strengths

An impressed client reports: "Blank Rome really caters to its clients' needs, and each of the partners are very savvy and really provide great and succinct advice."

Sources praise the "great team with good associates," and highlight their "wealth of knowledge."

Interviewees say: "The team really is a leader in the space and really on top of the matters."

Work highlights

Defended a $29 million claim brought against Ridgebury Kilo by Freepoint Commodities for alleged loss of cargo value due to late delivery.

Notable practitioners

John Kimball frequently assists clients with maritime casualty disputes including ship fires, collisions and sinkings. He is also adept at handling shipping arbitrations.
"He is a very impressive lawyer."

Lauren Wilgus works on a variety of international maritime litigation matters. Her practice covers charter party disputes, cargo damage and loss and marine casualty investigations including collisions.
"She is a fantastic operator. She gets 'wow' reviews!"

Richard Singleton is known for his abilities in shipping litigation and arbitration. He typically assists clients with maritime casualty as well as charter party and contractual disputes. He advises both domestic and international clients.
"He is a very experienced and very good tactical lawyer. He thinks out the steps and manages expectations." "He is very knowledgeable."

Thomas Belknap has deep expertise in shipping litigation with significant capabilities in cargo damage claims and contract and salvage disputes.
"A very careful, organized lawyer who gives good advice."

William Bennett is well known for his strong shipping practice, typically advising clients on maritime casualties resulting from collisions, groundings and sinkings. He is also well placed to handle maritime-related fraud disputes.
"He is succinct, proactive and really gets to the point." "A prepared, well-presented and well-spoken attorney before a tribunal. He also provides a great insight into the market."

Department Information

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Overview

Our maritime litigators handle all kinds of shipping disputes -- including arbitration -- all around the world, including for owners, operators, shipyards, charterers, cargo interests, P&I clubs, commercial and investment banks, and private equity funds
We have vast experience in defending companies and individuals subject to environmental investigations of casualty events or alleged intentional misconduct – many with criminal elements, and involving potential violations of the Clean Water Act and/or the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL)
Our “Maritime Emergency Response Team” is on call around the clock to respond to pollution-related incidents and vessel casualties. At a moment’s notice, a member of our team will fly to the incident site, and manage potential civil and criminal consequences
We’re one of few firms advising the maritime industry on the threats of cyber-attacks, how best to protect against breaches, and assisting clients with cyber-audits and investigations
New York is the largest part of our shipping litigation practice – the largest such practice in the United States, with a strong presence on the East and Gulf Coasts and in Los Angeles
Our complementary shipping finance practice has worked on several groundbreaking maritime Chapter 11 and 15 cases
Our strong, complementary shipping regulatory practice in Washington, D.C. also gives us a considerable advantage over other firms