Advising vessel owners, oil providers, financial organizations, and industrial manufacturers, the team at Holland & Knight remains active, handling the full range of regulatory and litigation matters in the shipping sector. In particular, the group has strength in advising on economic sanctions, the carrying of dangerous goods, and anti-trust compliance. Spearheading the practice is Christopher Nolan, who specializes in shipping disputes involving charter parties, fire and explosion, as well as insolvency. Working alongside him is Michael Frevola, whose expertise ranges from collision litigation to bankruptcy disputes. Washington’s Sean Pribyl is a key contact for maritime trade, having significant experience acting in matters involving the US Coast Guard, US Customs and Border Protection, and wider government agencies. With experience in matters before the courts of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Marie Larsen excels at advising in a range of commercial disputes, including breach of contract and business tort matters. Jody Schisel-Meslin rounds the team out in Seattle, noted for her work in National Transportation Safety Board investigations. All lawyers mentioned are based in New York, unless otherwise stated. Julia Haines retired in August 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The team clearly has deep expertise in the substantive law and rules of practice in this jurisdiction.’
- 'I value their ability to analyze complex issues and develop practical, effective solutions. They also communicate clearly and are very responsive.’
- ‘The team possesses deep expertise in their respective legal fields, often having extensive experience in complex cases.'
- 'The team is solution-oriented.’
- ‘Always available, high level of expertise, with some of the country's leading lawyers in this field.'
Key clients
- Samsung Electronics America, Inc.
- Evergreen Marine Corp.
- Fujairah International Oil & Gas Corporation
- Kingdom of Spain
- Peloton Interactive, Inc.
- Orient Overseas Container Line Ltd
- Subrogated Interests of Lower Lakes Towing Ltd.
- Conceptum Logistics (USA) LLC
- China United Lines Ltd.
- Lincoln Harbor Enterprises, LLC, and Lincoln Harbor Yacht Club Condominium Association, Inc.
- CSX Transportation, Inc.
- New York Terminal Conference
Work highlights
Advising Samsung Electronics America, Inc., in seeking recovery of multiples of millions of dollars in demurrage and detention charges by ocean carriers in connection with the supply chain delays at ports and terminals.
Advising Lincoln Harbor Enterprises, LLC and Lincoln Harbor Yacht Club Condominium Association, Inc. on marina damages caused by ferries over several years, this case raises issues of first impression with respect to the scope of ferry operators’ liability for wake damage, and complex issues relating to the assessment of damages.
Acting on behalf of shipowners, H&K handled a marine incident for Evergreen Marine Corporation in the U.S. The Ever Forward ran aground in Chesapeake Bay after departing Baltimore for Norfolk on March 13, 2022, and was freed over one month later. H&K were involved in every aspect of the incident, including the declaration of general average, the emergency response, cargo claim demands, and liaising with the U.S. Coast Guard.
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.
Practice head
Christopher Nolan
Other key lawyers
Michael Frevola; Sean Pribyl; Marie Larsen; Jody Schisel-Meslin