what is a shipping lawyer?

by Raoul Deckow 6 min read

Shipping law is a subset of maritime law that focuses on the legal issues surrounding the shipment of goods via water. Shipping lawyers may represent ship owners, companies that charter ships and/or those who wish to have goods transported via ship.

In disputes and litigation, our shipping lawyers are skilled in advising on all industry-related issues, including major casualties, marine insurance coverage claims, enforcement of security and criminal prosecutions.

Full Answer

What does a dry shipping lawyer do?

“Dry” Shipping Lawyers handle the negotiation and drafting of all contractual documentation for all aspects relating to the vessel and its contents such as the finance (sale and purchase), construction, carriage, insurance and employment contracts. Additional specialisms include fishing and yachting, which have a strong regulatory angle.

Who is the best shipping lawyer in the US?

Mr Nolan is regularly retained on behalf of hull underwriters and P&I Clubs on marine insurance matters. Consistently ranked among the best shipping lawyers in the US by the Chambers directory, he also acts as National Counsel for a major ocean carrier.

What is shipping law?

Shipping law is largely the domain of international law firms or niche practices based primarily in London. However, there are some regional law firms based in seafaring cities such as Liverpool, Bristol, Newcastle and Ipswich.

What is a “wet” shipping lawyer?

“Wet” Shipping Lawyers are required to act at a moment’s notice to protect their client’s interests in the event of collision, damage, loss or other misadventure.

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What do marine lawyers do?

A Maritime Lawyer is an attorney that specializes in maritime injuries and boating accidents that occur in both recreational and commercial maritime activities.

What is a Marine lawyer called?

A maritime lawyer, also known as an admiralty attorney, handles legal issues arising from United States maritime law.

Is maritime law a real thing?

Maritime law, also known as admiralty law, is a body of laws, conventions, and treaties that govern private maritime business and other nautical matters, such as shipping or offenses occurring on open water. International rules, governing the use of the oceans and seas, are known as the Law of the Sea.

How much does a maritime lawyer make in UK?

ÂŁ60,000 per yearThe Lawyer Portal website estimates the average salary of a Maritime/Shipping Lawyer as ÂŁ60,000 per year in the United Kingdom. According to Law Crossing, the average salary of Maritime/Shipping Lawyers in the United States of America is $118,500 per year.

How do you become a Marine lawyer?

To be an eligible candidate for the admission process, the student must possess a bachelor's law degree which could be either BA LLB, LLB or BL from any recognised university. In India, the average course fee for LLM Maritime Law ranges between INR 6,000 - 85,000.

How hard is it to become a Marine JAG?

The initial JAG training can also be difficult for attorneys with families. Training begins with approximately six weeks of officer training focused on leadership skills and military tactics and then approximately ten weeks of JAG school (Marine JAG training is significantly more rigorous).

What is an example of maritime law?

Additionally, maritime law regulates registration, license, and inspection procedures for ships and shipping contracts; maritime insurance; and the carriage of goods and passengers.

Who enforces maritime law?

Maritime Law enforcement has fallen in the hands of the US Coast Guard since 1790. They are responsible for all United States waters and waters that fall under the jurisdiction of the United States as well as controlling US borders. The Coast Guard is also able to assist in the enforcement of International agreements.

What is the difference between marine law and maritime law?

Today, there is no difference between admiralty law and maritime law and the two are used interchangeably. These laws cover a variety of cases including contracts, torts, injuries, and other offenses that take place on any navigable water.

Do maritime lawyers travel?

Maritime litigation takes place with various types of people and in different countries. Therefore a maritime lawyer should be able to travel light and also be willing to work odd hours according to international time zones.

How do I become a maritime lawyer in the UK?

If you are interested in pursuing a career in Maritime law, you must first obtain a qualifying degree in law or a degree in any other discipline followed by a Graduate Diploma in Law.

What are core duties of maritime law?

Maritime law also regulates: Carriage of passengers and goods. Maritime insurance. Procedures for ships and shipping contracts, including inspection, licensing, and registration.

Shipping Lawyers

Shipping lawyers have always maintained the vision of becoming the best law firm…

Shipping Lawyers

Shipping lawyers have always maintained the vision of becoming the best law firm…

Shipping Lawyers

Shipping lawyers have always maintained the vision of becoming the best law firm…

What is shipping law?

Shipping Law. The area of maritime law that is concerned with ships and the individuals employed in or around them, as well as the shipment of goods by merchant vessels. U.S. shipping law is a complex body of customs, legislation, international treaties, and court decisions dealing with the rights and responsibilities of ownership and operation ...

What is the law surrounding shipping?

Much of the Commercial Law surrounding transportation of goods by ship involves contractual agreements between the shipowner and the party wishing to ship the goods. However, these agreements generally are based on long-standing customs and business practices peculiar to the shipping industry.

What is marine insurance?

Marine Insurance. Marine insurance plays an important role in the shipping industry and in shipping law. Most shipowners carry hull insurance on their ships and protect themselves against claims by third parties by purchasing "protection and indemnity" insurance. Cargo is usually insured against the perils of the sea, ...

What is salvage in shipping?

In shipping law, salvage is the compensation allowed to persons who voluntarily assist in saving a vessel or its cargo from impending or actual peril from the sea. Generally salvage is limited to vessels and their cargoes, or to property lost in the sea or other Navigable Waters, that have been subsequently found and rescued.

What is the right of co-owners to use a vessel?

Between co-owners, the right to control and use the vessel is generally reserved for the majority interest. In the event that co-owners absolutely cannot come to an agreement on how to use the vessel, one or more of them may obtain a court decree for sale of it.

Why are ships registered in other countries?

Because of the higher labor costs associated with employing U.S. personnel , many ships are registered in other countries to avoid this labor requirement. Ships can be owned by either one person or co-owners. Because of the enormous cost of merchant vessels, the majority are held by more than one owner.

What is maritime lien?

A maritime lien is a special property right in a ship given to a creditor by law as security for a debt or claim. The ship may be sold and the debt paid out of the proceeds. The Maritime Lien Act (46 U.S.C.A. §§ 971–975 [2000]) provides that an action can be brought in rem, against the vessel, cargo, or freight itself.

What is the law that applies to a ship?

In U.S. jurisdiction, U.S. laws apply. Beyond the limits of U.S. waters, the law that applies is the law where the ship is registered. Even if a company markets to American passengers, their ships may be registered in another country. Criminal justice is a unique challenge when crimes occur on the high seas.

Why are there so few lawyers that specialize in maritime law?

There aren’t many attorneys that specialize in maritime law because there’s a lot to master to practice in the field effectively. Lawyers who specialize in the field tend to gravitate towards the coasts.

Why are maritime lawyers important?

Maritime lawyers make the seas safer. They hold wrongdoers accountable. They help people get the compensation that they deserve when there’s a breach of contract, unpaid wages or a personal injury on the seas. Maritime lawyers also help develop new maritime laws. Maritime law is complex. It involves a variety of civil laws including contract law, personal injury law, employment disputes and even lost treasure. For the attorneys who practice it, maritime law can provide a sound and challenging career.

What laws do Admiralty lawyers have to know?

They must know what laws apply among the myriad of international agreements, federal laws and state laws that exist that might apply to the case. Admiralty lawyers must know how to successfully advocate for their clients using the rules of procedure and the body of law that applies to the case.

What are the laws of the maritime industry?

However, maritime law affects everyone who travels on the high seas. Maritime laws regulate a wide variety of activities and possible events including commerce, navigation, lost cargo, leisure travel and the interaction between employers and seamen.

What is the term for a seaman's right to care?

Maintenance and cure. When a seaman is in service to an employer, they have a right to appropriate injury care. When a seaman gets hurt on the seas, their employer must treat them. The term for this responsibility is maintenance and cure .

Which article of the Constitution gives the federal courts jurisdiction over maritime law disputes?

Article III, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution gives the U.S. federal courts jurisdiction over maritime law disputes. The federal court’s jurisdiction isn’t exclusive. Some types of cases can still go to state courts. Cases that involve property disputes like salvage cases always go to federal court.

Why is maritime law important?

Importance of Maritime Law. Maritime rules and laws are important in dealing with many legal aspects relating to marine operations. These laws and regulations pre-date the U.S. Constitution and have important international roots. When we deal with shipping, navigation, maritime commerce, towage, maritime liens, ...

What are the principles of maritime law?

Here are four general principles to know about maritime legislation: If a matter is subject to the maritime jurisdiction, the federal maritime laws will apply at the exclusion of other state laws. In the event of tort on navigable waters, the admiralty laws will govern.

What is the admiralty law?

Admiralty Law. In the United States, the admiralty law has been developed on the basis of the British admiralty courts. As such, the admiralty courts operated separately from the common law courts and equity.

What is maritime insurance?

Maritime insurance. Carriage of goods. Passenger transportation. The maritime rights and obligations, in general, are defined by the domestic laws relating to maritime activity along with private international laws dealing with the relationship of private parties in oceans and the sea.

What is the purpose of the Maritime Law Association of the United States?

Its objectives are: To facilitate justice. Promote uniformity in its enactments and interpretation. Provide a forum for discussion.

What are the laws of the sea?

International laws relating to oceans and seas ( Law of the Sea) The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea. The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships. The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers. Maintenance and Cure.

Can a business exclude themselves from maritime law?

Businesses and parties to a contract are not permitted to contractually exclude themselves from the application of maritime laws or the admiralty jurisdiction. Essentially, the laws applicable to a ship are determined by the ship’s flag.

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