Practice Areas & Industries: Winston & Strawn LLP

Practice/Industry Group Overview

Governed by an intricate web of environmental, safety, and other state, federal, and international laws and regulations, the maritime industry can be a challenge to navigate. Winston & Strawn’s maritime team is experienced in sorting out complex issues and getting things done for our clients. Our lawyers find effective, efficient solutions to even the most complex legal challenges involving vessel financing, regulatory compliance, hazardous material transportation, product liability, vessel sales, charters, maritime litigation, and environmental pollution defense. Our clients include a broad range of vessel owners, operators, and managers; marine terminal operators; shipyards; marine equipment suppliers; port authorities; financial institutions; businesses that charter vessels; and others engaged in the provision or purchase of maritime transportation services.

Services Available

Our attorneys provide maritime and admiralty legal services in the following areas:

• litigation
• government contracts
• finance, leasing, and mergers and acquisitions
• legislation
• government regulation
• environmental
• international trade
• bankruptcy, workout, and financial restructuring
• product liability

In addition to the practice areas outlined above, our maritime team is supported by the full resources of the firm, including our tax, labor and employment, and energy practices.

Represetative Matters

Puerto Rico Ports Authority v. Carnival Cruise Lines
Puerto Rico Ports Authority
Winston & Strawn's maritime & admiralty and appellate practice groups collaborated together to achieve a major victory before the DC Circuit for client Puerto Rico Ports Authority (PRPA). The trial ended three separate cases involving over $100 million in damages, and importantly establishing that PRPA is an “Arm of the State” immune from suit in federal courts under the doctrine of sovereign immunity. Winston's martime practice represented PRPA in the proceedings before the Federal Martime Commission and DC Circuit, and the appellate group argued the PRPA appeal.      
 
Maritime Litigation Matters
Winston & Strawn litigators have conducted major jury trials in virtually every federal district in the United States, and in special tribunals including the U.S. Claims Court, the Judicial Panel on Multi-District Litigation, and the U.S. Tax Court. Furthermore, Winston & Strawn has represented clients in appeals before the United States Supreme Court and the U.S. Courts of Appeals.      
 
Maritime Government Contracts Matters
Winston & Strawn has extensive experience in dealing with the U.S. Navy, the Military Sealift Command, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Maritime Administration, and has provided advice to a number of clients with respect to the formation of government contracts, the resolution of disputes, and the prosecution of claims.      
 
Maritime Finance Transactions
Winston & Strawn attorneys have substantial experience in assisting U.S. and non-U.S. entities in various vessel-related transactions, including vessel finance involving the U.S. government’s Title XI guarantee program.      
 
Maritime Legislative Matters
For the last 25 years, our attorneys have represented clients with respect to virtually every maritime-related legislative issue, including the Jones Act; maritime security; cargo preference; oil pollution; vessel documentation and ship mortgage changes; and Navy, Coast Guard, and Maritime Administration funding.      
 
Maritime Regulatory Matters
Winston & Strawn attorneys have experience with the complex U.S. laws, international treaties, and regulations affecting coastal and international maritime shipping.