Maritime Litigation Recent News: 2018 U.S. News & World Report – Best Lawyers "Best Law Firms" Ranks Cozen O’Connor 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. 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 Tweet EXPERIENCE PUBLICATIONS 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. Troubled waters ahead [Seatrade Cruise Review] June 12, 2020 Christopher Kende published an article to the Seatrade Cruise Review examining the main allegations brought by passengers, the legal framework and possible defenses which may, in all likelihood, be asserted by the cruise lines. 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. More Troubled Waters for the Cruise Industry [Alert] April 09, 2020 Chris Kende discusses the new class action lawsuit filed against an Italian subsidiary of Carnival Corporation for various physical and emotional damages as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. 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. Rough Seas for the Cruise Industry [Alert] March 12, 2020 Chris Kende discusses the first lawsuit filed against Princess Cruise Lines in the wake of the coronavirus epidemic. 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. 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. EVENTS & SEMINARS Past Events CMA Shipping Conference & Exhibition March 31, 2020 - Stamford, Connecticut American Conference Institute’s Annual Forum on Admiralty & Maritime Litigation February 26, 2019 - Houston, Texas EMLO 2017 Spring Seminar April 27, 2017 - Genoa, Italy ABA Regional CLE Workshop: Current Topics in Marine Insurance Coverage February 02, 2017 - San Francisco, CA 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. 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. Judge tosses Princess Cruise passenger lawsuit over coronavirus-related distress — how that affects similar court battles July 24, 2020 Chris Kende was featured in Morningstar news discussing the decision over the Princess Cruise passenger lawsuit. 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." 18 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys Named New York Metro Super Lawyers and Rising Stars September 21, 2018 Super Lawyers has named 17 Cozen O'Connor attorneys to its 2018 New York Super Lawyers and Rising Stars list. Twelve were recognized as Super Lawyers and five were named "Rising Stars." 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. 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 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. Jodi McDougall Member Seattle Anne E. Mickey Member Washington, D.C. Christopher Raleigh Member New York Stanley O. Sher Of Counsel Washington, D.C. David F. Smith Of Counsel Washington, D.C. AWARDS Legal 500 Recognizes Six Cozen O’Connor Practice Areas and 12 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys in its 2021 Legal 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 Litigation news from Cozen O'Connor Enter your City or Zip. SIGN ME UP Sign up to receive alerts, publications, and event / webinar invites. 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