Category: Meet Blank Rome

Note from the Editor

The seafarers of today’s global fleet are the lifeblood of our industry, working tirelessly to keep ships operating safely from port to port. “Perseverance” may not be the first word that comes to mind when asked to describe a mariner. Yet, it may be the most accurate when taking into account the time most mariners spend at sea, working away from family and friends for months on end, through heavy storms and rough seas. Working at sea is a grind. And there are no vacation days to recalibrate or take a deep breath. 

It is my belief that it is up to us: the onshore maritime community that benefits from those who go to sea, to support our seafarers whenever we can. One way to help is to donate your time or money to an association that directly helps mariners. This year, the Seamen’s Church Institute (“SCI”) will hosted its Mountain Challenge from September 25 to 28 at Sunday River Resort in Maine. More than 50 teams of three maritime industry professionals will compete in challenges that involve hiking more than 30 miles of rugged terrain, mastering obstacles, and canoeing the Androscoggin River. Perseverance is a must to complete the course. 

The goal is not to win, but to raise funds to benefit SCI and its noble mission of compassionately serving mariners and seafarers. If you wish to support an SCI Mountain Challenge team, more details and information on how to donate are available here: scimountainchallenge.org.

– William R. Bennett III

Mainbrace Editors

William R. Bennett III, Co-Editor
Emma C. Jones,
Co-Editor
Holli B. Packer, Associate Editor

Spotlight on …

Get to know Blank Rome Maritime team members Douglas J. Shoemaker and G. Evan Spencer.

Continue reading “Spotlight on …”

RANKINGS

Blank Rome Attorneys Recognized in 2026 Best Lawyers in America®

Blank Rome was recognized in the 2026 Best Lawyers in America survey, which ranked 235 firm attorneys in the annual categories of “Lawyers of the Year,” “Ones to Watch,” and “Best Lawyers” in 60 practice groups across 14 regions. Partners Keith B. Letourneau and Thomas H. Belknap, Jr., were recognized in the “Lawyers of the Year” category for Admiralty and Maritime Law in Houston and New York City, respectively. Additionally, 14 Maritime attorneys were recognized as “Best Lawyers.”Read More »

Jeanne M. Grasso Recognized in Corporate Counsel’s 2025 Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards

Partner Jeanne M. Grasso was recognized in Corporate Counsel’s 2025 Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards as a winner in the Law Firm Lifetime Achievement category. This distinguished honor recognizes women who, through years of dedication, innovation, and unwavering commitment, have profoundly impacted the legal profession by excelling in their careers, breaking barriers, advocating for change, and paving the way for future generations.

Chambers USA 2025 Honors Blank Rome Maritime Attorneys and Practices

Chambers USA 2025 nationally ranked Blank Rome’s Maritime practice and attorneys in the following areas:

  • Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Finance
  • Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Litigation (New York) – #1 ranking
  • Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Litigation (outside New York) – #1 ranking
  • Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Regulatory – #1 ranking
  • Offshore Energy

The firm’s ranked Maritime attorneys include: Thomas H. Belknap, Michael Bell, William R. Bennett, Jeanne Grasso, John D. Kimball, Keith B. Letourneau, Richard Singleton, Anthony Salgado, Douglas Shoemaker, Matthew J. Thomas, and Jonathan K. Waldron. Read More »

Blank Rome Attorneys and Practices Highly Ranked in The Legal 500 United States 2025 

Blank Rome’s Maritime group and attorneys have been highly ranked and recommended in The Legal 500 United States 2025. Researchers at The Legal 500 conduct annual, in-depth market research and gather information from individual law firms as well as feedback from peers and clients to form an objective analysis and prepare comprehensive rankings and editorial of the U.S. legal market. Read More »

News & Resources

Trump Administration Resource Hub

We invite you to visit our Trump Administration Resource Hub to explore our thought leadership provided by a team of attorneys dedicated to providing comprehensive analysis and actionable insights to help navigate the complexities and opportunities presented by the administration’s executive orders, policies, and regulatory changes.

Appellate Insights: Winning on Appeal

We are excited to introduce Blank Rome Appellate Insights: Winning on Appeal, a monthly digital newsletter dedicated to appellate law. This publication highlights significant appellate court decisions, as well as trends and developments shaping litigation strategy across the country. In each issue, readers will find timely analysis, case spotlights, and commentary from our experienced Appellate Litigation team. To read the September edition of Appellate Insights: Winning on Appeal, please click here.

The BR International Trade Report

The September 2025 issue of The BR International Trade Report, Blank Rome’s monthly digital newsletter, highlights international trade, sanc­tions, cross-border investment, geopolitical risk issues, trends, and laws impacting businesses domestically and abroad. Click here to read it.

The BR Privacy & Security Download

We invite you to read our October 2025 edition of The BR Privacy & Security Download, the monthly digital newsletter of Blank Rome’s Privacy, Security & Data Protection practice, which covers current trends and updates in the areas of state, local, and federal laws and regulations, U.S. litigation and enforcement, and international laws and regulations, as well as the group’s recent events and webinars, media activity, and news. To view The BR Privacy & Security Download, please click here.

Blank Rome Assembles Cross-Practice Trade Enforcement Team

Blank Rome recently launched a new Trade Enforcement Team, drawing upon the strengths of its leading Maritime, International Trade, White Collar Defense & Investigations, False Claims Act (“FCA”), and Government Contracts practices. This strategic initiative is designed to support clients in addressing the growing complexity and frequency of government investigations related to trade controls, sanctions, financial crimes, maritime regulations, and false claims.

Laern more about the team at Blank Rome Assembles Cross-Practice Trade Enforcement Team Amid Increasing Government Investigations.

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Severe Weather Emergency Recovery Team (“SWERT”)

SWERT is an interdisciplinary group of Blank Rome attorneys and government relations professionals with decades of experience helping companies and individuals recover from severe weather events, including hurricanes, wildfires, mudslides, snowstorms, earthquakes, and tornadoes. We are ready to assist those in the path of storms and other severe weather events. 

Learn more at blankrome.com/SWERT.

Now Available: Eighth Edition of Time Charters

The eighth edition of Time Charters is now available, fully revised to provide a comprehensive guide for professionals navigating time charter agreements. Proudly co-authored by Blank Rome partner Thomas H. Belknap, Jr., who serves as co-chair of the firm’s Maritime group, and senior counsel John D. Kimball, alongside Sir Andrew Baker and Julian Kenny, this acclaimed work is recognized as the leading authority on time charter law. It serves shipping lawyers, shipowners, charterers, P&I Club members, and insurers by delivering clear analysis and practical solutions.

  • Offers current, in-depth legal analysis from industry professionals
  • Widely relied upon by practitioners, shipowners, charterers, and insurers globally
  • Provides thorough coverage designed for practical problem resolution

To purchase a copy of Time Charters, visit Time Charters – 8th Edition.

Note from the Editor

The maritime industry, as a whole, is extremely collegial and driven by personal relationships. I have been very lucky to have developed so many personal friendships that grew from business relationships. In particular, as a maritime lawyer, I have been fortunate to have travelled to many places, near and far, and have worked with many impressive people across the globe. One of those people was Jim Lawrence. For those who did not have the pleasure of knowing Jim, he was, among other things, the founder of MTI Network, and led Marine Money’s and the Connecticut Maritime Association’s annual conferences.

I first became acquainted with Jim when he emceed the annual Admirals’ Dinner at SUNY Maritime College. Laughter came easy while Jim spoke. Jim’s accomplishments and reputation preceded him well before I got to know him better in 2015 while we both were working on the El Faro matter. The knowledge and guidance Jim provided to his clients during times of crisis was invaluable. Jim’s smile and sunny disposition were, to me, his hallmark during those times of crisis. 

On behalf of the Blank Rome Maritime team, thank you Jim for your friendship. Our crew is one less, we sail shorthanded, and so we mourn, but to Jim we say:

That Hand is you, Old Sailor. 

And you’ll be sailing out on Heavenly Seas. 

May the wind be ever at your back. 

Fair weather, and God Speed.

– William R. Bennett III

Mainbrace Editors

William R. Bennett III, Co-Editor
Emma C. Jones,
Co-Editor
Holli B. Packer, Associate Editor

Spotlight on …

Get to know Blank Rome Maritime team members Vanessa C. DiDomenico and Luke M. Reid.

Continue reading “Spotlight on …”

RANKINGS

Chambers USA 2025 Honors Blank Rome Maritime Attorneys and Practices

Chambers USA 2025 nationally ranked Blank Rome’s Maritime practice and attorneys in the following areas:

  • Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Finance
  • Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Litigation (New York) – #1 ranking
  • Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Litigation (outside New York) – #1 ranking
  • Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Regulatory – #1 ranking
  • Offshore Energy

The firm’s ranked Maritime attorneys include: Thomas H. Belknap, Michael Bell, William R. Bennett, Jeanne Grasso, John D. Kimball, Keith B. Letourneau, Richard Singleton, Anthony Salgado, Douglas Shoemaker, Matthew J. Thomas, and Jonathan K. Waldron. Read More »

Blank Rome Global Leader: Chambers Global 2025 Ranks Blank Rome Attorneys and Shipping, Energy, International Trade, and Bankruptcy & Restructuring Practices

Chambers Global 2025 recognized Blank Rome as a global leader in Shipping: Litigation, as well as Maritime partner John D. Kimball describing him as “an experienced practitioner who handles complex shipping disputes. His practice sees him work on commercial and environmental litigation, among other disputes.” Read More »

Continue reading “RANKINGS”