Category: Blank Rome News

Blank Rome Maritime Attorney Spotlights

Mainbrace | March 2018 (No.1)

Jon Waldron Named Law360 2017 Transportation MVP

Blank Rome LLP is pleased to announce that Partner Jonathan K. Waldron was recognized as a Law360 2017 Transportation MVP.

In Jon’s MVP profile, Law360 praises his noteworthy accomplishments of helping to turn back a proposed regulation that would have banned most international vessels from serving U.S. offshore energy projects in the Gulf of Mexico; advising a shipyard faced with financial ruin in its effort to secure a Jones Act waiver; and representing developers of an offshore wind farm expected to be the largest in the United States upon completion.

During his MVP interview with Law360, Jon discusses his biggest case of the year, reflects on what brought him to maritime law and what he loves about his practice, and offers advice to young attorneys.

For more information on Jon’s Law360 2017 Transportation MVP profile and interview, please click here.

Keith Letourneau Named Co-Chair of Blank Rome’s Maritime and International Trade Practice Group

Blank Rome Partner Keith B. Letourneau was appointed to serve as co-chair of the Firm’s Maritime & International Trade practice group, effective January 1, 2018. Keith will collaborate with Partner John D. Kimball, Chair, and Partner Jeanne M. Grasso, Vice Chair, to lead the group.

The maritime group would also like to thank Jonathan K. Waldron for his recent role as practice co-chair, which concluded on December 31.

Blank Rome’s success is a direct reflection of the commitment, dedication, and hard work of our talented group of attorneys and professionals. We thank them for their ongoing contributions and service to the Firm.

Blank Rome Proudly Sponsors WISTA USA 2018 Annual General Meeting, Conference, and 20th Anniversary Gala

Mainbrace | March 2018 (No.1)

Blank Rome LLP is pleased to announce that the Firm is a sponsor of the WISTA USA 2018 Annual General Meeting, Conference, and 20th Anniversary Gala, taking place April 26–27, 2018, at the Parker New York hotel in New York City. “The Women Who Move The World” is the theme of this year’s conference, which will recognize the significant contributions of women in the maritime industry.

Kate B. Belmont, a senior associate in the Firm’s maritime group who serves as WISTA USA NY/NJ Chapter President, looks forward to welcoming attendees to this annual event, which is being hosted by the WISTA USA NY/NJ Chapter. Continue reading “Blank Rome Proudly Sponsors WISTA USA 2018 Annual General Meeting, Conference, and 20th Anniversary Gala”

Chambers Global 2018 Highly Ranks Blank Rome Shipping

Mainbrace | March 2018 (No.1)

Chambers Global 2018 recognized both Blank Rome LLP and John D. Kimball, Partner and Co-Chair of the Firm’s Maritime & International Trade practice group, as leaders in Shipping: Litigation—Global-wide. Continue reading “Chambers Global 2018 Highly Ranks Blank Rome Shipping”

Blank Rome Maritime Practice Ranked in U.S. News and World Report—Best Lawyers® 2018 “Best Law Firms”

Mainbrace | March 2018 (No.1)

Blank Rome LLP is pleased to announce that the Firm’s maritime practice was highly ranked both nationally and regionally in the U.S. News & World Report—Best Lawyers® 2018 “Best Law Firms” survey.

Blank Rome’s industries and services recognized in this year’s survey include: Continue reading “Blank Rome Maritime Practice Ranked in U.S. News and World Report—Best Lawyers® 2018 “Best Law Firms””

Diversity and Inclusion News

Mainbrace | March 2018 (No.1)

Blank Rome Launches Inaugural Diversity & Inclusion Newsletter, Perspectives

Blank Rome LLP is pleased to present the inaugural edition of Perspectives, the Firm’s Diversity & Inclusion newsletter that keeps you informed on our latest diversity news and provides insight on current diversity issues in the legal industry and beyond.

Featured in this edition:

  • Highlights from the Blank Rome Women’s Leadership Summit and Legal Hackathon
  • Analysis of the American Bar Association’s Resolution 113
  • Profiles of LCLD Pathfinders in the Blank Rome Proust Questionnaire
  • Initiatives on advancing women in law and promoting LGBTQ equality
  • Inside look at the Blank Rome Temple-Tsinghua Internship
  • Overview of recent diversity and inclusion headlines, accolades, and events

To download Perspectives, please click here.

Blank Rome Named “Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality” by Human Rights Campaign in 2018 Corporate Equality Index

Blank Rome LLP received a perfect score of 100 percent on the 2018 Corporate Equality Index (“CEI”), a national benchmarking survey and report on corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ workplace equality, administered by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (“HRC”).

With this score, Blank Rome has been designated for the third year in a row as a “Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality” by the HRC, and joins the ranks of 609 major U.S. businesses that earned top marks this year.

For more information on Blank Rome’s 2018 Corporate Equality Index score, please click here.

Note from the Maritime Industry Team

Mainbrace | October 2017 (No.4)

Richard V. Singleton II

Large sectors of the maritime industry—especially offshore—remain in the doldrums, but it nonetheless has been a busy few months for our Blank Rome Maritime group. Our Washington, D.C., maritime attorneys have been occupied with numerous regulatory, Jones Act, and white collar criminal matters. They also continue to devote substantial time working with our Blank Rome Government Relations partners trying to discern and advise our clients on the direction that the Trump administration will likely take with respect to maritime, environmental, and regulatory policy. Our New York office has been occupied with a number of maritime casualties, including the recent collision involving the United States Navy vessel John McCain, and a steady flow of insolvency matters/questions. And our Houston office, notwithstanding being closed for five-and-a-half days as a result of Hurricane Harvey, has been so busy that it has enlisted assistance from attorneys in our other offices. Fortunately, with more than 60 attorneys in Blank Rome’s Maritime Industry Team who are located throughout our Houston, New York, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia offices, we have the resources to meet our clients’ needs. Continue reading “Note from the Maritime Industry Team”

Jeremy Herschaft Appointed Vice President of AIJA Transport Law Commission

Mainbrace | October 2017 (No.4)

Blank Rome Partner Jeremy Herschaft has been appointed as a vice president of the International Association of Young Lawyers (“AIJA”) Transport Law Commission for a three-year term.

Mr. Herschaft will serve in the vice president position along with Cherry Almeida of Alius Law (Rotterdam) and Lucas Marques of Kincaid (Rio de Janeiro), and all three will support incoming Transport Law Commission President Javier Zabala of Meana Green Maura & Co. (Bilbao).

Through his role, Mr. Herschaft spoke on the panel “Maritime Credits and Liens vs International Insolvencies—Digesting

the Latest Judicial Resolutions Throughout the E.U. and the U.S.” at the AIJA seminar, Navigating Through Troubled Waters; Current Trends in International Maritime and Energy Insolvencies, held September 28-30 in Bilbao, Spain. For more information on his panel, please click here.

Chambers USA 2016 Honors Blank Rome Maritime Attorneys and Practices

Mainbrace | June 2016 (No. 3)

Notable Practitioners for Shipping Litigation (New York)

Thomas H. Belknap, Jr. ranked as a band two attorney. Chambers USA states: “Thomas Belknap has experience working on insurance litigation and arbitration for a range of maritime clients. He also covers charter party disputes, salvage disputes, and cargo damage claims.”

John D. Kimball ranked as a band two attorney. Chambers USA states: “John Kimball focuses his practice on the representation of shipping clients in a wide range of contentious issues, including maritime casualties, charter party, and insurance coverage disputes. Interviewees describe Kimball as ‘extremely thorough and very experienced and knowledgeable.’”

Richard V. Singleton ranked as a band four attorney. Chambers USA states: “Richard Singleton has expertise in litigating maritime casualty cases, insurance matters and bankruptcies. One client reports: ‘It is his combination of being on top of the details and the law and also thinking strategically that keeps me going back.’”

Lauren B. Wilgus ranked as an associate to watch. Chambers USA states: “Lauren Wilgus works with domestic and international clients on maritime litigation and in alternative dispute resolution forums. Areas of experience include marine insurance matters and cargo damage claims.”

Chambers 2016: Blank Rome Maritime’s “esteemed” shipping litigation practice (New York) has “significant experience handling high- profile maritime litigation for national and international clients.” The practice is “highly regarded for crisis response and offering additional expertise in alternative dispute resolution.”

Client sources say: “They have the depth for anything you need, and a lot of backup if you need help. The service is always prompt and efficient.”

Notable Practitioners for Shipping Litigation (Outside New York)

Michael K. Bell ranked as a band three attorney. Chambers USA states: “Michael Bell is well known for his representation of large maritime clients on issues such as contract disputes, casualties and commercial litigation. He ‘has a great understanding of the industry itself and a strong command of maritime law,’ say sources.”

Keith B. Letourneau ranked as a band three attorney. Chambers USA states: “Keith Letourneau has expertise in vessel arrests, hazardous materials pollution and contract disputes involving shipyards and oil rigs. One client reports: ‘He is our first line of defense; he is knowledgeable and the particular knowledge he has is of the market and what is going on. That really helps us in negotiations.’”

Douglas J. Shoemaker ranked as a band three attorney. Chambers USA states: “Douglas Shoemaker is described as ‘pragmatic and a great communicator’ by a client. His practice covers areas such as navigational error, cargo damage defense and onboard investigations. He also has a strong arbitration practice.”

Jeremy A. Herschaft ranked as an up and coming attorney. Chambers USA states: “Jeremy Herschaft is a rising star of the maritime litigation space. He works with shipping and energy companies in a range of maritime issues. Areas of strength include charter party disputes, terminal-related matters and cargo claims.”

Chambers 2016: Blank Rome Maritime’s shipping litigation practice (outside New York) is a “strong practice recognized for an accomplished stable of attorneys with expertise across the full spectrum of maritime litigation matters.” The practice, with key offices in Houston, Texas, and Washington, D.C., “represents well-known clients including shipowners and operators, energy corporations and P&I clubs” and has an “accomplished Gulf Coast- based practice supported by the additional national strength of the wider firm.”

Client sources say: “It is my direct experience that the partners have great expertise in their respective areas. They have demonstrated strong professionalism.”

Notable Practitioners for Shipping Regulatory (Outside New York)

Jeanne M. Grasso ranked as a band two attorney. Chambers USA states: “Jeanne Grasso works with large corporations such as vessel owners, charterers, cargo owners and facilities. She has expertise in government enforcement actions, pollution incident response and regulatory compliance.”

Matthew J. Thomas ranked as a band three attorney. Chambers USA states: “Matthew Thomas is noted for his knowledge of international trade sanctions and related issues concerning maritime clients. He has experience working with shipowners, terminal operators and P&I clubs.”

Jonathan K. Waldron ranked as a band one attorney. Chambers USA states: “Jonathan Waldron has ‘extensive legal knowledge and a practical approach to everything—he is really knowledgeable about the industry, not just the law,’ reports one client. He is highly regarded for his work in areas such as maritime compliance, environmental regulation and response and vessel operations.”

Chambers USA 2016: Blank Rome Maritime’s “highly acclaimed” shipping regulatory practice is “well known for its representation of significant shipping clients in a range of regulatory matters.” The practice “has expertise in Jones Act compliance, environmental investigation defense of companies and individuals and government relations” and is “further noted for working with shipowners on related aspects of trade sanctions.”

Client sources say: Blank Rome’s shipping regulatory practice is “knowledgeable and professional.”

Note from the Maritime Industry Team

Mainbrace | June 2017 (No. 3)

Keith B. Letourneau

Welcome to the summer 2017 edition of Mainbrace. To say we live in interesting times would be a serious understatement. We read headlines on a daily basis that challenge traditionally accepted notions of how governments operate, creating uncertainty as to how they will do so in the future. When you couple that uncertainty with the stiff headwinds faced by the maritime industry in recent years—vessel overcapacity in certain sectors, tight margins, cutbacks in the offshore-service sector, and the promulgation of new and expensive ballast water and air emissions regulatory regimes—the pressure to operate in a fiscally sound, fundamentally safe, and legally responsible manner has never been greater.

Continue reading “Note from the Maritime Industry Team”

A Note From the Chair

Mainbrace | March 2017 (No. 2)

John D. Kimball

What’s different about “change” in 2017? It certainly seems that we need to redefine what we mean when we consider the term itself.

Shipping historically has been a conservative industry, but its adaptability over the long haul has been proven time and time again. Some sectors of the industry will be coming to this year’s CMA Shipping 2017 conference with a more buoyant step than we have seen in recent memory, and for good reason. Only time will tell if the global markets will create the right environment for a strong economic recovery. With the Trump administration promising fiscal stimulus and interest rates still at low levels, however, there is a feeling of optimism in the room. Continue reading “A Note From the Chair”