#United States #Houston #Jones Walker #Maritime Practice

Expanding Maritime Expertise in Houston

Jones Walker LLP is excited to announce the expansion of its nationally recognized Maritime Practice Group with the recent addition of partner Kelly Haas and associate Hayley Stancil in its Houston office. This strategic move not only reinforces the firm’s commitment to serving clients across various maritime sectors but also enhances its ability to address complex legal challenges in the Gulf Coast region.

Welcoming New Talents

Bill Hines, the managing partner, expressed enthusiasm about the new hires, stating, "We are pleased to welcome Kelly and Hayley to Jones Walker as part of our nationally ranked Maritime Practice Group." He emphasized Kelly's strong maritime background, noting her extensive experience and leadership within the Houston maritime community, which will be invaluable as the firm looks to deepen its maritime capabilities.

Kelly Haas joins with a formidable reputation, having represented a diverse client base that includes vessel owners, charters, shipyards, offshore operators, and energy clients. Her practice encompasses a wide range of issues, from property damage and personal injury to environmental concerns and insurance claims.

"I am excited to bring my practice to Jones Walker's nationally recognized Maritime Practice Group," Kelly stated. "Joining one of the largest maritime legal teams in the country allows me to seamlessly support clients through complex litigation, regulatory challenges, and high-stakes transactional matters across the industry."

Expertise and Leadership

Kelly's background is filled with notable achievements in the maritime sector. She has effectively handled cases involving the Jones Act, the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act, and other critical maritime regulations. Her expertise extends to conducting investigations, vessel arrests, and navigating various administrative proceedings. Moreover, she has been an influential player in the Houston Marine Energy Insurance Conference and has held leadership positions in several prestigious organizations, including the Galveston County Bar Association.

On the other hand, Hayley Stancil brings a wealth of knowledge and practice in admiralty law gained from her prior roles in private practice and governmental agencies. Her experiences include working with the Maritime Administration’s Office of Chief Counsel, where she dealt with complex regulatory and environmental issues. This dual perspective enables her to offer clients well-rounded legal counsel, particularly in multifaceted maritime matters.

Commitment to Maritime Law

Jones Walker's maritime practice is well-regarded for its comprehensive understanding of maritime laws and practices. The firm’s commitment to client service and legal excellence positions it as a leader in providing stellar insurance and risk management advice related to maritime operations. With the arrival of Kelly and Hayley, the firm enhances its capabilities, promising to better serve clients facing intricate legal challenges within the maritime industry.

As the maritime sector continues to evolve with increased regulatory scrutiny and the complexities of global shipping, Jones Walker is prepared to meet the demands of its clients with expertise, innovation, and dedication. The addition of these accomplished attorneys reflects the firm’s ongoing growth strategy and commitment to being at the forefront of maritime legal practices.

For further inquiries about Jones Walker’s maritime services or to discuss specific legal needs, the firm encourages potential clients to reach out directly to their Houston office.

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Jones Walker LLP is among the largest law firms in the United States, with an extensive network of offices across various states, catering to local, regional, national, and international business interests. With their expanding services in maritime law, they are well-positioned to support clients navigating the complexities of the maritime industry.