Admiralty & Maritime

The Admiralty & Maritime team of Pierce Atwood LLP is prepared to help you navigate the complex patchwork of federal, state and local laws governing activities along the shore and at sea. Recognizing that our clients' needs often do not end at the water's edge, our team includes attorneys with expertise in admiralty, environmental, real estate, commercial, corporate, banking and tax law. Drawing from our many established practice groups, we have the breadth and depth of knowledge and experience necessary to assist you with matters ranging from litigating traditional admiralty claims, to securing regulatory permits for industrial, commercial, and residential development, to developing off-shore wind farms, and virtually everything in between.

SUCCESS

Successful Defense 

Successfully defended boat builder from claim of misappropriation of vessel design.

 

 

SUCCESS

Jones Act

Obtained summary judgment for former vessel owner and aquaculture company, dismissing Jones Act and maintenance and cure claims.

 

 

SUCCESS

Arrest of Vessel

Obtained an emergency order authorizing the arrest of a vessel allowing the bank to foreclose on a preferred ship mortgage before sale to a third party.

SUCCESS

Transfer of Assets

Assisted client in connection with large scale transfer of assets, including a fleet of vessels.

Areas of Expertise

Ship Mortgages
Pierce Atwood's attorneys have advised clients in connection with many complex vessel purchase and construction transactions that depend on perfection of preferred ships mortgages. Our team also is experienced in litigation in matters arising out of foreclosures on ship mortgages and vessel repossessions.
Boat Builders
Pierce Atwood's attorneys have a long history of representing boat builders on a national and local scale. We have negotiated and drafted contracts for many large scale vessel construction and repair projects. We also have extensive experience litigating matters involving claims of vessel construction and design defects.
Seaman's Claims
Our attorneys have represented vessel owners and operators in connection with lawsuits brought by their maritime employees in state and federal court. We have litigated claims arising under the Jones Act and under the general maritime law for unseaworthiness and maintenance and cure.
Vessel Arrests
One of the most unique aspects of admiralty law is the ability to arrest and prosecute certain claims directly against vessels. Frequently, vessel arrests must to be accomplished quickly and with careful planning. At Pierce Atwood, we have the experience and expertise necessary to help our clients efficiently and promptly arrest vessels to protect their rights under maritime law.
Coastal Development and Public Access
Coastal property has economic, aesthetic and environmental value. These qualities lead to heavy regulation and frequent intense debates over the right to develop or preserve property in and along the coastal zone. Pierce Atwood has significant experience helping clients obtain permits for the responsible construction of piers, docks and other shoreline structures.