The marine practice at Watson Farley & Williams (New York) LLP leverages ‘deep knowledge’ of the shipping sector, with the team’s extensive expertise extending beyond the US to include Marshall Islands, Liberia and Vanuatu corporate and maritime matters. The firm is praised for its client-centric approach, representing clients in capital markets and private equity transactions, restructurings, insolvencies and sanctions, as well as advising on various aspects of the Jones Act. Senior partner George Paleokrassas heads the New York practice, acting for leading shipping lenders and shipowners in a broad range of transactions; Christopher Belisle is highly regarded for his commercial litigation experience and frequently advises on asset-based loan facilities for ships, lease financings and various aspects of the Jones Act; Steven Hollander handles a range of international transactions; whilst John Benson represents financial institutions, private equity funds and shipowners and operators in cross-border asset-backed structured transactions. Robert Kritzman brings extensive experience within the global cruise sector. Filana Silberberg and Will Vogel are key contacts for corporate and securities matters, and counsel C J Chido acts in cross-border asset-backed financings in the maritime sector.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Deep knowledge of the law and industry.'
- 'Creativity in finding solutions, real interest in what is in the best interest of the company.'
- 'Loyalty to their clients.'
Key clients
- Altera Infrastructure
- Dorian LPG Ltd.
- Dynagas
- Global Ship Lease
- Globus Maritime Limited
- ICON Energy
- Mitsui O.S.K. Lines
- Navigator Holdings
- Okeanis Eco Tankers
- Pavimar
Work highlights
- Advised Okeanis Eco Tankers Corp. (Okeanis), as U.S. securities and Marshall Islands legal counsel, on its listing of common shares on the New York Stock Exchange, including filing and having declared effective a registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
- Advised Icon Energy Corp. on its initial public offering on the Nasdaq Capital Market of 1.25 million common shares at US$4.00 per share. The company’s common shares began trading on July 12, 2024, under the symbol ICON.
- Acted as special maritime counsel to SEACOR Holdings Inc. (SEACOR), through its subsidiary Seabulk Tankers, on the formation of a joint venture with Crowley through the final contribution date under the joint venture agreement.
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 Silderberg; Will Vogel; Robert Kritzman; CJ Chido; Maxi Adamski-De Visser