The maritime practice at K&L Gates is distinguished for its ‘outstanding’ regulatory and policy knowledge, harnessing extensive experience working alongside legislative and executive brand agencies, as well as international governmental bodies and officials. With a large global network, the firm is well-equipped to provide comprehensive support to clients in the full gamut of maritime issues, notably arrests, attachments, and seizures of vessels; marine insurance claims; vessel collisions, allisions, and groundings; and a range of maritime contract disputes. In Washington DC, Michael Scanlon co-leads the policy and regulatory practice, representing US and foreign shipping companies and marine service providers before federal agencies, US Congress and federal courts; Mark Ruge handles federal government matters, and associate Elle Stuart assists on regulatory, policy, and legislative matters. Boston-based Jeffrey King specialises in complex commercial litigation and arbitration concerning maritime and transportation matters, whilst the ’intelligent and responsive’ George Kontakis leads on domestic and international commercial and criminal matters in the New York office. Houston-based associate Jody Schisel-Meslin is another key contact for maritime litigation.    
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

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.

Jeffrey King

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