David James

Representative Experience

• Responded, investigated, and litigated casualties and other maritime incidents, including collisions, allisions, personal injuries, cargo matters and environmental matters;
• Correspondent for several members of the International Group of P&I Clubs.
• Prepared and reviewed maritime related agreements, including vessel construction and repair contracts, charter parties, master service agreements, vessel sale, and vessel finance documentation.
• Represented a vessel owner in various matters arising out of a large collision and oil spill; engaged to respond to incident and protect owner’s interests in investigations by the NTSB, USCG, Texas GLO and other agencies; transitioned role to the defense of related complex civil litigation asserted by more than 20,000 claimants, with a large pro-se component; developed litigation strategy, including the first use of a Lone Pine Case Management Order in the context of an action brought pursuant to the Shipowners’ Limitation of Liability Act; secured the dismissal in excess of 17,000 claimants prior to commencement of discovery.
• Prosecuted claims arising out of a large collision event that resulted in the loss of a vessel.
• Counsel for vessel interests in numerous investigations conducted by the USCG and other regulatory bodies.
• Defended class action asserted against a vessel owner on behalf of agricultural interests arising out of an allision with a lock operated by the United States; asserted claims against the United States and secured dismissal of the United States’ counterclaims prior to commencement of discovery; resulted in very favorable settlement for client.
• Represented shipowner in a stranding that involved a Lloyd’s open form salvage agreement; worked with UK based solicitors and barristers to secure a satisfactory result in litigation involving the salvor’s unjustified invocation of SCOPIC.
• Handled large allision matter involving the total destruction of an oil terminal’s dock; matter settled before commencement of litigation on terms highly favorable to shipowner client.
• Successfully received dismissal of breach of contract claim due to claimant’s failure to fulfill discovery obligations.
• Recovery for a vessel owner arising out of the explosion aboard barge at a shipyard.
• Defended a claim by insurer for underpaid premiums; secured dismissal of insurer’s claim and an affirmative recovery on counterclaim for the overpayment of premiums.
• Prepared multiple vessel newbuilding contract on behalf of vessel owner.
• Arrested and sold several vessels for failure to pay debts.
• Successfully defended vessel manager in personal injury matter based upon lack of in personam jurisdiction.
• Defense of Jones Act claims in various state and federal courts.

• The Legal Ramifications of the Marine Industry in the Digital Age, Marine News
• “Subchapter M’s potential impact on operators’ liability” by David James for Workboat.com