Lawyer Legion created this information center focused on admiralty and maritime law. Our directory can help you find the top admiralty or maritime lawyer in your area.
Admiralty law, also called maritime law, is the body of laws that governs everything that occurs on the ocean. It gives courts in the United States jurisdiction over events that happen to Americans or by Americans.
Admiralty and maritime law could involve personal injury matters, criminal matters, or issues of trade and commerce. Many of these cases are governed by federal law, but might also be influenced by international law, since many treaties exist that govern the ocean.
The seas are a dangerous place to work, and maritime law often covers seamen and other workers who are employed on ships and vessels. Federal laws and regulations affect maritime employment.
The Jones Act, or Marine Merchant Act of 1920, gives seamen the right to seek redress in U.S. courts if injured on the job. The Death on the High Seas Act provides a way for family members of loved ones lost at sea to recover for wrongful death.
The Long Shore and Harbor Workers Act protects maritime employees who work on the land, like dock workers and crane operators. Maritime lawyers may also represent injured passengers.
Admiralty and maritime lawyers frequently represent the victims of such personal injury matters. These attorneys also advise businesses and companies whose business takes them over water.
Lawyer Legion Top Picks for 2023
The following list was determined using a number of factors including both objective and subjective criteria. Lawyers were selected based on their career accomplishments, high-profile cases, professional involvement, community leadership, and board certifications. This list includes many of the most highly accomplished admiralty and maritime lawyers currently practicing in the United States.
When reviewing this list, please be aware of each of the following:
Laws surrounding admiralty and maritime matters are complex and specific to the industry, so it's important to hire someone with experience.
Many of the top maritime lawyers in the United States have earned the designation as "proctors in admiralty" or have joined specialty non-profit legal associations including the Maritime Law Association of the United States.
Maritime law is the field of law that applies to transporting property and people by water.
Maritime law is governed by a In general, a three-year statute of limitations applies to personal injury and wrongful death cases involving maritime and admiralty cases.
A two year statute of limitations applies to cargo cases under the adoption of the Rotterdam Rules.
A one year statute of limitations applies to cargo cases under the Hague-Visby Rules. A one year statute of limitations applies for most major cruise ship passenger tickets.
Maritime Law Association of the United States - The Maritime Law Association of the United States (MLAUS), established in 1899, is a national professional organization of lawyers who practice in maritime or admiralty law. The organization grants the designation as a "Proctor" in order "to designate the most distinguished class of membership for practicing maritime attorneys." Proctor status is the initial step in MLA leadership.
Proctor in Admiralty - The designation of "Proctor" was used in the United States until 1966 when the Admiralty Rules and the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure were unified. The designation of "Proctor" was used in the federal court system in the United States until 1966 when the Admiralty Rules and the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure were unified. Although the term "Proctor" is no longer in official usage, many associations use the term to distinguish their members as practicing maritime attorneys.
Admiralty Law on Wikipedia - Visit Wikipedia to learn more about the importance of maritime law. Find a list of basic maritime laws and their characteristics on land and sea. The article explains who enforces maritime law.
