Chambers 2025
We are pleased to share that, for the 21st consecutive year, Freehill has been ranked in the top tier of New York firms with a nationwide maritime law practice by Chambers and Partners USA, which has specifically recognized four of our partners as Notable Practitioners. Freehill has also been ranked a Global Market Leader in Shipping Litigation in the Chambers Global Guide 2025. Our dynamic team of experienced maritime attorneys is the largest maritime litigation and arbitration practice in New York and one of the largest in the United States. In our more than 70 years of operation, we have assisted our clients—shipowners, charterers, operators, marine construction and dredging companies, government contractors, P&I clubs, and insurance companies, among others—to navigate virtually every type of issue confronting the shipping and transportation industry on a worldwide, 24/7 basis. We have developed particular expertise in helping our clients manage complex, high-stakes matters, including many of the most significant maritime casualties, environmental and pollution incidents, and catastrophic personal injury and death claims. We have also been on the leading edge of advising clients on rapidly developing sanctions and tariff matters, as well as contentious cargo loss and damage claims, charter party disputes, commodities disputes, and design, engineering, and construction claims. Our consistent Band 1 ranking by Chambers is a testament to our longstanding commitment to our clients: delivering prompt, cost-effective, and precise advice in an ever-evolving industry and legal and technological environment. We look forward to continuing this tradition of service.
View our Chambers Global Profile
The Legal 500
The 2025 Edition of The Legal 500 United States has once again ranked Freehill as a Tier 1 firm with a national practice in the category Shipping: Litigation and Regulation, along with only one other firm. Fourteen Freehill partners were individually recognized. Wayne Meehan and Peter Gutowski were named to the “Hall of Fame.” Don Murnane and Daniel Fitzgerald were named “Leading Partners.” Eric Matheson and Tanner Honea were listed as “Next Generation Partners.” Thomas Canevari, John Karpousis, William Pallas, Justin Nastro, Michael Tucker, Yaakov Adler, Michael Dehart, and Ryan Byrnes were all highlighted for their contributions to the Firm’s exceptional practice. The Legal 500’s Editorial Commentary Reports: “Representing a stellar roster of international P&I clubs, leading US insurers, harbor ferry operators and shipowners, Freehill Hogan & Mahar LLP enjoys a strong reputation in a wide range of maritime matters, most notably maritime casualties and personal injury
claims. This expertise is bolstered by a number of attorneys in the team having served in the US Navy and attending U.S. merchant marine academies. From the New York-based practice, managing partner Wayne Meehan represents P&I clubs in major casualties; litigation and arbitration specialist Peter Gutowski handles charter party disputes and cargo loss; and Don Murnane harnesses unique expertise in the chemical product tanker disputes. William Pallas has extensive experience in marine casualties and personal injury matters, notably representing Maersk Inc following the 2024 Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore. John Karpousis represents clients in high profile cases before federal and state courts, whilst Daniel Fitzgerald handles major marine casualties. Thomas Canevari and Justin Nastro have specialised expertise in asbestosis and marine personal injury cases. Other notable practitioners include Michael Tucker, Eric Matheson, Tanner Honea, Yaakov Adler, Ryan Byrnes and Michael Dehart.”