A maritime attorney is a lawyer who specializes in maritime law. Maritime law is a body of laws that govern shipping and navigation on the seas and other navigable waterways. It includes laws governing the construction, operation, and regulation of ships and other vessels; marine commerce; navigation; fishing; seamen's rights; salvage; towage; pilotage; whaling; Admiralty jurisdiction over all matters arising on the high seas and in territorial waters is vested in the admiralty courts.
The term maritime law can also refer to the legal system that governs maritime activities, including both international and domestic shipping. International maritime law is a set of rules that nations have agreed upon to govern their interactions at sea. This area of law is important because it helps to ensure safety on the high seas and protect the environment. Domestic maritime law, on the other hand, governs shipping within a single nation's territory.
Maritime attorneys must be familiar with both sets of rules in order to effectively represent their clients' interests. They may practice either exclusively in maritime law or as part of a broader practice that includes other areas of law such as transportation, environmental, or international trade. Many maritime lawyers are also members of specialized bar associations such as The Maritime Law Association of the United States or The Comite Maritime International