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Blank Rome LLP
Department profile | Blank Rome LLP
Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Litigation (New York)

About

Provided by Blank Rome LLP

  • 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

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Litigation (New York) - USA - Nationwide

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Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Blank Rome LLP has an esteemed practice with significant experience handling high-profile maritime litigation for national and international clients, including P&I clubs, shipping companies and owners. The firm is highly regarded for crisis response and offering additional expertise in alternative dispute resolution. It 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. The firm has been recently active on a range of fuel contamination, cargo loss, salvage and collision cases.

Work Highlights

Provided by Blank Rome LLP

  • Blank Rome LLP represented the UK P&I Club in an insurance case concerning an explosion on a barge off the coast of Texas.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

"Blank Rome has an excellent team that is very incisive."

Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Litigation (New York) respondent
USA

"Blank Rome's team showcases good commercial awareness thanks to their extensive industry experience."

Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Litigation (New York) respondent
USA

"The team's service levels are very strong."

Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Litigation (New York) respondent
USA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

John D Kimball
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John D Kimball
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Band 1

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

"John is able to pull together a strong team to respond to every aspect of a major incident."

"John is very well known in the industry."

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Thomas H Belknap Jr
2
Thomas H Belknap Jr
2
Band 2

Thomas Belknap has deep expertise in shipping litigation with significant capabilities in cargo damage claims and contract and salvage disputes.

"Tom is commercial and easy to work with."

"He is a strong litigator."

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William R. Bennett
3
William R. Bennett
3
Band 3

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.

"Bill is great to work with. He is a smart and assertive litigator."

"Bill is a leader who knows how to set strategy and execute on it."

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Lauren Wilgus
4
Lauren Wilgus
4
Band 4

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.

"Lauren is an excellent lawyer who consistently delivers an outstanding work product."

"Lauren is very responsive and commercial."

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Richard Singleton
4
Richard Singleton
4
Band 4

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.

"Richard is an impressive attorney."

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Ranked Lawyers at
Blank Rome LLP

Provided by Chambers
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USA - Nationwide

Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Litigation (New York)
John D Kimball
1
John D Kimball
1
Band 1
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Thomas H Belknap Jr
2
Thomas H Belknap Jr
2
Band 2
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William R. Bennett
3
William R. Bennett
3
Band 3
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Lauren Wilgus
4
Lauren Wilgus
4
Band 4
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Richard Singleton
4
Richard Singleton
4
Band 4
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