Transportation: Shipping: Litigation (New York): Nationwide

THE FIRM Blank Rome has an excellent reputation for contentious work in the shipping arena. The group recently advised the Angeln Shipping Company on claims arising from the capsizing and subsequent sinking of the cargo vessel M/V Angeln. An impressive client list also includes Steamship Mutual Insurance, UK P&I Club and Oldendorff Carriers.

Sources say: "Great shipping litigation capabilities."

KEY INDIVIDUALS John Kimball chairs the firm's international and maritime litigation and ADR practice. He is described as "a high-quality individual" by sources. He played a lead role in the M/V Angeln matter.

Thomas Belknap is vice chair of the department. He enjoys a sound reputation in the market for charter party and attachment work. He took the lead for the Clipper Group on an arbitration concerning alleged engine damage and nonpayment of hire.

Jack Greenbaum is "a very senior and experienced litigator," according to sources. His principal clients include P&I clubs, charterers and oil companies. His practice covers a broad spectrum of litigation, arbitration and advisory work.

Lauren Wilgus is a highly rated associate who recently acted for Pearl Sea Cruises on the arbitration of a shipbuilding contract dispute.

THE FIRM This firm has a fine reputation for P&I club representation and cargo claims work, and is noted for its work in casualty and personal injury matters. The team recently represented a client in a New York arbitration concerning safe berth charter party issues. Key clients include luxury passenger cruise operators, as well as oil and gas entities.

Sources say: "Highly respected in their field."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Peter Gutowski recently advised on a high-stakes LNG supply contract dispute and subsequent arbitration. He is lauded for his effective approach to disputes, which market observers describe as "good and properly aggressive."

Wayne Meehan is noted for his expertise in litigation stemming from major collisions, and recently advised the owners of a tug and barge on claims arising from two deaths following a collision and sinking.

Sources speak highly of Don Murnane's "calm, deliberative and bright" litigation style. He had a key role in the New York arbitration concerning safe berth charter party issues.

William Juska is recognized for his cargo claim work, acting for clients such as commodities traders and insurance companies. He is also a respected arbitrator.

Gina Venezia is noted for her handling of personal injury and charter party disputes. She recently acted on a trial concerning damage to a dredge following a collision in New York Harbor.

The "very competent" Eric Lenck is noted for his handling of cargo and charter party disputes.

THE FIRM Burke & Parsons continues to have a solid presence in the contentious maritime arena. The group's areas of expertise include marine casualty litigation, cargo claims work and charter party matters. The team is experienced at state, federal and appellate level, and has regularly represented clients in New York maritime arbitrations.

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "very accomplished" Raymond Burke regularly represents shipowners in charter party disputes. Sources report that "he really keeps up with the law, and knows the trends."

Keith Heard is a respected maritime lawyer who is described by market sources as "very sharp" and "top-notch" for his "balanced approach to resolving disputes." He regularly handles cargo damage and maritime casualties.

THE FIRM This firm is noted for its cargo recovery work on behalf of plaintiffs and insurers. Its areas of expertise also include advising on disputes involving charter parties, marine insurance, maritime personal injury and collisions. 

Sources say: "An extraordinarily consistent firm."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Raymond Hayden enjoys an enviable reputation as "a notable cargo lawyer" and is "a great name" in the market, according to sources.

Anthony Pruzinsky is a trial lawyer with a fine reputation in the shipping arena. He has previously acted as lead counsel for cargo interests following major maritime incidents.

THE FIRM This national firm continues to impress in the maritime litigation arena. The team recently acted for a consortium of insurers on enforcing a multijurisdictional judgment of more than $80 million, following a 1988 chemical explosion aboard the M/V Aconcagua. An impressive client roster also includes Hanjin Shipping and Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, in addition to a host of P&I clubs.

KEY INDIVIDUALS William Honan calls on "a world of experience," and is "very solid and careful," according to sources. He represents clients in all aspects of maritime litigation and arbitration. He recently represented Conoco Phillips and Phillips 66 in connection with an estimated $48 million of damages to a jetty.

James Hohenstein focuses on charter party disputes, cargo claims and maritime bankruptcy matters. He played a lead role for DNB concerning an insolvency related to a $685 million ship financing to the BLT Group. Sources report: "He is a real advocate for clients. He is a gentleman, and is fair."

Michael Frevola is described as "very cooperative," but also "aggressive and smart" in his pursuit of client interests. He led for Gunvor in a bankruptcy preference dispute.

James Power played a lead role on the M/V Aconcagua incident. Sources remark that he is "very good – aggressive and knowledgeable."

THE FIRM This defense litigation boutique maintains a dedicated maritime litigation group. Areas of excellence include litigation stemming from marine insurance and reinsurance, cargo recovery, and marine construction. Clients include shipowners, manufacturers and dealerships.

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "top-drawer" Edward Radzik handles all aspects of shipping litigation, including claims arising from cargo loss, collisions, explosions and marine insurance. 

Daniel McDermott is cochair of the maritime litigation practice. He advises regularly on marine personal injury defense and insurance disputes.

THE FIRM This compact firm is recognized for its handling of marine insurance and reinsurance disputes. The team frequently represents clients in cargo matters, and has experience with disputes arising from damage to vessels and piers.

KEY INDIVIDUALS James Sweeney is well regarded for his admiralty and marine insurance disputes practice. Sources speak well of his pragmatic style, noting that "he gets things done in a practical way."

THE FIRM Nouse & Bowles is recognized for its effective work in charter party disputes, marine casualties, bills of lading disputes and cargo claims. It also has experience advising on marine personal injury and insurance disputes. The group is experienced in acting on behalf of clients in both state and federal courts as well as maritime arbitration panels.

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "very good" Armand Paré has advised on an array of matters from bankruptcy to explosions in the maritime sector. His clients include insurance companies, shipowners and vessel charterers.

Firm founder David Nourse is considered a "straight shooter" in shipping disputes such as commodity claims and charter party disputes. He commands substantial market respect for his broad practice, and regularly represents clients in maritime arbitrations.