Stefanos N. Roulakis

Biography

Stefanos Roulakis focuses on assisting vessel owners and operators navigate U.S. law and regulations to ensure commercial success and operational efficiency. Stefanos counsels clients on a wide range of regulatory matters, including international and domestic environmental standards, cabotage requirements, and international trade, including sanctions compliance. Stefanos is also active in proactive approaches to maritime compliance through audits and trainings, and has assisted clients in internal investigations and investigations conducted by the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Department of Justice.

Stefanos has experience in advising on aspects of international maritime law (such as the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea and MARPOL) to a variety of clients and stakeholders. This work has impacted a variety of companies who seek to obtain commercial benefits from the seas while providing valuable services.

As a Fulbright Scholar in Turkey, Stefanos worked for the Ecumenical Patriarch, the leader of the world’s 300 million Orthodox Christians, advising the Patriarchate on press issues relating to human rights and media. In part as a result of this experience, Stefanos is fluent in Turkish and Greek, and is proficient in French and Russian.

Outside the Firm

Stefanos is an avid hiker, traversing trails in Washington, D.C., and beyond. He has an avid interest in linguistics, particularly the interplay between Turkish and its neighboring linguistic paradigms, such as Greek, Arabic, and Farsi. Stefanos has studied Byzantine music, and is a chanter at St. George Orthodox Church in Washington, D.C.

Experience

  • Examined international application of treaties as well as their transposition by signatories.
  • Coordinated with U.S. Coast Guard and relevant agencies in internal investigations, detention appeals, environmental compliance, and criminal enforcement actions.
  • Advised on trade sanctions compliance with Iran, Cuba, Sudan, and Myanmar. Designed environmental and sanctions compliance procedures for companies on matters relating to international and regulatory maritime law.

News & Views

See all News and Views

Recognitions

  • 2017–2021, listed in Capital Pro Bono Honor Roll

Affiliations

Professional Activities

Stefanos is an active participant in the firm’s pro bono program, having represented refugees fleeing religious persecution seeking asylum in the United States. He also volunteers for a pro bono clinic at Bread for the City in Washington, D.C., and assists low income seniors with wills and estate planning.

Credentials

Admissions

  • California
  • District of Columbia

Education

  • Tulane University, BA, magna cum laude
  • Tulane University School of Law, JD
  • Tulane University School of Law, MS
Languages
  • French
  • Greek
  • Russian