Business Details
Your Trusted Maritime Law Partner in Seattle
The International Maritime Group is a boutique law firm dedicated to delivering tailored legal solutions for businesses, financial institutions, and governments. Our practice focuses on resolving complex maritime disputes efficiently while maintaining a commitment to cost-effectiveness. With deep industry expertise, we serve as trusted advisors to clients across the maritime sector, including vessel operators, energy companies, and insurers. Our approach combines traditional legal principles with modern industry trends to ensure transactions are meticulously structured and documented.We prioritize client relationships, offering personalized guidance that extends beyond standard legal representation. Our team's international experience and industry connections enable us to navigate challenging legal landscapes with confidence. By maintaining a client-centric focus, we consistently exceed expectations in high-stakes maritime legal matters. Our reputation for timely execution and practical problem-solving has solidified our position as a leading maritime law firm in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
Services
Arbitration and Litigation
Business and Corporate Law
Maritime Liens
Vessel Arrests
Marine Insurance
Charter Party Agreements
Government Relations
Ship Registration
Offshore Energy Law
Fisheries Regulation
Highlights and features
- We provide tailored legal solutions specifically for maritime industry clients
- Our team combines maritime expertise with practical business understanding
- We maintain a proven track record of successful dispute resolutions
- Our attorneys offer personalized attention to every client matter
- We deliver cost-effective legal strategies without compromising quality
What people say
Impeccable attention to detail
Timely and efficient service
Highly recommend
Extensive industry knowledge
Exceptional negotiation skills
Services
Arbitration and Litigation
Our maritime arbitration and litigation practice handles complex legal disputes across shipping, energy, and fisheries sectors. We represent clients in court proceedings and alternative dispute resolution processes, focusing on protecting commercial interests while minimizing operational disruptions. With extensive experience in maritime law precedents and international regulations, we develop strategic approaches that balance legal merits with business objectives for optimal outcomes.
Maritime Liens
We specialize in establishing and enforcing maritime liens for vessel owners, suppliers, and service providers. Our practice covers preferred ship mortgages, cargo liens, and contractual claims under U.S. and international maritime law. We provide comprehensive guidance on lien priority, vessel attachment procedures, and enforcement mechanisms to secure client financial interests in maritime transactions and disputes.
Ship Registration
Our ship registration services assist vessel owners with U.S. Coast Guard documentation requirements and international flag state compliance. We handle documentation for commercial fishing vessels, yachts, and cargo ships, including Certificate of Documentation preparation and regulatory compliance assessments. Our expertise ensures proper vessel classification and adherence to safety, environmental, and operational standards across domestic and international maritime jurisdictions.
Marine Insurance
We provide comprehensive marine insurance counsel for policyholders and insurers in the maritime industry. Our practice includes coverage analysis, claims disputes, and risk management strategies for hull and machinery policies, protection and indemnity insurance, and cargo insurance. We represent clients in insurance recovery matters involving vessel casualties, cargo damage, and environmental liabilities under both U.S. and international insurance frameworks.
Charter Party Agreements
Our charter party agreement practice develops and negotiates time, voyage, and bareboat charter agreements for commercial shipping operations. We address critical provisions including laytime calculations, demurrage clauses, and dispute resolution mechanisms tailored to specific shipping routes and cargo types. Our attorneys ensure compliance with international maritime conventions while protecting client interests in commercial shipping arrangements.
People
R. Isaak Hurst
Founder and Principal Attorney
R. Isaak Hurst is a maritime law expert with extensive experience representing clients in shipping, energy, and fisheries matters. He combines legal expertise with business acumen to resolve complex maritime disputes efficiently. Recognized in Washington Super Lawyers, he provides strategic counsel to vessel owners, insurers, and energy companies worldwide.
Questions
What maritime law services do you specialize in?
We specialize in arbitration/litigation, maritime liens, ship registration, charter agreements, marine insurance, and government relations for maritime industries.
How do you handle international maritime disputes?
Our team applies international maritime conventions and established dispute resolution frameworks to represent clients in cross-border shipping, energy, and trade matters.
Can you assist with vessel documentation requirements?
Yes, we handle U.S. Coast Guard documentation, international flag state compliance, and regulatory filings for commercial vessels of all types.
What industries do you serve?
We serve vessel owners/operators, energy companies, fisheries, insurers, shipyards, and maritime NGOs across the global shipping industry.
How do you approach client communication?
We prioritize clear, timely communication using plain language to ensure clients understand legal issues and make informed business decisions.
What makes your firm different?
Our dedicated maritime focus, industry connections, and proven track record in complex maritime cases distinguish our legal representation.
