Maritime Litigation

Recent News:

Super Lawyers Recognizes 27 Cozen O’Connor Attorneys in New York

Thirteen attorneys were recognized as Super Lawyers and 14 were named “Rising Stars.”

More

Shipping is the predominant form  of transporting goods around the globe. In addition, millions of passengers are transported by cruise lines each year. The arrangements underlying these movements are varied and complex. Not surprisingly, disputes sometimes arise. For maritime clients whose daily operations involve complicated contracts, high-value cargo and unpredictable seas, it is important to have sophisticated litigation counsel at the ready. Cozen O’Connor attorneys have been successfully representing clients in their most critical maritime litigation for decades.

The firm represents a diverse array of maritime clients, including the world’s largest ocean carriers, port and terminal operators, P&I Clubs, chassis pools, classification societies and Fortune 500 companies with bulk shipping capacity. Clients in the maritime arena are often embroiled in complex disputes around the world, and our attorneys have extensive experience helping both U.S. and international clientele contend with the laws of U.S. and other jurisdictions.

Cozen O’Connor represents maritime clients in all manner of marine casualty (e.g., collisions, allisions, groundings, container losses and sinkings) as well as  loss of cargo and pollution claims. We handle commercial disputes arising from charter parties, construction and shipbuilding contracts, liner service agreements, terminal and equipment leases, and other agreements unique to the maritime industry. Our attorneys handle coverage disputes with regard to cargo, hull and marine general liability insurance on behalf of marine insurers and insurance syndicates.

The firm regularly assists clients in disputes to which the U.S. government is a party. We respond to major government investigations, administrative and criminal enforcement actions; appeals of agency decisions to the courts; and high-profile criminal and civil litigation. With respect to government contracting in the maritime sector, Cozen O’Connor protests deficiencies in solicitations, defends or challenges contract awards and handles disputes that arise during execution of the contract.

Our maritime litigation attorneys regularly appear before state and federal courts, appellate courts, federal and state administrative agencies (such as the Federal Maritime Commission, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Foreign Asset Control and U.S. Maritime Administration), international and domestic arbitration panels, boards of contract appeals, Congress and international bodies. They have successfully prosecuted and defended arbitration proceedings in the U.S. and overseas.

Knowledge of the specific governing body of law is necessary but not sufficient to successfully resolve complex maritime disputes; it is vital to understand the maritime industry as well. From Himalaya Clauses to bilge strainers, Cozen O’Connor’s attorneys have detailed knowledge of maritime contracts and ship engineering. 

Our maritime counsel also have an uncommonly diverse array of litigation experience with respect to intermodal freight, surface transportation and logistics. Nothing is transported by ship alone, and Cozen O’Connor attorneys are able to represent clients in casualty or contract disputes that arise at any phase in the transportation process. With offices in 30 cities in North America, we are well positioned to respond wherever and whenever conflicts arise

Experience

Publications

NSMV: The Model of Future of Government Shipbuilding [Marine Link]

August 16, 2023

Jeff Vogel contributed an article to Marine Link discussing the Empire State VIII, the first national Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV).

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.

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.

The Absentee Custodian [Alert]

May 05, 2021

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

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.

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.

Washington Watch: Congress Eyes Maritime Economic Relief [Marine News]

September 09, 2020

Jeff Vogel contributed an article to Marine News discussing how the maritime industry- including the offshore sector- was noticeably absent from the free flow of federal funding in the CARES Act or the subsequent Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act.

Submarine Power Transmission Cables Subject to OPA [Alert]

August 03, 2020

Geoff Ferrer and Anne Mickey discuss the Second Circuit's decision in Power Authority of the State of New York v. M/V ELLEN S. BOUCHARD, and the BARGE B No. 280, their engines, apparel, tackle, boats, appurtenances, etc., in rem, Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc., Motor Tug Ellen S. Bouchard, Inc., No. 280 Corp.

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.

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.

Shipper’s Complaint Considered “Shotgun Pleading” and Dismissed Against Rail Carrier [Alert]

October 22, 2019

U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Jacksonville Division, dismissed sua sponte the complaint filed by plaintiff Sompo Japan Nipponkoa Insurance, Inc. against defendants CSX Corp., CSX Transportation, Inc. and Savage Services Corp. because the district court considered it to be an impermissible “shotgun pleading.”

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.

SCOTUS Rejects Bare Metal Defense in Maritime Products Liability Actions Involving Asbestos Exposure [Alert]

March 20, 2019

Chris Kende and Chris Raleigh discuss the Supreme Court's decision in Air & Liquid Systems Corp. et al v. Devries, et al, and how this decision could open up a new class of defendants to those claiming injury or death as a result of exposure to asbestos or other toxic substances not previously recognized in maritime law.

Designation of Witnesses under Rule 30(b)(6) May Change [Alert]

February 11, 2019

David Loh and Chris Raleigh discuss what changes were made to this rule, who is objecting, and how you can still voice your concerns.

What Is a “Mary Carter” Agreement? [ABA Practice Points]

November 09, 2018

David Loh, a member in the firm's Transportation & Trade Practice, and Willliam Lesser, an associate in the firm's Commercial Litigation Department, co-authored, "What Is a “Mary Carter” Agreement?" for the American Bar Association Practice Points.

Events & Seminars

Past Events

CMA Shipping Conference & Exhibition 2023

March 21, 2023 - Stamford, CT

The Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022

November 02, 2022 - Washington, D.C.

CMA Shipping Conference & Exhibition

March 31, 2020 - Stamford, Connecticut

In The News

Super Lawyers Recognizes 27 Cozen O’Connor Attorneys in New York

September 22, 2023

Thirteen attorneys were recognized as Super Lawyers and 14 were named “Rising Stars.”

Best Lawyers Honors More Than 200 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys to its Best Lawyers in America 2024 Edition

August 17, 2023

Best Lawyers selected 232 Cozen O’Connor lawyers from 24 of the firm’s U.S. offices for inclusion in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

Business Today Names 32 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys to Its Top 10 Lists

July 28, 2023

These lists recognize lawyers “mastering,” “leading,” “revolutionizing,” and “dominating” their fields in their respective states and nationwide.

Legal 500 Recognizes Six Cozen O’Connor Practice Areas and 16 Attorneys in its 2023 Guide

July 10, 2023

Cozen O'Connor's Aviation (Litigation/Regulation), Construction, L&E, M&A (Midmarket), Shipping (Finance and Litigation/Regulation) practices were ranked by the Legal 500.

Geoffrey Ferrer Recognized in 2023 Chambers Asia-Pacific Rankings

December 27, 2022

Cozen O’Connor is pleased to announce that Geoffrey Ferrer, co-vice chair of the firm’s Transportation & Trade group, and a member of the Marshall Islands Bar, has been ranked in the Chambers Asia-Pacific 2023 Guide.

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.

21 Cozen O’Connor Attorneys Recognized as New York Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

October 03, 2022

Super Lawyers has named 21 Cozen O'Connor attorneys to its 2022 New York Metro Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.

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.

Legal 500 Recognizes Six Cozen O’Connor Practice Areas and 14 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys in its 2022 Legal Guide

July 11, 2022

For 30 years, The Legal 500 has assessed the strengths of law firms in more than 100 jurisdictions. The rankings use a series of criteria, including client feedback, submissions from law firms, and interviews with leading private practice lawyers.

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.

Legal 500 Recognizes Six Cozen O’Connor Practice Areas and 12 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys in its 2021 Legal Guide

June 17, 2021

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, Jeffrey Mullen, Josh Stein, Jeff Vogel, and Rachel Welford to its 2021 Legal Guide.

US election: reaction from the maritime industry as Joe Biden cruises to the White House

November 10, 2020

Jeff Vogel was featured in an article published by Ship Technology discussing how Joe Biden's administration will impact the maritime sector.

US election: what will the maritime sector need from the Biden administration?

November 09, 2020

Jeff Vogel was featured in an article published by Ship Technology discussing what key changes the Biden administration will need to put in place for the maritime industry.

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.

Legal 500 Recognizes Six Cozen O’Connor Practice Areas and 13 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys in its 2020 Legal Guide

June 22, 2020

The Legal 500 United States named Cozen O’Connor’s Aviation, Construction, Immigration, Insurance, and Maritime practices and Cozen O’Connor attorneys Scott Bettridge, Stephen Cozen, Raymond DeLuca, Geoffrey Ferrer, Bruce Ficken, David Heffernan, Jeffrey Lawrence, Robert Magovern, Anne Mickey, Jeffrey Mullen, Josh Stein, Christopher Sweeney, and Jeff Vogel to its 2020 Legal Guide.

Cozen O’Connor Recognized As a Best Law Firm in 24 Practice Areas Nationwide, 106 Practice Areas Regionally

November 05, 2019

The U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” rankings are based on a rigorous evaluation process that includes the collection of client and lawyer evaluations and peer review from leading attorneys in their field.

17 Cozen O’Connor Attorneys Recognized as New York Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

September 27, 2019

Super Lawyers has named 17 Cozen O'Connor attorneys to its 2019 New York Super Lawyers and Rising Stars list.

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.

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.

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."

Contacts

Jeffrey F. Lawrence

Co-Chair, International Practice

jlawrence@cozen.com

(202) 463-2504

People

Awards

Best Lawyers Honors More Than 200 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys to its Best Lawyers in America 2024 Edition

August 17, 2023

Best Lawyers selected 232 Cozen O’Connor lawyers from 24 of the firm’s U.S. offices for inclusion in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

Business Today Names 32 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys to Its Top 10 Lists

July 28, 2023

These lists recognize lawyers “mastering,” “leading,” “revolutionizing,” and “dominating” their fields in their respective states and nationwide.

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.

21 Cozen O’Connor Attorneys Recognized as New York Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

October 03, 2022

Super Lawyers has named 21 Cozen O'Connor attorneys to its 2022 New York Metro Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.

Legal 500 Recognizes Six Cozen O’Connor Practice Areas and 14 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys in its 2022 Legal Guide

July 11, 2022

For 30 years, The Legal 500 has assessed the strengths of law firms in more than 100 jurisdictions. The rankings use a series of criteria, including client feedback, submissions from law firms, and interviews with leading private practice lawyers.

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.

Legal 500 Recognizes Six Cozen O’Connor Practice Areas and 12 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys in its 2021 Legal Guide

June 17, 2021

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, Jeffrey Mullen, Josh Stein, Jeff Vogel, and Rachel Welford to its 2021 Legal Guide.

Cozen O’Connor Recognized As a Best Law Firm in 24 Practice Areas Nationwide, 106 Practice Areas Regionally

November 05, 2019

The U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” rankings are based on a rigorous evaluation process that includes the collection of client and lawyer evaluations and peer review from leading attorneys in their field.

17 Cozen O’Connor Attorneys Recognized as New York Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

September 27, 2019

Super Lawyers has named 17 Cozen O'Connor attorneys to its 2019 New York Super Lawyers and Rising Stars list.

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

August 22, 2018

One hundred twenty-five Cozen O’Connor lawyers from 20 of the firm’s national offices have been selected for inclusion in the 2018 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

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