Michael Scanlon > K&L Gates > Washington DC, United States > Lawyer Profile

Demonstrating strength in congressional investigations, the K&L Gates public policy and law group is also frequently retained by private companies, alliances and associations for strategic advice and policy advocacy. The practice is active across the financial services, postal, maritime, space, LNG and transportation industries. Michael Scanlon has a specialism in shipping and maritime matters and advocates in this area for new legislation and regulation and compliance with this, while David Wochner focuses on the natural gas and hydrogen industries and has extensive experience representing clients before the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Karishma Page lobbies on behalf of clients in the financial services, retirement, healthcare and employee benefits areas, while Andrew Wright is adept at congressional investigations. All four partners are based in Washington DC and make up the leadership team. Daniel Crowley handles public policy issues relating to financial services, Bruce Heiman focuses on cyber security, privacy policies and IP, while Emanuel Rouvelas handles policy issues in the maritime and shipping industry. Joe Trahern joined the practice in January 2024 and brings experience in the Senate and House of Representatives with him.

The maritime practice at K&L Gates is distinguished for its ‘outstanding’ regulatory and policy knowledge, harnessing extensive experience working alongside legislative and executive brand agencies, as well as international governmental bodies and officials. With a large global network, the firm is well-equipped to provide comprehensive support to clients in the full gamut of maritime issues, notably arrests, attachments, and seizures of vessels; marine insurance claims; vessel collisions, allisions, and groundings; and a range of maritime contract disputes. In Washington DC, Michael Scanlon co-leads the policy and regulatory practice, representing US and foreign shipping companies and marine service providers before federal agencies, US Congress and federal courts; Mark Ruge handles federal government matters, and associate Elle Stuart assists on regulatory, policy, and legislative matters. Boston-based Jeffrey King specialises in complex commercial litigation and arbitration concerning maritime and transportation matters, whilst the ‘intelligent and responsive’ George Kontakis leads on domestic and international commercial and criminal matters in the New York office. Houston-based associate Jody Schisel-Meslin is another key contact for maritime litigation.