Chambers USA–a compendium of client reviews of their law-firms–listed Keesal, Young & Logan as the No. 1 transportation and shipping litigation firm outside New York. The firm’s profile, as listed in the Chambers publication is as follows:
Keesal, Young & Logan PC
The Firm: Not only is this full-service shop “the premier maritime firm on the West Coast,” but it also has “one of the best practices in the country.” Headquartered in Long Beach, the “fine outfit” has offices all along the West Coast as well as in Anchorage, Alaska. The firm advises a range of transportation clients on U,S. and international law and conventions, representing them in disputes in the courts and before various state and federal agencies and in relation to transactional matters. The expertise ranges from casualty work and bill of lading matters to shipyard disputes, maritime liens and marine PI. Due to this “breadth of experience,” clients choose the “reliable and responsive” team for major disputes.
The Lawyers: Name partner Skip Keesal is a highly reputed litigator handling maritime as well as general commercial matters. Joe Walsh, a captain in the US Navy, “has an impressive breadth of experience” and is “very effective.” He is an expert on pollution matters, often dealing with oily water separator cases, but also handles casualty investigations.
Clients/Work Highlights: The firm represents ship owners; tug and barge operators; vessel managers; charterers; terminal operators and many P&I clubs. Clients include Carnival Cruise Lines; China Ocean Shipping; CP Ships; Crowley Marine Services; Hyundai Merchant Marine; Maersk; OSG Ship Management; Teekay Shipping (Canada); The Britannia Steamship Insurance Association; Gard Services and The Swedish Club.
