Get to know Blank Rome Maritime team members Vanessa C. DiDomenico and Luke M. Reid.
Vanessa C. DiDomenico
How did you get into maritime law?
I have always had a passion for the sea. At a young age, I took sailing lessons and knew I wanted to work in an ocean-related field. I attended Massachusetts Maritime Academy and after graduation I worked on vessel newbuilding and, subsequently, dry dock projects, where I acquired technical knowledge and project management experience. I was intrigued by the various laws, regulations, and policies that shipowners and operators needed to comply with. Ultimately, I decided to pursue maritime law because it allows me to use a multidisciplinary approach, combining my technical, business, and legal training, to solve pressing challenges.
What do you find most interesting about the maritime industry?
The global impact of the maritime industry is truly profound. The industry serves as a vital artery that sustains the flow of the global economy. It connects people, cultures, and economies across the world, facilitating international trade and commerce.
How does our firm’s deep experience in the maritime industry provide us with a competitive advantage?
Our deep experience in the maritime industry enables our team to evaluate complex issues through a saltwater lens. Similar to the ocean environment, we have a diverse team that can adapt to ever-changing environments, such as providing insight into new regulations. We also have a deep understanding of the law that enables us to provide clarity in the midst of turbulent events.
What do you like to do outside of your legal practice?
I enjoy being outdoors and staying active. Golfing and sailing are my two favorite hobbies.
Luke M. Reid
How did you get into maritime law?
I attended the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, served at sea on a ship after graduation, and served in a variety of marine safety engineering and legal assignments during the remainder of my Coast Guard career. While on active duty, I advised senior commanders on maritime operations and the enforcement of international and domestic laws applicable to U.S. and foreign vessels. So, my transition to private practice as a maritime lawyer was really a natural progression from my Coast Guard career.
What trends are you following at the moment?
The maritime industry is at the cusp of transformational change in several respects. Decarbonization of international shipping, digitalization of all aspects of maritime operations, and the increased prevalence of automation and autonomous vessels are clear trends in the maritime sector. These transformational changes will undoubtedly disrupt the “status quo”—and will add even greater complexity to the operational, business, and legal risks facing our clients.
What are some of the key challenges our clients face, and how do our services and knowledge help to overcome them?
The regulatory challenges and legal risks facing our maritime clients have never been greater or more complex. Whether it is a sanctions or coastwise trade issue; compliance with applicable environmental, safety, or security regulations; or having to contend with a major marine accident, the risks and range of potential outcomes can be daunting. On the bright side, our firm has a deep bench of highly skilled attorneys—with practical, hands-on maritime experience—who know the industry well and will bring the right solutions to these problems facing the industry. First and foremost, our regulatory and compliance counseling lawyers can help clients prevent incidents, investigations, and other bad outcomes from happening in the first place. When incidents or investigations do occur, we have extensive experience handling every facet of a major maritime incident—government investigations, civil and criminal enforcement actions, resulting civil litigation, and more.
What do you like to do outside of your legal practice?
I love the outdoors—hiking, biking, and spending time with my family and friends (and my two labrador retrievers, Jetty and Summer!) I am also an avid, lifelong soccer player who continues to play year-round, even in the dead of winter in New England!
This article is one in a series of articles written for Blank Rome’s MAINBRACE: June 2025 edition.