David practices in the Maritime Law and Government Contracts Group, where he counsels clients on a wide variety of maritime interests including admiralty and maritime law and maritime pollution law. Prior to joining the firm, David served for fourteen years as a commissioned officer and law specialist in the United States Coast Guard, eventually reaching the rank of Lieutenant Commander. David served as the Coast Guard and Department of Transportation liaison to Capitol Hill for the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 and related bills, providing technical input regarding the legal and practical implications of various proposed legislation dealing with vessel construction, operations and environmental response. Before serving as a law specialist, David served as Operations Officer on a medium endurance Coast Guard cutter, commercial vessel marine inspector, Coast Guard investigating officer and pollution response officer.
David has extensive experience in charter party drafting, charter party interpretation and conflict resolution. He is experienced in drafting and revising Contracts of Affreightment as well as providing training sessions for clients describing and interpreting the Contracts of Affreightment and charter parties he drafts. David is also experienced in defending marine pollution claims, including defending suits by the United States pursuant to the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 and suits by third parties. David also represents parties with marine interests before the United States Coast Guard, U.S. Maritime Administration, United States Customs Service and the Federal Maritime Commission.
David has represented a variety of maritime clients in civilian practice for the past 20 years, concentrating in the area of prosecution and defense of various property damage claims, vessel collision and grounding claims, marine personal injury and wrongful death claims, as well as addressing issues involving maritime construction and marine contracts. He is acknowledged as one of the leading attorneys in marine pollution and riparian rights and is experienced in state and federal procurement/contract claims and protests.
Publications
Author, The Oil Pollution Act of 1990: A Glance in the Rearview Mirror.
Other Distinctions
Named one of Virginia's "Legal Elite" in Environmental Law by Virginia Business Magazine in 2003-2004, and in Maritime Law since 2005.
Listed in The Best lawyers In America for Maritime Law (2005-2012).
Selected for inclusion in Law & Politics' Virginia Super Lawyers in Transportation / Maritime Law (2006-2011).
Work Experience
Partner, Troutman Sanders LLP, 2012-present
Of Counsel, Troutman Sanders LLP, 2008-2011
Firm Managing Partner, Crenshaw, Ware & Martin, 1999-2008
Partner, Crenshaw, Ware & Martin, 1997-2008
Memberships
· Secretary, Maritime Law Association Committee on Regulation of Vessel Operations, Safety, Security and Navigation, 2010-2013
· Virginia Bar Association; Chair, Law Practice Management Division 2006-2008; VBA Board of Governors, 2006-2008
· Maritime Law Association of the United States
· Southeastern Admiralty Law Institute