Praised by clients as ‘The clear leader in shipping finance’, Watson Farley & Williams (New York) LLP’s New York-based practice advises on the gamut of shipping finance transactions, including capital markets and private equity deals. It also assists with restructurings, insolvencies, sanctions, and tax issues; and on behalf of owners, shipbuilders, investors, lenders and operators, the group advises on the Jones Act. In recent highlights, the team assisted Altera Infrastructure with aspects of its Chapter 11 restructuring process in the US. Senior partner and New York office head, George Paleokrassas represents shipping lenders and shipowners on the structuring and restructuring of loan and leasing deals, as well as transactions involving distressed assets; and Christopher Belisle assists with asset-based loan facilities for ships, along with lease financings. The practice further showcases John Benson, who represents financial institutions and investment funds, as well as owners and operators in the international shipping markets; and corporate, private equity, securities and capital markets transaction expert, Steven Hollander, who ‘gets the job done’. Other names to note are maritime sector specialists Filana Silberberg (a late 2022 hire from Seward & Kissel LLP), Will Vogel, C J Chido, Maxi Adamski-De Visser and Todd Johnson. In October 2023, former partner Daniel Rodgers left the firm.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The clear leader in shipping finance.’
‘They are the go-to in this area. They do a great job.’
‘Full-scale ability to advise a shipping company, with expertise in all aspects of the business globally.’
‘The WFW Team is responsive and always readily available to address clients’ needs.’
‘Steven Hollander is very effective and commercial. He knows how to focus on the client’s needs and gets the job done.’
‘Steven Hollander is very active and highly involved in clients’ files - clients appreciate his attention.’
Key clients
- Hudson Structured Capital Management (formerly Northern Shipping Management)
- SEACOR
- LISCR
- Royal Caribbean Group
- Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank
- Höegh LNG Holdings Ltd.
- Altera Infrastructure
- Dorian LPG Ltd.
- Danish Ship Finance
- Transcend Cruises
Work highlights
- Acted as special maritime counsel to SEACOR Holdings Inc, through its subsidiary Seabulk Tankers, on the formation of a joint venture with Crowley.
- Advised both Seanergy and United Maritime on the spin-off by Seanergy of United Maritime, and a related public equity offering by United Maritime.
- Advised Altera Infrastructure on aspects of its successful Chapter 11 restructuring process in the US, which addressed over $1bn of secured and unsecured holding company debt, $400m of preferred equity, and $550m of secured asset-level bank debt.
Lawyers
Hall of fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
John Benson
Steven Hollander
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Filana Silberberg
Will Vogel
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
C J Chido
Practice head
George Paleokrassas
Other key lawyers
Christopher Belisle; John Benson; Steven Hollander; Filana Silberberg; Will Vogel; C J Chido; Maxi Adamski-De Visser; Todd Johnson