The full-service maritime practice at Holland & Knight LLP comprises a deep bench of ‘individually excellent’ lawyers, working across client-specific teams to represent leading vessel owners, charterers, energy and utility companies, oil and gas service providers, as well as banks and other financial organizations. The team leverages particularly extensive experience representing clients in major litigation and proceedings before the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC). New York-based Christopher Nolan leads, recommended for his ’rare depth of knowledge’ in shipping matters, notably shipping disputes and marine insurance; Michael Frevola represents clients in major arbitration and commercial litigation; James Power harnesses international law expertise to advise on cross-border marine insolvency cases; and the ‘excellent’ Vincent Foley is an expert in marine environmental issues. In the Washington DC office, Gerald Morrissey III and Sean Pribyl come recommended for litigation and regulatory compliance in the maritime and international trade sectors. Other key figures include New York-based Michael Cavanaugh, Houston-based Julia Haines and Matthew Vafidis in San Francisco.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team are a group of talented individuals, all individually excellent and who work together well to bring their strengths together for the client's benefit.’
‘Mike Frevola is a key individual who has an excellent mix of great legal knowledge and ability together with a commercial understanding.’
‘We instruct Vincent Foley at Holland & Knight on many of our disputes in the US. Vincent is excellent and has a very good team of lawyers. Vincent is hands on, creative and has always secured good results for us.’
‘Quick, reliable, reachable and help us to settle cargo claims quickly and fairly without having to go to court.’
'Chris Nolan has a rare depth of knowledge when it comes to shipping matters in the U.S. He is hard working, responsive, easy to work with, and a strong litigator.'
‘Christopher Nolan is very friendly and easy to reach when urgent situations arrive. Always gracious to explain things for a layman like me to understand.’
‘I only have experience with Gerald Morrissey but find him to be very knowledgeable about both the legal aspects of the MTO business as well as many of the practical applications. Gerald always takes a pragmatic approach and s very thoughtful and thorough in his advice. ’
‘Very close to legislative happenings and insight to particular relevant cases. Gerald Morrissey brings a lot of value to the conversations and good guidance for the group. ’
Key clients
- Crowley Maritime Corporation
- Ports America
- Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)
- Samsung Electronics America, Inc.
- Evergreen Marine Corp.
- Fujairah International Oil & Gas Corporation
- World Fuel Services Europe Ltd.
- Fertilizantes Tocantins S.A.
- Peloton Interactive, Inc.
- In re: Consolidated Arbitration between Unico Marine Services LLC v. JMB Shipping ATB 284 LLC et al.
Work highlights
- Representing major U.S. shipper of electronic and household goods in seeking recovery of multiples of millions of dollars in demurrage and detention charges.
- Represented World Fuel Services in a vessel arrest.
- Representing Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) on Federal Maritime Commission rulemaking regarding passenger fare refunds for cancelled cruises.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Christopher Nolan
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Sean Pribyl
Practice head
Christopher Nolan
Other key lawyers
Michael Frevola; James Power; Vincent Foley; Gerald Morrissey; Sean Pribyl; J. Michael Cavanaugh; Julia Haines; Matthew Vafidis