Maritime

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14 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys Named 2023 D.C. Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

Super Lawyers has named 14 Cozen O’Connor attorneys to its 2023 Washington D.C. Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.

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Maritime is among the most vital and complex of all transportation sectors, given its centuries-long history and global reach. To properly serve sophisticated maritime clients, Cozen O’Connor has built one of the most renowned maritime practices of any law firm in the United States.

Our attorneys represent a diverse range of global clients serving the maritime industry, including major vessel operating common carriers; ocean shipping company groups and alliances; vessel owners; maritime-related investors and financial institutions; ports, terminals and port/terminal operators; carrier-terminal management groups; P&I Clubs; chassis pools; and ocean transportation intermediaries.

Regulatory. Maritime activity is heavily regulated by numerous federal and international agencies. We counsel on regulations enforced by the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), including tariffs and service contracts; discussion agreements; vessel sharing agreements; and niche or specialty agreements. We assist with flagging or reflagging of vessels; towing, salvage and fisheries law compliance; maritime promotional programs; and U.S. sanction and embargo laws under the Maritime Administration (MARAD), Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection and Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

Corporate & Finance. Our finance practice covers traditional asset-backed ship finance, leasing transactions and other custom-tailored financings, as well as capital raided in the public and private markets, all valued in the billions of dollars. We provide ongoing counsel on charter parties, citizenship requirements, restructuring, workouts and maritime lien enforcement. Our attorneys serve as special counsel in mergers and acquisitions involving foreign and domestic maritime-related assets. We also advise on ship construction and repair contracts as well as vessel sale and purchase matters.

Litigation. Cozen O’Connor handles complex commercial disputes arising from agreements unique to the maritime industry as well as marine casualty, personal injury, wrongful death, loss of cargo and pollution claims. We respond to government investigations, resolve administrative and criminal enforcement actions and defend criminal and civil litigation. Moreover, we handle coverage disputes with regard to cargo, hull and marine general liability insurance on behalf of marine insurers.

Antitrust. Our attorneys are exceptionally knowledgeable about how U.S. and international antitrust and competition laws apply to the maritime industry. We advise on all matters of antitrust compliance, review M&A and joint venture transactions, and defend clients in private antitrust class actions and U.S. and multi-jurisdictional government antitrust and enforcement proceedings.

Cozen O’Connor’s maritime practice is made up of acknowledged leaders of the maritime bar, including several former presidents of the Maritime Administrative Bar Association. Our attorneys have testified before Congress on dozens of critical legislative reforms and served on U.S. delegations to negotiate and implement bilateral and international transportation and security agreements. The firm’s nationwide transportation shipping regulatory and ship finance practices have been listed by Chambers USA as Band 1 and Band 3, respectively. Individual members of the maritime team have also been recognized as industry leaders by independent legal publications, including Chambers USA. The team includes contributing authors to numerous publications, including Schoenbuam’s Admiralty & Maritime Law and Wolters and Kluwer’s Maritime Law Handbook.

Experience

Publications

Time To Meet The U.S. Mariner Shortage Head On [Marine Link]

May 17, 2023

Jeff Vogel contributed an article to Marine Link discussing the challenges of the U.S. mariner shortage.

Federal Maritime Commission Charges Forward with Interim Procedures for OSRA 22 Complaints [Alert]

December 05, 2022

The FMC released “Interim Procedures for Processing Charge Complaints” filed with the Commission under the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022.

Congress, GAO Set Their Focus on Cargo Preference Fixes [Maritime Logistics Professionals]

November 04, 2022

Jeff Vogel and Matthew Howell contributed an article for Maritime Logistics Professionals discussing the recent hearing from the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee (T&I Committee) and Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.

US Midterm Elections Bring Changes, Uncertainty in Congressional Maritime Leadership [Marine Link]

November 04, 2022

Jeff Vogel contributed an article to Marine Link discussing the guarantee that leadership changes will occur in some of the critical Congressional leadership positions that will impact the maritime industry.

TIMES THEY KEEP A CHANGIN’ — Upcoming Changes to DoD CMMC Program and Cybersecurity Requirements

November 11, 2021

Larry Prosen discusses DoD's Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking updating its existing, relatively young, CMMC model certification to a CMMC 2.0 structure.

Harmony at Last? – Coast Guard Takes Steps to Embrace State Titling Laws [Alert]

September 23, 2021

Geoffrey Ferrer, Jeff Vogel, and Matt Howell discuss a recent Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) published by the U.S. Coast Guard

The Absentee Custodian [Alert]

May 05, 2021

Geoffrey Ferrer, Christopher Raleigh, and Neil Quartaro discuss substitute custodians and the responsibilities of the arresting party.

Don’t Give Up Your Leverage — The Interplay Between Vessel Arrest and the Automatic Stay [Alert]

April 28, 2021

Geoffrey Ferrer, Christopher Raleigh, Neil Quartaro, Eric Scherling, and Erik Schmidt discuss a recent victory for a client in connection with a debtor that was in severe financial distress.

Ready Your Salad Fork for Biden’s Offshore Energy Plans

April 01, 2021

Jeff Vogel contributed an article to MarineLink discussing Biden's issuance of the "Executive Order on Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad” and the impact this has had on offshore oil and gas development.

Developments in Offshore Wind: Part One [White Paper]

March 17, 2021

Michael Connolly, Amorie Hummel, William Lesser, Heidi Schwartz, Josh Stein, and James Van Orden discuss New Jersey and New York's offshore wind energy policies and what the Biden administration has already done to advance offshore wind energy development in federal waters.

MARAD Updates Title XI Program with Streamlined Process [Alert]

February 18, 2021

Jeff Vogel and Kathryn Sobotta discuss MARAD's simplified and streamlined loan process available to certain borrowers with strong financial track records and willingness to agree to MARAD’s preferred lending terms.

Legislative Update – Congress Acts to Clarify the Application of the Jones Act to Offshore Wind [Alert]

December 07, 2020

Josh Stein discusses the announcement that both chambers of Congress have reached an agreement on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2021 and how it may impact the offshore wind industry.

Streamlining and Simplifying U.S. Government Guaranteed Vessel Financing [MarineLink]

December 02, 2020

Jeff Vogel and Anne Mickey contributed an article to MarineLink discussing the steps that the Maritime Administration (MARAD) has taken to streamline and simplify the Federal Ship Financing Program under Chapter 537 of Title 46 of the U.S. Code (commonly referred to as Title XI).

Working Out the Election’s Impact on the U.S. Workboat Industry

November 17, 2020

Jeff Vogel contributed an article to Marine News discussing what impact the election has on the U.S. workboat industry.

Federal Maritime Commission Seeks Public Input on Cruise Refunds

October 13, 2020

Jeff Vogel discusses the FMC's ANPRM seeking public comment on potential regulatory changes to its passenger vessel operator financial responsibility requirements.

A Cautionary Tale for Vessel Mortgagees [Alert]

September 24, 2020

Geoffrey Ferrer and Anne Mickey discuss steps mortgagees can take to avoid a foreclosed vessel being sold at a judicial auction for just 2 percent of the amount of the secured debt.

Congress Takes First Step Toward FMC Advisory Committee [Alert]

May 26, 2020

Wayne Rohde discusses the Federal Maritime Commission National Shipper Advisory Committee Act of 2019 and the establishment of an advisory committee to the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) for policy matters relating to the competitiveness, reliability, integrity, and fairness of the international ocean freight delivery system.

Amid Global Supply Concerns, Trump EO Seeks to Increase Domestic Fishing and Aquaculture Production [Alert]

May 20, 2020

Jeff Vogel, Matt Howell, and Anne Mickey discuss the Executive Order on Promoting American Seafood Competitiveness and Economic Growth that seeks to reduce the need for imported seafood, which makes up roughly 85 percent of consumption in the United States.

Cruise Lines Forced to Face Helms-Burton Claims [Alert]

April 24, 2020

David Loh and Chris Raleigh warn American companies considering doing business in Cuba to investigate whether their operations could arguably constitute “trafficking” in property that was confiscated by the Castro regime and subject them to claims under the Helms-Burton Act.

FMC Expands Use of Innovation Teams to Respond to COVID-19 Supply Chain Concerns

April 16, 2020

Bob Magovern and Wayne Rohde discuss the FMC's order aimed at developing improvements to the U.S. ocean transportation supply chain through the use innovation teams.

U.S. Supreme Court Rules Safe Berth Clause is a Warranty

April 01, 2020

Chris Raleigh and David Loh discuss the Supreme Court's decision in Citgo Asphalt Refining Co. v. Fescati Shipping Co., Ltd., and what owners, charterers, and shippers should do next.

Third Circuit Finds Insured Has Burden of Proving Fortuity Under Yacht Policy

March 30, 2020

David Loh and Chris Raleigh discuss the importance of investigating a loss promptly and retaining appropriate experts to reasonably preserve the facts and circumstances leading up to the loss.

Shipping 2020 [Chambers Global Practice Guide]

March 05, 2020

Marc Fink and Matthew Howell contributed the introductory chapter to the Chambers 2020 Shipping Guide, discussing the issues that the shipping industry will face in 2020.

The Federal Government's 2020 Inland Impact [MarineLink]

February 18, 2020

Jeff Vogel published an article to MarineLink discussing some of the items that will have a direct impact on the U.S. maritime industry in 2020.

DOJ Offers Incentives to Encourage Self-Reporting of Export and Sanctions Violations [Alert]

December 19, 2019

Martin S. Bloor and Don Kassilke the DOJ's revised guidance regarding VSDs to further encourage companies to self-report potential criminal violations of the U.S. export control and economic sanctions laws.

The Good, Bad, and the Undeniably Ugly [Marine News]

December 01, 2019

Jeff Vogel published an article to Marine News discussing what the end of the year legislative and regulatory period entails for the United States maritime industry.

MARAD Seeks to Reestablish Voluntary Tanker Agreement

November 01, 2019

Jeff Vogel discusses the notice published on November 1. Comments on the draft VTA are due by December 2.

Opportunity to Comment on MARAD’s U.S. Citizenship Regulations and Policies [Alert]

April 30, 2019

Anne Mickey and Jeff Vogel discuss two Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking soliciting comments on steps that MARAD can take to simplify and/or modernize its U.S. citizenship regulations and policies.

It’s Alive – Trump Administration Resurrects Helms-Burton Title III

April 24, 2019

Don Kassilke and Matthew Howell discuss what the implementation of Title III means in practical terms and how it could impact entities trading with Cuba.

A Tale of Two Fleets: Mixed Government Support for U.S. Shipbuilding [Marine News]

April 01, 2019

Jeff Vogel discusses the congressional hearings focused on the shipbuilding industry's role as a critical component of the U.S. national security industrial base.

A Time to Act Boldly: Maritime Challenges in the 116th Congress [Marine News]

February 12, 2019

Jeff Vogel authored a piece calling for the 116th Congress to recognize that the U.S.-flag fleet requires new mechanisms of support and that our domestic port infrastructure is a strategic national asset, requiring additional funding.

A Fleet in Peril – the Need for a US-Flag Cargo Strategy

November 27, 2018

Jeff Vogel, a member in the firm's Transportation and Trade Practice, authored "A Fleet in Peril – the Need for a US-Flag Cargo Strategy" for The Journal of Commerce.

10 Years Of Inaction On US-Flag Cargo Preference

October 11, 2018

Jeff Vogel, a member in the firm's Transportation & Trade Group, published "10 Years Of Inaction On US-Flag Cargo Preference" for Law360.

Considerations in Cases Involving Engine Damage Caused by Contaminated Bunkers [American Bar Association]

July 27, 2018

Christopher Raleigh, a member in the firm's Transportation & Trade Practice Group, authored, "Considerations in Cases Involving Engine Damage Caused by Contaminated Bunkers" for the American Bar Association Admiralty Litigation Committee.

In The News

14 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys Named 2023 D.C. Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

May 30, 2023

Super Lawyers has named 14 Cozen O’Connor attorneys to its 2023 Washington D.C. Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.

Jeffrey Lawrence to Receive the 2022 CONNIE Lifetime Achievement Award from the Containerization & Intermodal Institute

November 09, 2022

The Containerization & Intermodal Institute (CII) will honor Jeffrey Lawrence, co-chair of the firm’s International Practice, with the 2022 CONNIE Lifetime Achievement award.

More Than 200 Cozen O’Connor Attorneys Named Best Lawyers and Ones to Watch

August 22, 2022

210 Cozen O’Connor lawyers from 24 of the firm’s nationwide offices for inclusion in the 2023 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

13 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys Named 2022 D.C. Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

July 12, 2022

Super Lawyers has named 13 Cozen O’Connor attorneys to its 2022 Washington D.C. Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.

Chambers Ranks 86 Cozen O’Connor Lawyers, 22 Practice Areas in Chambers USA 2022 Guide

June 02, 2022

Chambers USA, the leading annual guide to the top lawyers and law firms in the United States, has ranked 86 Cozen O’Connor lawyers as leaders in their respective fields in the guide’s 2022 edition.

Cozen O’Connor Recognized as a “Best Law Firm” in 25 Practice Areas Nationwide, 115 Practice Areas Regionally

November 05, 2020

U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers recognized Cozen O’Connor as a “Best Law Firm” in 25 practice areas nationwide and 115 practice areas regionally.

U.S. election: how has Donald Trump impacted the maritime industry?

November 03, 2020

Jeff Vogel was featured in an article published by Ship Technology discussing Donald Trump’s impact on the maritime industry over the past four years.

Fourteen Cozen O’Connor Attorneys Recognized as Washington, D.C., Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

April 20, 2020

Super Lawyers has named 14 Cozen O'Connor attorneys to its 2020 Washington, D.C., Super Lawyers and Rising Stars list.

138 Cozen O’Connor Attorneys Named to the Best Lawyers in America

August 28, 2019

Best Lawyers selected 138 Cozen O’Connor lawyers from 21 of the firm’s national offices for inclusion in the 2020 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

Legal 500 Recognizes Six Cozen O'Connor Practice Areas and Nine Cozen O'Connor Attorneys in its 2019 Legal Guide

June 14, 2019

The Legal 500 United States named Cozen O’Connor’s Aviation, Construction, Immigration, Insurance, and Maritime practices and Cozen O'Connor attorneys Scott Bettridge, Raymond DeLuca, Geoffrey Ferrer, Bruce Ficken, David Heffernan, Jeffrey Lawrence, Robert Magovern, Anne Mickey, and Jeffrey Mullen to its 2019 Legal Guide.

13 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys Recognized as Washington, D.C. Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

April 25, 2019

The 2019 Washington, D.C, edition of Super Lawyers Magazine, published by Thomson Reuters, has named 13 Cozen O’Connor attorneys to its list of Super Lawyers and Rising Stars.

57 Cozen O’Connor Lawyers, 16 Practices Earn Top Recognition in Chambers USA 2019 Guide

April 25, 2019

Chambers USA, the leading annual guide to the top lawyers and law firms in the USA, has ranked 57 Cozen O’Connor lawyers as leaders in their respective fields in the Guide’s 2019 edition.

Sailors' Supreme Court Win Buoys Hopes For Tort Victims

March 20, 2019

Chris Raleigh was quoted in Law360's article on the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to hand a victory to sailors who claim they developed mesothelioma.

Diverting Army Corps' Funding 'Would Cause Immediate Cessation' of Important Projects

February 15, 2019

Jeff Vogel was quoted in the Wall Street Journal's piece on how President Trump declaring a national emergency to bolster the wall would potentially divert critical funding sources away from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Justices Focus Mostly On Tort Issues In Sailors' Asbestos Suit

October 10, 2018

Christopher Raleigh, a member in the firm's Transportation and Trade Practice, was quoted in Law360's article "Justices Focus Mostly On Tort Issues In Sailors' Asbestos Suit."

Seven Cozen O’Connor Lawyers Named 2019 “Lawyers of the Year” by Best Lawyers in America

August 31, 2018

Cozen O’Connor is proud to announce that seven of the firm’s lawyers have been recognized as “Lawyers of the Year” in their respective practices by Best Lawyers in America, one of the oldest and most highly regarded peer review publications in the legal profession.

Three Practice Areas and Six Attorneys Recommended by The U.S. Edition of The Legal 500

June 15, 2018

The U.S. edition of The Legal 500 recognized Cozen O’Connor’s Aviation, Construction, and Shipping practices as well as attorneys Geoffrey Ferrer, Bruce Ficken, David Heffernan, Jeffrey Lawrence, Robert Magovern, and Anne Mickey.

Contacts

Jeffrey F. Lawrence

Co-Chair, International Practice

jlawrence@cozen.com

(202) 463-2504

Geoffrey D. Ferrer

Co-Vice Chair, Transportation & Trade

gferrer@cozen.com

(212) 908-1201

People

Awards

Jeffrey Lawrence to Receive the 2022 CONNIE Lifetime Achievement Award from the Containerization & Intermodal Institute

November 09, 2022

The Containerization & Intermodal Institute (CII) will honor Jeffrey Lawrence, co-chair of the firm’s International Practice, with the 2022 CONNIE Lifetime Achievement award.

13 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys Named 2022 D.C. Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

July 12, 2022

Super Lawyers has named 13 Cozen O’Connor attorneys to its 2022 Washington D.C. Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.

Chambers Ranks 86 Cozen O’Connor Lawyers, 22 Practice Areas in Chambers USA 2022 Guide

June 02, 2022

Chambers USA, the leading annual guide to the top lawyers and law firms in the United States, has ranked 86 Cozen O’Connor lawyers as leaders in their respective fields in the guide’s 2022 edition.

Cozen O’Connor Recognized as a “Best Law Firm” in 25 Practice Areas Nationwide, 115 Practice Areas Regionally

November 05, 2020

U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers recognized Cozen O’Connor as a “Best Law Firm” in 25 practice areas nationwide and 115 practice areas regionally.

138 Cozen O’Connor Attorneys Named to the Best Lawyers in America

August 28, 2019

Best Lawyers selected 138 Cozen O’Connor lawyers from 21 of the firm’s national offices for inclusion in the 2020 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

13 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys Recognized as Washington, D.C. Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

April 25, 2019

The 2019 Washington, D.C, edition of Super Lawyers Magazine, published by Thomson Reuters, has named 13 Cozen O’Connor attorneys to its list of Super Lawyers and Rising Stars.

57 Cozen O’Connor Lawyers, 16 Practices Earn Top Recognition in Chambers USA 2019 Guide

April 25, 2019

Chambers USA, the leading annual guide to the top lawyers and law firms in the USA, has ranked 57 Cozen O’Connor lawyers as leaders in their respective fields in the Guide’s 2019 edition.

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