Band 1 | Freehill Hogan & Mahar LLP
From the Chambers USA guide
What the team is known for Highly respected maritime litigation boutique with expertise covering areas such as maritime protection and indemnity, major casualty cases and maritime criminal defense.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
“They are very much client-minded and practical solution-oriented. They give a good balance of timely advice and thoroughness, without sacrificing quality.”
“A boutique firm that I can count on to handle just about anything because of their knowledge and experience in all different cases and situations. Their attention and response times to inquiries, assignments and status updates are usually instantaneous.”
Work highlights Defended shipowner Hapag-Lloyd in claims relating to the OW Bunker bankruptcy dispute. The dispute included questions about competing claimants and the number of payment obligations for shipowners.
Represented Maersk Line in defense of claims for damages of $50 million relating to the loss of US military cargo carried to Afghanistan.
Notable practitioners
Peter Gutowski has significant experience in charter party disputes, judgment enforcements and cargo claims, among other matters. Gutowski is noted for his strength in both litigation and arbitration.
Wayne Meehan “understands ships and the operation of ships and has a wealth of experience in his field,” according to a source. He focuses his practice on major casualty matters including limitation of liability and third-party business interruption claims.
Don Murnane works with clients on disputes relating to vessel and marine terminal casualties, liner service contracts and international commercial fraud. He also has experience of chemical product tanker disputes.
Gina Venezia specializes in maritime litigation at trial and appellate levels in areas covering mass casualties, contracts and provisional remedies. She has further expertise in the enforcement of foreign judgments and awards, and is also noted for her arbitration expertise.
William Juska has “a good and close working relationship with the US government departments and a wealth of experience and practical knowledge on sanctions,” say sources. He has experience in matters such as cargo claims, commodities contract litigation and charter party disputes.
Michael Unger includes charter party disputes, contamination claims and marine torts in his practice. He also works with clients on personal injury cases and contract matters.
Significant clients Britannia P&I Club, AIG, Standard P&I Club, Steamship Mutual P&I Club, China Ocean Shipping.