K&L Gates‘ ’pragmatic, ethical and very knowledgeable’ maritime practice is consistently mandated to advise on arrests, attachments, and seizures of vessels and cargo. The team also assists with cargo claims, limitation of liability proceedings, vessel collisions, allisions, groundings, and personal injury and death-related matters. The firm additionally houses experts in marine insurance claims; and charter party, bill of lading and other maritime contractual disputes, as well as piracy-related issues. On the environmental side, the group regularly defends ship owners, operators, managers, charterers and crew members facing civil fines or criminal prosecution under domestic and foreign environmental regulations. In Boston, Jeffrey King focuses on commercial litigation and arbitration involving maritime and transportation. In Washington DC, Michael Scanlon‘s maritime practice involves both domestic and international maritime work, Mark Ruge ’has an incredible handle on policy’, Darrell Conner is a government affairs counselor in the firm’s public policy and law group, and Elle Stuart assists with transportation-related federal regulatory, policy and legislative matters. In the firm’s New York office, George Kontakis is ‘a very bright, knowledgeable and easy-to-reach partner’. Jorge Romero retired in April 2024, and Luke Reid left the firm in June 2024.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘This team is pragmatic, ethical and very knowledgeable in relation to United States Coast Guard and other regulatory matters. Always a good resource to call upon.’
‘K&L Gates team has, over many years, collected a diverse group of professionals with varied backgrounds and expertise; and the group has held together as a productive and cohesive team with multiple contacts on the Hill and numerous regulatory agencies.’
‘George Kontakis impresses with his and the team's efficient, client-friendly approach.’
‘George Kontakis is a very bright, knowledgeable and easy-to-reach partner.’
‘Mark Ruge has an incredible handle on policy and the workings of DC. ’
‘Darrell Conner is a very well connected advisor.’
‘Elle Stuart and Darrell Conner are responsive, down-to-earth and practical in all matters.’