PEOPLE CAPABILITIES NEWS & EVENTS ABOUT CAREERS OFFICES & CONTACT Maritime Corporate & Finance Recent News: 82 Cozen O’Connor Lawyers, 19 Practices Earn Top Recognition in Chambers USA 2021 Guide Chambers USA, the leading annual guide to the top lawyers and law firms in the United States, has ranked 82 Cozen O’Connor lawyers as leaders in their respective fields in the guide’s 2021 edition; of those, 15 lawyers have been recognized nationally. More Cozen O’Connor’s maritime corporate and finance attorneys have been representing clients in complex cross-border and domestic transactions for decades. Our attorneys are widely recognized for their ability to help clients adapt to changing political and economic circumstances by providing steady, practical counsel. The firm represents foreign and domestic vessel owners, offshore energy rig owners, maritime-related investors, and financial institutions. Our attorneys assist owners of all types of vessels engaged in every sector of the maritime trades. We also work with banks, private equity funds, individual investors and other lending institutions whose portfolios include foreign and/or domestic maritime-related assets. Cozen O’Connor’s Corporate & Maritime Finance Practice covers traditional asset-backed ship finance, leasing transactions and other custom-tailored financings valued in the billions of dollars. We help clients raise capital through private lending institutions, the issuance of publicly traded debt and securities, private placement of government guaranteed loans, and secured and unsecured debt obligations. To support the construction and financing of U.S. flag vessels and drilling rigs, Cozen O’Connor advises clients on the Maritime Administration Title XI Loan Guarantee Program, Maritime Security Program, Capital Construction Fund, U.S. cargo preference programs, Export-Import Bank lending, and all relevant maritime regulations, including the Jones Act, dredging, fisheries, other cabotage laws, U.S. build requirements, and environmental protection laws. Cozen O’Connor’s maritime attorneys provide clients with ongoing counsel on a multitude of corporate issues. We prepare charter parties; advise clients on the flagging or reflagging of vessels according to the maritime laws of the United States, the Republic of Vanuatu, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Liberia, and other registries; counsel on citizenship requirements and assist clients with restructuring, workouts and maritime lien enforcement, as well as maritime-related bankruptcies. We have significant experience in negotiating and drafting contracts with shipyards and other vendors engaged in vessel construction. Our maritime corporate and finance attorneys frequently serve as special counsel in mergers and acquisitions that involve maritime-related assets. Cozen O’Connor’s nationwide transportation ship finance practice and several individual members are regularly recognized by Chambers & Partners USA. The Legal 500 United States has recognized the practice group as a Top Tier Firm for Transport: Shipping. The Maritime Practice Group includes several former presidents of the Maritime Administrative Bar Association and contributing authors to numerous publications including Wolters Kluwer’s Maritime Law Handbook. Tweet EXPERIENCE Advised one of the world’s largest containership charter owners incorporated in the Marshall Islands and listed on the New York Stock Exchange on Liberian law issues in connection with its $300 million aggregate offering of senior notes. In addition, advised the company on Liberian and Marshall Islands law issues in connection with an internal merger of Liberian intermediate holding company subsidiaries into the company, which was a precondition to the company’s $1.25 billion refinancing of certain of its outstanding senior secured debt. Acted as special U.S. maritime counsel to a bank in connection with a new Senior Secured Term and Revolving Credit Facilities Agreement for $1 billion, including preparing mortgages on the U.S. flag vessels owned by U.S. vessel trusts where the borrow was the beneficial owner; negotiating tripartite agreements among agent and trustee, U.S. vessel trust owners, and U.S.-bases bareboat charterers; and obtaining other U.S. security. PUBLICATIONS 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. 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. 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. Marshall Islands Relaxes Mortgage Recording Requirements in Light of COVID-19 March 24, 2020 Geoffrey Ferrer and Anne Mickey discuss the temporary modification to the mortgage recording and acknowledgments requirements set out in the Republic of the Marshall Islands Maritime Act. 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. 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. EVENTS & SEMINARS Past Events EMLO 2017 Spring Seminar April 27, 2017 - Genoa, Italy IN THE NEWS 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. 82 Cozen O’Connor Lawyers, 19 Practices Earn Top Recognition in Chambers USA 2021 Guide May 26, 2021 Chambers USA, the leading annual guide to the top lawyers and law firms in the United States, has ranked 82 Cozen O’Connor lawyers as leaders in their respective fields in the guide’s 2021 edition; of those, 15 lawyers have been recognized nationally. 63 Cozen O’Connor Lawyers, 16 Practices Earn Top Recognition in Chambers USA 2020 Guide May 14, 2020 Chambers USA, the leading annual guide to the top lawyers and law firms in the United States, has ranked 63 Cozen O’Connor lawyers as leaders in their respective fields in the guide’s 2020 edition. 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. 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. 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. 126 Cozen O’Connor Attorneys Named to the Best Lawyers in America August 22, 2018 One hundred twenty-six 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. 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. Fifty Cozen O’Connor Attorneys Ranked by Chambers USA 2018 May 21, 2018 Cozen O’Connor is pleased to announce that Chambers USA has recognized 50 Cozen O’Connor attorneys for 2018 as leaders in their respective fields; 12 attorneys were recognized nationally and 14 were ranked in the top band either nationally or at the state level. 2018 U.S. News & World Report – Best Lawyers "Best Law Firms" Ranks Cozen O’Connor February 01, 2018 In the 2018 U.S. News - Best Lawyers® "Best Law Firms, Cozen O’Connor is ranked nationally in 17 practice areas and regionally in 64 practice areas. 100 Cozen O’Connor Lawyers Named to the Best Lawyers in America August 23, 2017 Lawyers were selected for inclusion in the 2018 edition based on a rigorous peer-review that has been developed and defined for more than 30 years. Cozen O’Connor Transportation Attorney Geoffrey Ferrer Admitted to Practice Law in the Republic of the Marshall Islands August 02, 2017 Geoffrey D. Ferrer, vice chair of Cozen O’Connor’s Transportation & Trade Practice Group and Office Managing Partner of the New York Downtown Office, has been sworn in as a member of the Republic of the Marshall Islands bar becoming one of only 54 admitted and active Marshall Islands attorneys. Cozen O’Connor Earns Client Recognition in 2017 Chambers USA Rankings May 26, 2017 Chambers USA recognized 47 Cozen O’Connor lawyers as leaders in their respective fields; 14 attorneys were recognized nationally and 11 were ranked in the top band. 11 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys Recognized as Washington, D.C. Super Lawyers and Rising Stars May 15, 2017 Selection to Super Lawyers is based on peer nominations and evaluations are combined with independent research. Each candidate is evaluated on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement. Cozen O’Connor Named 2017 U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Law Firm of the Year” in Admiralty & Maritime Law December 12, 2016 Cozen O'Connor was recognized as the 2017 U.S. News – Best Lawyers "Law Firm of the Year” for outstanding work in Admiralty & Maritime Law. Cozen O’Connor is one of only five firms to have been honored with this prestigious recognition in this area of practice since the inception of “Best Law Firms” in 2010. CONTACTS Jeffrey F. Lawrence Chair, Transportation & Trade, Co-Chair, International Practice jlawrence@cozen.com (202) 463-2504 PEOPLE Geoffrey D. Ferrer Vice Chair, Transportation & Trade New York Marc J. Fink Of Counsel Washington, D.C. Anne M. Madonia Member Philadelphia Anne E. Mickey Member Washington, D.C. Stanley O. Sher Of Counsel Washington, D.C. Josh Stein Member Washington, D.C. Jeff R. Vogel Member Washington, D.C. AWARDS Legal 500 Recognizes Six Cozen O’Connor Practice Areas and 12 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys in its 2021 Legal Guide 63 Cozen O’Connor Lawyers, 16 Practices Earn Top Recognition in Chambers USA 2020 Guide RELATED PRACTICE AREAS Cruise Industry Intermodal & Logistics Maritime Antitrust & Competition Maritime Corporate & Finance Maritime Litigation Maritime Regulatory Trade Regulation, Export Controls & Sanctions Transportation & Trade Keep up-to-date with the latest Maritime Corporate & Finance news from Cozen O'Connor Enter your City or Zip. SIGN ME UP Sign up to receive alerts, publications, and event / webinar invites. By submitting your contact information, you are giving Cozen O'Connor consent to contact you via email. Full Service International Law Firm Learn More EXPERIENCE ALUMNI BLOGS & PODCASTS CLE PROGRAMS SUBSCRIBE TO PUBLICATIONS Affiliates COZEN O’CONNOR PUBLIC STRATEGIES MARGOLIS HEALY NATIONAL SUBROGATION SERVICES Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Attorney Advertising