Holli B. Packer

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, and crisis response. She has extensive experience in managing all aspects of litigation and has served in a first-chair capacity at court proceedings, depositions, and mediations.

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. In addition to her litigation experience, Holli advises on regulatory compliance matters involving CERCLA, Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, Ports and Waterways Safety Act, as well as International Maritime Organization conventions, including the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (“MARPOL”) and the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (“SOLAS”). 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 internal investigations, 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.

• 2025, “On The Rise – Top 40 Young Lawyers Award,” listed by the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division