Maritime Bills of Lading: An Overview with a Special Emphasis on Current Issues

Bills of lading have been around for a long time, but difficult issues often arise in practice. Resolving these issues requires a solid grounding in legal principles and commercial realities. Our speakers will explore these issues, offer their opinions and insights, and discuss future developments. In addition to traditional Ocean Bills of Lading, we will address commercial and regulatory issues that arise in the VOCC-NVOCC-Shipper relationship.

About the Presenters

J. Michael Cavanaugh is a partner in Holland & Knight's Washington, D.C., office. He assists clients with international commercial transactions, including sales and distribution, joint ventures, trade regulation and establishing overseas branch operations. From 1974 to 1977, before entering private practice, Mr. Cavanaugh served as Attorney-Advisor, Office of the General Counsel, United States Department of Commerce/Maritime Administration. He was also the agency's Great Lakes Region Counsel from 1976 to 1977. Mr. Cavanaugh was responsible for vessel finance, ship construction and subsidy contracts, and litigation involving government contracts.

William J. Honan practices as a partner in Holland & Knight's Maritime Practice Group and is the executive partner of the firm’s New York office. He has 43 years of experience in maritime law, especially matters related to maritime contracts. Mr. Honan is the Vice Chair of Intertanko's Documentary Committee. He has written articles that have been featured in Lloyd's of London Press and Seatrade and speaks often on a variety of subjects concerning maritime law.