Band 1 | Freehill Hogan & Mahar LLP
What the team is known for
Expertise in representing P&I clubs and shipowners in major casualties and personal injury defense. Additional expertise in advising clients on issues relating to compliance with US sanctions.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
“They think with you to help you reach the appropriate decision under the circumstances, where both legal interests and business interests can co-exist and thrive.”
“I think their strengths lie not only in the law, but also in creativeness – going off the board, being creative and uniquely settling cases.”
Work highlights
Represented the West of England P&I Club following a three-way collision involving its M/V ‘Clary’ vessel.
Acted for McAllister Towing & Transportation on a dispute arising from an engine room fire on a tug it had purchased.
Notable practitioners
Leading maritime attorney Peter Gutowski has a broad litigation practice covering issues such as charter party disputes, cargo damage claims and litigation arising from collisions. He is described as “a smart practitioner who really looks out for his clients’ interests.”
Wayne Meehan has expertise in casualty matters such as those involving collisions and liability limitation. According to impressed clients, he is “the best casualty responder bar none – packed and ready to go.”
Don Murnane is known in the market as a strong litigator in marine casualty disputes and document fraud cases, among other matters. He recently obtained more than $20 million in damages for Great Lakes Dredge and Dock.
William Juska’s practice is substantially concentrated on damage claims related to a wide variety of cargo, and charter party disputes. Sources say he is “very strong on all aspects and has a wealth of experience to draw on.”
Eric Lenck handles cargo and charter party disputes. Clients trust his ability in this area of the law, with one impressed source praising him as a “first-class adviser.”