Experienced. Respected. Responsive.

Maritime & Transportation Law

OVERVIEW

Gawthrop Greenwood represents local, national and international transportation companies in their maritime law and transportation needs, specializing in Shipping, with experience in Motor Carrier and Trucking, Rail and Aviation.

Our attorneys are experienced in all facets of commercial transactions, financing, regulatory and legislative issues, environmental issues, litigation and contract disputes including the following related services.

MARITIME & TRANSPORTATION LAW SERVICES

Related News & Insights

The Jones Act Waiver: Fuel for Further Reform?

Gawthrop Greenwood Ranked Nationally in 2026 Edition of Best Law Firms

Gawthrop Greenwood Ranked Nationally in 2025 Edition of Best Law Firms

Gawthrop Greenwood Ranked Nationally in 2024 Edition of Best Law Firms

Gawthrop Attorneys in West Chester, Wilmington & Berwyn Recognized by 2024 Best Lawyers in America, Ones to Watch

What’s New with Offshore Wind Farms and Coastwise Trade Laws in the U.S.

Gawthrop Greenwood Ranked Nationally in “Best Law Firms” 2023

Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry Announces Sandy Knapp as 2022 Female Business Leader of the Year

New Bills Have Significant Implications for Passenger Vessel Services Act of 1886 & Jones Act if Passed

New Ruling on Wind Farms and Coastwise Trade Laws in the U.S.

Key Contacts

Sandra L. Knapp

(610) 696-8225

sknapp@gawthrop.com

Michael F. Merlie

(610) 696-8225

mmerlie@gawthrop.com

RELATED SERVICES

TEAM

Sandra L. Knapp

Michael F. Merlie

Gordon W. Prince

NEWS & INSIGHTS

Aerial view of cargo ship with cargo container on sea.

The Jones Act Waiver: Fuel for Further Reform?

The ongoing Jones Act waiver issued this year has reopened familiar debates in U.S. maritime policy. The waiver, and its extension, appear to comply with the letter of current law. However, the purpose of the waiver stands in tension with reforms Congress enacted just five years ago to narrow waiver authority.

Gawthrop Greenwood Ranked Nationally in 2026 Edition of Best Law Firms

For an eighth consecutive year, Gawthrop Greenwood is ranked nationally in Best Law Firms®. The firm achieved national recognition once again for Land Use and Zoning Law as well as Trusts and Estates, while the majority of our 11 metropolitan recognitions were elevated to a higher tier for 2026.

Gawthrop Greenwood Ranked Nationally in 2025 Edition of Best Law Firms

For a seventh consecutive year, Gawthrop Greenwood is ranked nationally in Best Law Firms®. The…

Gawthrop Greenwood Ranked Nationally in 2024 Edition of Best Law Firms

For a sixth consecutive year, Gawthrop Greenwood is ranked nationally in Best Law Firms®. The…

Extraordinary Legacy of Attorney and Partner Bob Adams Honored in Law360 Profile

As we mourn the passing of our dear friend and colleague Bob Adams, the legal news service Law360 reached out to learn more about Bob's extraordinary legacy as an attorney, partner and former leader of Gawthrop Greenwood.

14 Gawthrop Attorneys Recognized by 2027 Best Lawyers in America, Ones to Watch

Gawthrop Greenwood is pleased to announce that the following 14 attorneys from our West Chester, Greater Wilmington and Philadelphia offices have been selected by their peers for recognition in the 2027 editions of The Best Lawyers in America® and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America.

Main Line Today Names All of Gawthrop’s PA Attorneys to “Top Lawyers 2026”

Main Line Today, a regional lifestyle magazine that serves Philadelphia’s western suburbs, has named all of Gawthrop Greenwood's Pennsylvania attorneys to “Top Lawyers 2026.” Each year, attorneys are nominated via peer balloting, then vetted through the publication’s editorial process. Gawthrop Greenwood is once again ranked in multiple practice areas.

Condominium Alert: Significant Changes to Project Requirements

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have announced significant updates to project standards and property insurance requirements for one- to four-unit properties and condominium developments. These changes will directly impact condominium projects, specifically in how they approach reserve studies and funding levels.

How Can We Help You?

With offices in West Chester and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as well as Greater Wilmington, Delaware,
we provide the highest level of legal services throughout the Greater Mid-Atlantic Region.