John Woods

Practice Areas

John Woods concentrates his practice in maritime law and insurance and reinsurance litigation and arbitration. He principally represents US and foreign insurers in the areas of maritime hull, liability, cargo, pollution, war risk, loss of earnings and environmental claims. He has significant experience in cases involving shipbuilding contracts and third party marine liability. John also has broad experience in cases involving oil spills, hazardous substance discharges and OPA and CERCLA claims. He has litigated claims by and against the National Pollution Fund Center.

John has handled litigations involving major maritime casualties and claims in courts across the United States, and has counseled clients involved in litigations in foreign courts. Recent instructions include cases arising out of the World Trade Center disaster and Hurricane Katrina, including a successful coverage action over claims arising from the flooding of New Orleans. He has argued appeals in the New York appellate courts (including the New York Court of Appeals) and five of the US Courts of Appeal.

In addition, John represents clients in arbitration, mediation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution. He also serves as an arbitrator and mediator. In non-maritime insurance counselling, his principal areas of expertise include political risk insurance, aviation and space, energy and professional indemnity insurance.