Blank Rome LLP

The ‘very responsive and hardworking’ maritime practice at Blank Rome LLP is renowned for its deep bench of shipping litigators and regulatory attorneys, well-equipped to handle complex maritime regulatory matters and shipping disputes. With offices in Washington DC, Houston, New York and Philadelphia, the team advises on the full gamut of maritime matters, with particularly strong expertise in Jones Act and ballast water compliance. In Washington DC, leading maritime law expert Jeanne Grasso co-chairs the national maritime practice, advising clients on regulatory compliance and pollution incidents response; Houston-based Keith Letourneau leads on major litigations involving vessel arrests, maritime lien claims and collisions; and Thomas Belknap leads the New York team, specialising in a wide range of domestic and international shipping disputes.  Jonathan K Waldron  is a specialist in regulatory matters at the Washington DC office, alongside trade sanctions-expert Matthew Thomas. Kierstan L Carlson represents corporate and individual clients in high-stakes government investigations and litigation. In New York, John Kimball  leverages deep shipping litigation experience involving maritime casualties, whilst William Bennett III is recommended for his ’excellent client relationship approach’. Lauren O’Brien left the firm in January 2025.