Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Global Maritime & Transportation Law Leaders
Freehill Hogan & Mahar has been a trusted leader in maritime and transportation law for over 70 years, expanding its expertise to address complex legal challenges in insurance, personal injury defense, and international trade. Our firm combines deep industry knowledge with a client-centric approach, delivering cost-effective solutions tailored to the unique needs of shipowners, charterers, insurers, and government contractors. With a team of seasoned attorneys recognized globally for excellence, we handle high-stakes cases ranging from environmental disputes to catastrophic personal injury claims.Our commitment to integrity, proactive problem-solving, and 24/7 service has earned us top-tier rankings in Chambers USA and The Legal 500. We pride ourselves on maintaining long-term client relationships through transparent communication, ethical standards, and a track record of successful litigation and arbitration outcomes.
Services
Maritime Law
Personal Injury Defense
Insurance Litigation
Sanctions Compliance
Cargo Disputes
Details
- Year established: 1952
Highlights and features
- We offer 70+ years of specialized maritime law expertise
- Our attorneys handle $25M+ high-stakes litigation cases
- Ranked top-tier nationally by Chambers USA since 2006
- We provide 24/7 emergency legal response services
- Our team includes former U.S. Navy legal professionals
What people say
Cost-effective advice
Proactive approach
Top-tier rankings
24/7 availability
Industry-leading expertise
Services
Maritime Law
Our maritime law practice addresses complex legal challenges in shipping, transportation, and international trade. We represent major shipping companies, P&I clubs, and insurers in cases involving environmental disputes, cargo loss, and sanctions compliance. With attorneys recognized as industry leaders by Chambers USA and The Legal 500, we deliver strategic counsel for high-stakes litigation and arbitration matters.
Personal Injury Defense
We defend clients in maritime personal injury and death claims, including Defense Base Act cases and occupational disease litigation. Our experienced team handles catastrophic injury matters with a focus on minimizing liability exposure. With five dedicated partners and a track record of successful trial outcomes, we provide comprehensive defense strategies tailored to complex maritime environments.
Insurance Litigation
Our insurance litigation practice resolves complex coverage disputes for P&I clubs and marine insurers. We specialize in defending against claims related to environmental damage, cargo loss, and charter party breaches. With deep industry knowledge and a history of favorable arbitration outcomes, we deliver practical solutions for high-value insurance-related legal conflicts.
Sanctions Compliance
We advise clients on compliance with U.S. sanctions programs and export controls affecting maritime operations. Our services include risk assessment frameworks, policy development, and representation in enforcement actions. With experience advising major P&I clubs, we help shipping companies navigate evolving international trade regulations and avoid costly violations.
Cargo Disputes
Our cargo dispute resolution practice handles claims involving cargo damage, loss, and charter party disagreements. We represent shipping companies and insurers in both domestic and international arbitration proceedings. With attorneys recognized for expertise in commodities disputes, we provide strategic representation to resolve complex freight-related legal matters efficiently.
People
Wayne D. Meehan
Partner
Recognized maritime attorney with 30+ years of experience handling major casualties and environmental disputes. Ranked in Chambers USA and The Legal 500, he represents leading P&I clubs and shipping companies in complex litigation matters.
Peter J. Gutowski
Partner
Litigation and arbitration specialist with expertise in charter party disputes and cargo loss claims. Named to The Legal 500 Hall of Fame, he has represented clients in high-profile maritime cases across international jurisdictions.
William J. Pallas
Partner
Experienced maritime litigator with focus on marine casualties and personal injury defense. Serves as hiring partner and mentors associates in practical legal skills development for complex shipping industry cases.
Daniel J. Fitzgerald
Partner
Leading attorney in major marine casualties and environmental claims, with extensive trial experience. Recognized by The Legal 500 as a 'Leading Partner' for maritime dispute resolution expertise.
Eric J. Matheson
Partner
Specializes in sanctions compliance and international trade law. Ranked as a 'Next Generation Partner' by The Legal 500, he advises shipping companies on evolving U.S. foreign policy regulations.
Questions
What areas of law does Freehill Hogan & Mahar specialize in?
We specialize in maritime and transportation law, including personal injury defense, insurance litigation, sanctions compliance, cargo disputes, and environmental claims.
How long has the firm been in operation?
We've provided maritime legal services since 1952, with over 70 years of experience handling complex shipping industry legal challenges.
Do you handle international maritime cases?
Yes, our practice includes global shipping litigation and arbitration, representing clients in jurisdictions worldwide with a focus on U.S. maritime law compliance.
Are your attorneys available for emergency situations?
Our team provides 24/7 emergency legal response for maritime incidents, including immediate assistance with casualty investigations and regulatory compliance issues.
How does the firm approach client relationships?
We prioritize understanding clients' business needs to deliver cost-effective, practical solutions while maintaining open communication and ethical legal representation.
What recognition has the firm received?
Ranked top-tier nationally by Chambers USA for 21 consecutive years and recognized in The Legal 500 Hall of Fame for excellence in shipping litigation.
