Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Litigation (outside New York)
USA Guide 2024 : USA - Nationwide
Band 1
Contact number
+1 202.420.3141About
Provided by Blank Rome LLP
How We Stand Out
- The strongest maritime legal team in Houston, the most important shipping and energy law market outside of New York. We offer clients hands-on, “boutique” service, backed by the resources of the largest and best maritime law firm in the United States – an ideal scenario for nationwide, major engagements.
- Houston is a key part of Blank Rome’s renowned national shipping practice, strong on both the Gulf and East Coasts, and with West Coast capability. Our strong regulatory practice, mostly in Washington, D.C., also complements us in Houston, and gives us a considerable advantage over other firms. We offer unmatched shipping knowledge among U.S.-based law firms.
- Premier litigation team – we’re not just the largest shipping practice in the United States; we believe we have the best shipping litigators in the market. We consistently attract the most complex shipping disputes, have more experience in maritime arbitration than any other U.S. firm, and are the first port of call for any shipping clients facing catastrophic events.
- Our dedicated “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 site of incident, and manage the potential civil and criminal consequences involved.
- We also handle commercial agreements, transactions, and insurance for shipping companies.
Chambers Review
Blank Rome LLP has a distinguished team with substantial experience across the full suite of contentious issues in the maritime sector. The firm has a deep bench of expert lawyers routinely engaged to act on behalf of significant ship owners and operators, P&I clubs and energy companies. Blank Rome's impressive nationwide footprint complements the firm's Gulf Coast-focused practice and strong Houston-based offering. It also boasts a dedicated maritime emergency response team to respond to casualties and pollution-related incidents.
Work Highlights
- Blank Rome LLP defended Valero Marketing and Supply Company in a freight claim brought by plaintiff Milos Tankers, which was not paid by charterers for the carriage of cargo belonging to Valero Marketing and Supply Company.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The team provides clients with immediate attention."
"Blank Rome is an excellent firm with good lawyers who have great abilities."
"The team's tenacity, creativity and knowledge of the space allows them to navigate difficult situations."
"The team provides clients with immediate attention."
"Blank Rome is an excellent firm with good lawyers who have great abilities."
"The team's tenacity, creativity and knowledge of the space allows them to navigate difficult situations."
Notable Practitioners
Keith Letourneau provides guidance on a range of issues including vessel arrests, maritime collisions and insurance coverage disputes.
Michael Bell has extensive experience in the space and is a seasoned shipping litigator. He skillfully advises clients on a range of maritime casualties including collisions, sinkings, explosions and fires.
"He is calm, smart and concise."
Douglas Shoemaker is highly regarded for his shipping and maritime expertise with capabilities litigating maritime personal injury, property damage and seizure proceedings.
"Doug is a very strong attorney."
Ranked Lawyers at
Blank Rome LLP
USA - Nationwide