Kierstan Carlson
How did you get into maritime law?
Completely by chance. Coming out of law school, I knew I wanted to do “litigation and investigations” and “something international.” I was fortunate to secure an associate position with Blank Rome in its then “Maritime & International Trade” practice; however, while I was hired to support international trade, I found myself gravitating toward the maritime matters, particularly MARPOL investigations. Over time and with the encouragement of several current and former colleagues, I developed a litigation and investigations focused maritime practice and I have not looked back.
What do you find most interesting about the maritime industry?
The maritime industry is so much more dynamic than many people realize. The logistics alone are fascinating—every time I’m in a large port, I am in awe of what is required to get goods on and off ships and to keep the economy moving—but the industry is broad ranging and covers ship building and repair; transactions like charters, sales, and leases; insurance; crewing; etc. and that does not even start to cover the actual operation of ships. Perhaps the most significant aspect of the industry, however, is how seafarers dedicate their lives to the profession and are away from their families for months at a time.
How does Blank Rome’s deep experience in the maritime industry provide the firm with a competitive advantage?
Our bench strength sets us apart from other maritime groups, as does our first-hand industry experience. We can handle the full range of civil litigation and arbitration from casualties to cargo or charter party disputes; provide compliance advice ranging from sanctions to Jones Act to MARPOL and VGP; and defend against investigations and enforcement actions. We have attorneys who formerly served in the Coast Guard, Navy, and Merchant Marines, and who worked at federal agencies and P&I Clubs. And we have attorneys at every level from senior partner to junior associate across five offices.
How does the group work with Blank Rome’s other service lines?
A number of attorneys in our Maritime group (including myself) are part of Blank Rome’s Transportation industry team, which facilitates collaboration between attorneys serving clients in the transport sector and allows us to provide comprehensive representation. We also routinely build case teams that cross practice groups. For example, we work closely with the firm’s International Trade group on export controls and sanctions matters and we may look to our White Collar Defense & Investigations colleagues to assist with complex enforcement actions or our Bankruptcy team members, who have experience with the unique features of maritime bankruptcies. We sometimes also assist our M&A colleagues with due diligence on deals involving maritime-related issues. Drawing on our internal knowledge and experience in this way allows us to be truly “full service.”
What do you like to do outside of your legal practice?
My partner and I recently purchased a new home and are having fun decorating and planning renovations! I also love the outdoors—on the weekends, you can usually find me going for a hike or bike ride.
Holli Packer
How did you get into maritime law?
I got into maritime law thanks to my time in the U.S. Coast Guard, where I built a solid foundation in maritime operations and law enforcement. I graduated from the Coast Guard Academy and subsequently served five years as an Officer in the active-duty U.S. Coast Guard. During my sea-going service, I served as a deck watch officer on a medium-endurance cutter conducting law enforcement on the east coast and in the Caribbean, and later as Second-in-Command of a sentinel-class cutter in Miami Beach, Florida.
After my time in the Coast Guard, I went to Tulane Law School where I was Editor in Chief of the Tulane Maritime Law Journal and a member of the John R. Brown Admiralty Moot Court Team. I ultimately got my J.D. and earned the Admiralty and Maritime Law Certificate. All of this set me up extremely well for a career in maritime law.
What are the key issues impacting players in the maritime space in 2025?
- Carbon Emissions Regulations. Efforts to reduce carbon emissions will continue to impact players in the maritime industry. The results of the ongoing carbon emissions regulatory debate will influence future decisions on ship fuel orders and their timing. Immediate alternative fuel options continue to be commercially limited. New Emission Control Areas are planned for 2025 and 2026, further limiting the types of fuels available to be used in regions worldwide. Meanwhile, the Red Sea crisis, forcing ships to re-route around the Cape of Good Hope instead of the Suez Canal, is causing a significant increase in CO2 emissions due to longer distances and potentially higher speeds, impacting both global trade and shipping emissions.
- Cybersecurity. Cybersecurity will continue to be an ongoing issue in 2025. The U.S. Coast Guard published a new rule at the start of the year addressing cybersecurity in the Marine Transportation System. Facilities subject to the Maritime Transportation Security Act should review their Facility Security Plans and ensure the required training is completed before January 1, 2026.
- Crew Shortages. The shipping industry is facing a global seafarer shortage, impacting safety, efficiency, and global trade, with rising vessel numbers and declining interest in seafaring careers contributing to the problem. International Chamber of Shipping experts expect a shortfall of 90,000 trained seafarers by 2026. The industry needs to develop a multi-faceted approach to improve recruitment, enhance working conditions, invest in training and education, and leverage technology to improve connectivity in hopes of increasing youth interest in going to sea.
How does the group work with Blank Rome’s other service lines?
I, along with other members of the Maritime group, are members of the Energy and Transportation industry teams. I’ve found that participation in these industry groups allows for collaborative business development efforts that otherwise is not possible. The discussions and events planned by these industry groups allow us to better serve our clients through teamwork and the sharing of best practices.
Noe Hamra
How did you get into maritime law?
I got into maritime law by attending Tulane Law School in New Orleans, which has a great and renowned maritime certificate program. The international practice opportunities really caught my eye, especially since I have an international background. I did my undergraduate degree in the United Kingdom and my master’s degree in European Union Law in Madrid, Spain. Plus, I speak several languages, which made maritime law even more appealing to me due to the international nature of the practice.
What do you find most interesting about the maritime industry?
I find the geopolitical influence on the maritime industry particularly fascinating. The events unfolding on the global stage are often deeply intertwined with shipping, as the industry both shapes and is shaped by these dynamics. Additionally, I am drawn to the maritime industry’s incredible interconnectivity, linking countries and economies around the world in a way a few other industries can.
How do you build and maintain relationships with clients?
The maritime industry is a close-knit community, even though it spans the globe. I make it a point to maintain my contacts with everyone I meet in the industry, seeking friendships and long-lasting relationships. Being a respectful person and an engaged listener goes a long way in building and maintaining relationships. Additionally, being a native Spanish speaker and having grown up in South America and Europe gives me cultural connections that many do not have.
What do you like to do outside of your legal practice?
I enjoy reading history and political science, particularly because it often intersects with the maritime industry, providing deeper insights into its evolution and global impact. I am also passionate about staying active, whether it is biking, playing tennis, or simply finding ways to keep moving and energized. My three boys help me with that!
This article is one in a series of articles written for Blank Rome’s MAINBRACE: March 2025 edition.
