The team at Watson Farley & Williams (New York) LLP continues to advise a global client base, including international banks and major cruise liners, on a broad spectrum of financing matters. In particular, the group is frequently engaged in matters involving Greece-based US public shipping companies, including advising Greece-based ship owners on New York capital market listings. Steven Hollander primarily handles equity investments and public and private securities offerings. For matters involving the Securities Exchange Act and stock exchange rules, Filana Silberberg is the first point of call. Also well-versed in the stock market, Will Vogel advises clients on IPOs, private placements, and follow-on public offerings. Maxi Adamski-De Visser is another notable name in the group, where she works on cross-border and domestic asset-based finance transactions. Rounding out the team is C J Chido, who frequently advises on matters involving Marshall Islands and Liberian corporate and maritime law. The group is based in New York. Susanne Burstein left the team in September 2025. Christopher Belisle and John Benson have both left the firm.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Steve Hollander is fantastic. Super smart and pragmatic. He leaves no stone unturned.’
- ‘Filana Silberberg has impressive expertise as well as being smart, creative, committed, supportive, experienced, and pragmatic.’
- ‘The group has deep knowledge of the shipping sector, combined with expertise in capital markets & finance.’
- ‘Steve Hollander is always thorough, knowledgeable, and fully engaged.’
- ‘Watson Farley is my go to everytime when it comes to shipping. They are smart, commercial and responsive.’
- George Macheras is the main partner for us. He provides solution-oriented advice. He is highly commercial and, importantly, detailed in his approach. He has deep expertise in maritime, which is valuable when receiving his advice.
Key clients
- Marla Investments
- SEACOR Marine
- First Citizens Bank & Trust Company
- Global Ship Lease
- Globus Maritime Limited
- Dynagas
- Mitsui O.S.K. Lines
- Royal Caribbean Group
- Okeanis Eco Tankers
- Rubico
- Performance Shipping Inc.
- Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp.
Work highlights
Advised Marla Investments Inc. (“Marla Investments”) on its acquisition of the majority of the issued and outstanding shares from certain shareholders of EuroHoldings Ltd (a NASDAQ-listed container shipping company), all of whom were associated with the Pittas family.
Advised MAG Offshore Investments LLC, a joint venture between three leading players in the maritime industry – EnTrust Global Partners Offshore LP/Maas Capital Partners , Goldenport and Allianz as the purchaser in the acquisition of a 20-vessel offshore support vessel fleet from Singapore-listed Atlantic Navigation and all of the connected chartering, management, joint venture and financing arrangements.
Advised MET Group (“MET”) on its investment, by way of a partnership agreement with Celsius Group (“Celsius”), in one modern LNG carrier to be constructed by China Merchants Heavy Industry (Jiangsu).
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Other key lawyers
Steve Hollander; Filana Silberberg; Will Vogel; Maxi Adamski-De Visser; C J Chido