Internationally Trusted Maritime Law Firm Since 1986
Maritime law governs legal matters on navigable waters. This includes disputes about vessels, cargo, maritime contracts and shipping operations. At Kennedy Lillis Schmidt & English, the maritime attorneys handle admiralty law cases for international clients. The firm serves clients throughout the United States, the United Kingdom, Asia and Europe. Since 1986, the attorneys have worked with marine claims professionals who support marine insurance markets and the global shipping industry.
Core Maritime Practice Areas
At Kennedy Lillis Schmidt & English, the attorneys focus on shipping law matters that affect vessel operations and cargo transport. The firm handles:
- Cargo subrogation across all modes of transport, including ocean, air, truck, rail, stevedores, and warehouse
- Blue water casualties involving ocean-going vessels on the high seas, including grounding, fire, collision, sinking, injury and death, pollution, salvage, and general average
- Brown water casualties on inland waterways, rivers, lakes and canals, including recreational marine, tug and barge, unsafe berth, and stevedore liability
- Shipyard contracts and disputes over vessel construction and repairs
- Maritime arbitrations and mediations before industry panels
- Charter party agreements and related vessel disputes, including vessel management contracts
- Carriage of Goods by Sea Act (COGSA)
- United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG)
- Carmack Amendment
- Bulk liquid petroleum and petrochemicals
The attorneys take a merits-based approach to each case. The firm works to resolve matters in a cost-effective way for clients.
What Cases Fall Under Maritime Or Admiralty Law?
You may need maritime litigation services if your matter involves activities on navigable waters. You may also need help with maritime commerce disputes. The attorneys at Kennedy Lillis Schmidt & English handle:
- Marine casualties, including collisions between vessels
- Groundings and strandings on shoals or reefs
- Fires and explosions aboard ships
- Sinkings and total losses of vessels
- Cargo claims for damage, loss or shortage during transport
- General average declarations and salvage operations
- Port and harbor law disputes with terminals and stevedores
- Marine insurance disputes and coverage denials
- International shipping regulations and customs matters
- Offshore legal matters on drilling rigs and platforms
- Seafarer rights and personal injury claims under the Jones Act
The firm also handles OPA pollution coverage matters. These cases often intersect with insurance law.
A No-Nonsense Approach To Maritime Disputes
At Kennedy Lillis Schmidt & English, the attorneys provide practical counsel to maritime clients. The legal team guides business clients through their contracts. This includes help with contract formation and dispute resolution. The firm takes a forward-thinking approach. The attorneys attempt an early resolution before you spend large amounts on legal fees.
The attorneys resolve maritime disputes through different methods. These include settlement negotiations, mediation sessions, arbitration hearings, court litigation or jury trials. The firm maintains relationships with correspondent counsel worldwide. This network allows the attorneys to handle cases across multiple countries. The legal team can serve clients no matter where maritime incidents occur.
Who Needs Maritime Legal Representation?
You may benefit from maritime attorneys if you work in the shipping industry. You may also need help if you work in the marine insurance sector. The firm serves:
- Marine insurers and underwriters
- Cargo interests and shippers of goods
- Shipyards and repair facilities
- Charter parties in vessel disputes
The attorneys understand the business side of maritime operations. The firm focuses on achieving practical solutions for your case.
Schedule Your Free Maritime Law Consultation
Contact Kennedy Lillis Schmidt & English at 917-933-2861 to discuss your maritime legal needs. The firm offers a one-hour free consultation to review your case.