- Profile
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Members of K&L Gates' shipping team in New York are knowledgeable experts. What makes them unique is that they always know their clients' business.’
‘George Kontakis is a very bright lawyer. He is intelligent and responsive.’
‘Outstanding knowledge of the U.S. regulations and international treaties which impact merchant marine training.’
‘Mark Ruge: Possibly the most effective admiralty lawyer in the U.S. today.'
‘The overall practice has a breadth of knowledge and experience in a particularly niche corner of the maritime industry that is invaluable and incomparable to any other firm. We have been so pleased with the depth of expertise, candor, and ethical legal advice from the K&L Gates team. ’
Key clients
- RWS and Associates Entertainment, Inc.
- American Maritime Partnership
- Matson, Inc.
- Mediterranean Shipping Company SA
- Transportation Institute
- Lake Carriers’ Association
- American Bureau of Shipping
- Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Ltd
- American Roll-on Roll-off Carrier Group
Work highlights
- Developed an industry and congressional coalition that advocates for construction of a new navigation lock in a key waterway in the Great Lakes.
- Advising a large wholesale retailer, in connection with a demurrage/detention dispute under a Global Freight Forwarder Services Agreement between the parties with charges exceeding $24 million.
- Representing RWS and Associates Entertainment, Inc. in two separate federal court actions involving Jones Act claims asserted by seamen alleging person injuries aboard a cruise vessel. Significant personal injury damages claimed.
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.
George Kontakis
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Elle Stuart
Practice head
Darrell L. Conner; Clare Kempkens; Michael Scanlon
Other key lawyers
Jeffrey King; Mark Ruge; George Kontakis; Jody Schisel-Meslin; Elle Stuart