Watson Farley & Williams (New York) LLP > New York, United States > Firm Profile

Watson Farley & Williams (New York) LLP
250 West 55th Street
(between Broadway and 8th Avenue)
New York, New York 10019
NEW YORK
United States

Visit website 1 212 922 2200

Industry focus > Transport: shipping - finance Tier 1

With ‘deep expertise on a global basis‘, Watson Farley & Williams (New York) LLP handles the full gamut of shipping finance work, including capital markets aspects, as well as restructurings. The team routinely assists with New York and US federal law matters, along with Marshall Islands, Liberian and Vanuatu maritime law issues. ‘On par with the most knowledgeable legal minds in shipping finance‘, Daniel Rodgers

‘ practice covers asset-based lending and project structured finance, lease financings, and US capital markets transactions. International transactions specialist Steven Hollander advises a range of clients including corporates, sponsors and acquirers, to targets and private equity firms. Also integral to the group are Christopher Belisle, who advises on asset-based loan facilities for ships; the ‘extremely pragmatic‘ John Benson, who is admitted to practice law in both New York and the Republic of the Marshall Islands; and Will Vogel, who represents maritime sector-related public companies in their US securities matters. Primarily acting for banks, financial institutions and private equity funds on cross-border, asset-backed financings, counsel C J Chido also focuses his practice on the maritime sector. All named attorneys are based in the firm’s New York office unless otherwise mentioned.

Testimonials

‘Deep expertise on a global basis, with strong coordination across the firm to deliver optimal advice to clients.‘

‘Commercial mindset to help clients develop complete solutions and not merely legal feedback.‘

‘Leverages its network in the industry to be a thought leader and supporter of industry players.‘

‘Shipping and maritime law, particularly with respect to the US Jones Act, is a niche specialty that requires specialized knowledge only gained over many years of experience and successful transactions. WF&W has this expertise, as well as international maritime law experience – they are well known experts in this field.‘

‘Leading expertise and experience within shipping and capital markets transactions across a range of jurisdictions and across the capital structure (both debt and equity products).‘

‘Daniel Rodgers is an excellent and knowledgeable attorney, and his personality and work ethic are well suited to our legal needs and our transactions generally. He is practical in spotting issues and understanding what is important to us. Daniel is on par with the most knowledgeable legal minds in shipping finance, and he is an asset to our growing investment strategy.‘

‘Steven Hollander delivers on time and budget and with high availability – a strong project manager who ensures attention to all aspects of the transaction.‘

‘John Benson coordinates across the firm to meet clients’ needs, is extremely pragmatic, and has a commercial mindset. Clients appreciate this.‘

Key clients

Globus Maritime

Royal Caribbean

Teekay Corporation

Liberian International Ship and Corporate Registry

Altera Infrastructure

Borealis Finance

Maritime Holdings Corp

Dorian LPG

Top Ships

Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp

Work highlights

Advised longstanding client Royal Caribbean Cruises on Liberian law matters, which concerned a $2.2bn term loan with Morgan Stanley Senior Funding.
Advised the debtor-in-possession lenders on their $500m DIP term loan credit agreement with Valaris, an offshore drilling services provider.
Advised longstanding client Globus Maritime on a public offering.

Dedicated to client care, industry focus and investment in our people
We are a sector specialist international law firm in the energy, transport and infrastructure sectors advising on complex transactions and disputes through local knowledge and an integrated international network.

Our business exists to help our clients achieve their goals, partnering with them to meet the challenges they face today and will face tomorrow.

Our values rest on developing deep and long-lasting relationships externally and internally through respect, sharing, communication and integrity.

We strive for excellence in all that we do and view investment in our people as key to achieving our business goals and values.

Our teams are integrated across legal disciplines and offices delivering consistently high levels of service locally and in combination across borders.

History: Sector focus has been at the heart of our strategy since we opened for business in 1982. Having started life as an asset finance boutique focussing on the maritime and aviation industries, our transport focus quickly expanded to other supply-chain led industries, most notably, renewable and conventional energy and infrastructure across these industries.

Through our offices around the world, we provide a full suite of services within our core sectors enabling us to deliver exceptional value to our clients.

Facts

Founded 1982
175+ partners
580+ lawyers
18 offices

Senior Partner: George Paleokrassas
Managing Partner: Lindsey Keeble

Global Sector Heads:
Aviation: Jim Bell, Charles Viggers
Energy: Malte Jordan, Henry Stewart
Infrastructure: Florian Kutzbach and Jose Maria Anarte
Maritime: George Macheras, George Paleokrassas
Mining & Commodities: Jan Mellmann
Oil & Gas: Chris Kilburn

Name	Position	Profile
Susanne Burstein	With a focus on the transportation sector, Susanne advises domestic and international…	View Profile
C. J. Chido	C.J. focuses his practice in the maritime sector and primarily acts for…	View Profile
Daniel Rodgers	Dan’s practice involves a broad scope of finance work ranging from asset-based…	View Profile