KEY TAKEAWAYS: Liskow is opening an office in New Bedford, Massachusetts, its first in the state. Three attorneys are joining the firm’s maritime practice as part of the expansion. The additions bring fisheries litigation and regulatory capabilities to the New Orleans-based firm. The expansi on gives Liskow offices in Louisiana, Massachusetts, New York and Texas. New Orleans-based law firm Liskow is expanding its maritime practice into New England with three attorneys and a new office in New Bedford, Massachusetts, adding fisheries litigation and regulatory capabilities to the firm. The firm announced Oct. 1 that Samuel P. Blatchley, Patrick J. O’Connor and Michael J. Pluhowski have joined its maritime team. The New Bedford location gives Liskow its first Massachusetts office and expands its presence along the Northeast coast, complementing an existing New York office. The expansion is part of a broader growth strategy focused in part on the maritime industry, according to the firm. “Liskow has long had a strong presence in the maritime industry, and our expansion into New England and the addition of fisheries capabilities are natural extensions of that strength,” said Ray Waid, leader of Liskow’s Maritime Industry Group. “Sam, Patrick, and Michael add real depth to our team and make us better able to serve maritime clients across the country.” New Bedford has ranked as the nation’s highest-grossing commercial fishing port for 23 consecutive years, according to NOAA Fisheries, making the location a base for Liskow to expand its work with commercial fishing companies, vessel owners, insurers and other maritime businesses. Blatchley focuses on admiralty and maritime law, insurance, fisheries and environmental law. His practice includes maritime casualties, personal injury and death claims, vessel transactions, insurance disputes and fisheries litigation. His fisheries clients include fishermen, fishing associations and vessel owners. He also has represented the Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association in litigation involving federal fisheries regulations and endangered species protections. O’Connor practices in maritime and admiralty law, insurance, contracts and litigation, including regulatory issues involving autonomous and remotely operated vessels. His work includes advising clients on U.S. Coast Guard requirements, vessel documentation, manning requirements and developing international standards. Pluhowski also brings maritime industry experience to the firm. A U.S. Merchant Marine Academy graduate, he sailed with Kirby Inland Marine and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers before attending law school. The additions expand a Liskow maritime practice that handles casualty response, litigation and transactions. The firm said its attorneys have worked on claims arising from major maritime incidents including the Deepwater Horizon disaster, Golden Ray capsizing and Seacor Power sinking. Liskow also served as lead maritime counsel for the state of Maryland in its claim stemming from the M/V Dali’s collision with the Francis Scott Key Bridge, according to the firm. Managing Shareholder Mark Latham said the New England expansion reflects the firm’s approach to growth. “Liskow has always grown by following our clients’ needs, and this expansion is another example of that,” Latham said. “We are in a period of strategic growth, and the maritime industry is a key focus of that effort.” Liskow is a full-service law firm representing regional and national clients in the energy, maritime and business sectors. With the New Bedford expansion, the firm has offices in Louisiana, Massachusetts, New York and Texas. ...read more read less