Biography
Holli B. Packer is an associate at Blank Rome LLP, where she focuses her practice on maritime and environmental law. A former U.S. Coast Guard officer turned maritime attorney, she is uniquely equipped to help clients navigate the intersection of operational reality and legal complexity.
Holli’s practice spans a broad spectrum of maritime and environmental issues, from maritime casualties, Jones Act personal injury, and pollution incidents to federal and state enforcement actions, regulatory compliance, and crisis response. Whether assisting clients in the wake of a vessel collision, helping them comply with environmental and safety regimes, or resolving commercial disputes, Holli combines firsthand operational knowledge with strong legal acumen. She has advised on matters involving CERCLA, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (“RCRA”), Clean Water Act, Toxic Substances Control Act (“TSCA”), Jones Act, MARPOL, and state law equivalents. She also routinely engages with regulatory agencies including the U.S. Coast Guard, Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”), National Transportation Security Board (“NTSB”), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (“NOAA”), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”), Department of Transportation, and Department of Justice. Additionally, Holli has experience in conducting environmental compliance assessments, permit reviews, audits, and environmental due diligence for a wide range of energy, chemical, and shipping clients.
In July 2024, Holli was selected for the Institute for Energy Law’s seventh Leadership Class. This prestigious leadership program is for energy professionals who have been practicing in the energy field between three and 12 years.
In 2025, Holli was named one of the Top 40 Young Lawyers “On the Rise” by the American Bar Association—a national recognition of young lawyers who exemplify a broad range of high achievement, innovation, vision, leadership, and service to the profession and their communities.
Military Service
Before beginning her legal career, Holli served as a Lieutenant in the United States Coast Guard. Her sea-going assignments included serving as a deck watch officer aboard a medium-endurance cutter engaged in law enforcement operations along the eastern seaboard, and as Executive Officer of a Coast Guard sentinel-class cutter stationed in Miami Beach, Florida.
Education and Early Career
Holli earned her Juris Doctor from Tulane University School of Law, where she served as Editor-in-Chief of the Tulane Maritime Law Journal. She also interned for the Honorable Brian R. Martinotti at the United States District Court of New Jersey. Holli holds a Bachelor of Science from the United States Coast Guard Academy, where she was an All-American Division III softball player and Regimental Commander.
News & Views
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Article
Global Net-Zero Shipping Framework Faces Rough Waters
Law360 -
Newsletter
MAINBRACE: September 2025
James C. Arnold, Thomas H. Belknap Jr., Michael K. Bell, William R. Bennett III, Zachary R. Cain, Kierstan L. Carlson
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Article
IMO Net-Zero Shipping Framework: A Crossroads for Global Shipping Regulations
MAINBRACE: September 2025 -
Article
The Rise of Nuclear Verdicts for Jones Act Seamen: Transforming Maritime Personal Injury Litigation
MAINBRACE: September 2025 -
Award
Holli B. Packer Named “On The Rise” Award Recipient by the American Bar Association
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Newsletter
MAINBRACE: June 2025
James C. Arnold, Thomas H. Belknap Jr., William R. Bennett III, Michael K. Bell, Zachary R. Cain, Kierstan L. Carlson
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Article
Navigating Uncertainty: How Recent IEEPA Tariff Rulings Impact the Maritime Industry
MAINBRACE: June 2025 -
Article
Navigating Maritime Evidence: The Power and Practice of Using Demonstrative Aids in Litigation
MAINBRACE: June 2025 -
Article
Navigating Safely: Tips for Commercial and Recreational Vessels Operating near Military Craft
MAINBRACE: June 2025 -
Alert
New USTR Measures Target Chinese Maritime Sector: What You Need to Know
MaritimeMatthew J. Thomas, Keith B. Letourneau, Douglas J. Shoemaker, Natalie M. Radabaugh, Holli B. Packer
Recognitions
- 2025, "On The Rise - Top 40 Young Lawyers Award," listed by the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division
Affiliations
Holli serves as Co-President of the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (“WISTA”) Delaware River & Bay Area Chapter and is an alumni mentor for the Tulane Maritime Law Journal.
Credentials
Admissions
- Pennsylvania
- New Jersey
Education
- Tulane University School of Law, JD
- United States Coast Guard Academy, BS