Blank Rome Rated as Shipping Litigation Leaders
Blank Rome apprises that its international shipping litigation practice, and attorney John D. Kimball have again been ranked in the 2014 edition of 'Chambers Global'. The international law firm explains that the qualities on which rankings were assessed include technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, commercial astuteness, diligence, commitment, and other qualities most valued by clients. Chambers & Partners, the UK-based publishers of Chambers Global, conducted research by speaking to a vast range of lawyers and their clients (i.e., commercial users of legal services). In-depth interviews with clients and with attorneys were done, each one lasting about half an hour. Thousands of interviews are conducted by a team of 50+ full-time researchers.
Houston Law Firm Joined by Eight Attorneys
The addition of all 8 attorneys from Bell, Ryniker & Letourneau 
strengthens Houston presence for largest U.S. maritime legal practice Blank Rome LLP. This group of attorneys and additional professional staff bring significant experience in maritime and energy law, in addition to the areas of insurance, transportation, government contracts and construction. Michael K. Bell, Keith B. Letourneau, and Douglas J. Shoemaker join as partners; Robert J. Ryniker, and James C. Arnold join as of counsels; and Mitchell R. Machann, Tracy Freeman, and David G. Meyer join as associates. “We are delighted to welcome Michael, Keith, Douglas and all of our new colleagues to our Houston office and to the Blank Rome team,” said Alan J. Hoffman, Co-Chairman and Managing Partner.
Blank Rome and Healy & Baillie to Join Forces
Blank Rome LLP and Healy & Baillie, LLP will combine their practices as of October 1, 2006. Healy & Baillie is ranked as one of the leading maritime law firms in the United States with a notable international practice and office in Hong Kong. The combined firm will house the nation’s largest Maritime practice. “We are thrilled to welcome Healy & Baillie to the Blank Rome family. Their depth of experience in international, maritime and admiralty law is unmatched and will be an excellent complement to our existing practice,” said Carl M. Buchholz, Managing Partner and Chief Executive Officer of Blank Rome. Founded in 1948, Healy & Baillie is a leading provider of legal services to the maritime industry in New York, Hong Kong, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
