Admiralty & Maritime Law

Admiralty is a specialized, sometimes archaic, sometimes confusing, but always fascinating area of law. It is comprised of its own statutory, procedural, and decisional law, much of which differs significantly from other areas of civil law.

Unique to American maritime law, for instance, is the “personification” of vessels, which means that vessels themselves (as distinguished from their owners and operators) can be held responsible for certain debts and can be "arrested" or physically detained to be held accountable for maritime obligations.

In admiralty law, in rem jurisdiction presents special advantages and challenges to litigants. One example is the arrest of vessels, which at once confers jurisdiction over the vessel itself and provides security for an unresolved claim. Another is the Shipowners Limitation of Liability Act. Under certain conditions, this statute allows a vessel owner to limit its liability for certain casualties to the value of the vessel after the casualty.

Other distinctive features of maritime law include “maintenance & cure” and Jones Act claims by seamen; LSHWCA claims by longshoremen and other non-seaman who work on or near vessels; and statutory schemes related to loss or damage of goods carried by sea.

The firm has represented vessel owners and operators, shippers, insurers, and shore-based marine facilities. We also represent clients in the sale, purchase, and financing of federally and locally documented vessels.

For litigation matters, e-mail Michael Fitzsimmons or Matthew J. Duensing.

For transactional matters, e-mail Michael Fitzsimmons or A. James Casner.