The maritime litigation practice at Seward & Kissel LLP harnesses a strong bench of corporate and commercial litigators, equipped with excellent industry and market specific knowledge in the sector. The team represents major public and private shipping clients in disputes arising from financing transactions, shipping securities and governance matters, alongside traditional maritime disputes. A notable area of expertise in US economic sanctions sees the firm conducting internal investigations and providing international trade sanctions advice to a range of domestic and international entities. From New York, Bruce G Paulsen co-heads the team, specialising in complex commercial and maritime disputes, as well as handling piracy issues before US government agencies. Co-head Brian Maloney leverages extensive experience in sanctions-related matters and managing regulatory investigations. Counsel Laura Miller focuses on maritime litigation, with a particular expertise in environmental laws and regulations.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The level of industry and market specific knowledge - both commercial and legal is excellent. They also turn work around very quickly, and are a pleasure to deal with.'
- 'The team has deep knowledge about the shipping industry. They are proactive, efficient, cost effective and pleasant to work with.'
- 'They are the best NYC ship finance practice, bar none. Mike Timpone, Keith Billotti and Ted Horton are top notch, leaders in their field.'
- 'Sophia Agathis is up and coming and one to watch.'
- 'Mike Timpone is a market leader with excellent legal and commercial knowledge of the sector, and in general. Mike can give clear and concise answers and provide a steer on how to deal with problems rather than present the law and leave clients to work out what to do by themselves.
- 'Mike Timpone is very quick to respond and makes himself directly available to clients. He values long term relationships with clients.'
- 'There is no alternative to Mike Timpone on matters of NY or Liberian law.'
- 'The team has deep knowledge about the shipping industry combined with a first class understanding of the legal framework for ship finance matters.'
- 'Sophia Agathis is excellent to deal with. She is pragmatic and quick to get to the heart of of the matters and issues clients work on.'
- 'Sophia Agathis is a real star. She will become a legend in the market like Mike Timpone who always knows how to handle challenging commercial and legal matters.'
Key clients
- Commodities & Minerals Enterprise Ltd.
- Vessel Owner
- Sea Justice Ltd.
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.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Bruce G. Paulsen; Brian Maloney; Russell Johnston
Other key lawyers
Laura Miller