Maritime, Government Contracts, and International Trade Disputes

Lawyer, Litigator, and Leader

Michael advises and represents clients on a variety of maritime, government contracts, international trade, and employment law issues.  He concentrates his practice in the areas of maritime property damage, vessel collision and grounding, marine personal injury and wrongful death, as well as addressing issues involving marine contracts. Additionally, he guides international and domestic companies through procurement disputes, bid protests, employment law issues, and tariff and valuation questions. 

A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Michael began his naval career as a Surface Warfare Officer, deploying to the Middle East, Horn of Africa, and Eastern Mediterranean Sea. The receipt of a highly competitive U.S. Navy law school scholarship, he continued his career as a Judge Advocate (JAG), specializing in complex litigation. Michael transferred to the U.S. Navy Reserves, where he continues to serve as a Commander. 

Notable Work & Achievements

Licensed in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., Michael represents a wide variety of clients in state and federal courts throughout the Mid-Atlantic.  Additionally, he routinely appears pro hac vice in federal courts across the country, exhibiting his relentless passion to represent his clients anytime, anywhere. 

Complex Maritime and Government Contract Litigation

Michael represents companies, insurance carriers, and insured parties in a wide variety of maritime issues to include property damage, personal injury defense, cargo loss and damage, charter party disputes, salvage, towage, vessel arrest and attachment, and limitation of liability actions. He regularly defends clients against claims filed under the Jones Act and Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act.  

Outside General Counsel Advice

Michael advises shipyards, terminal operators, carriers, and a wide spectrum of government contractors and service providers on maritime and government contracts, first preferred ship mortgages, international and domestic ocean carrier agreements, towage and service agreements, Bowaters Amendment issues, and insurance policies. 

Tariffs and International Trade

Michael provides guidance to international clients on import compliance before the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. He focuses his practice on transfer pricing policies and product classification and licensing, as well as representing clients on issues related to sanctions and disputes.