Jones Walker maritime team sweeps top legal rankings for 2026
US firm’s maritime practice secures national recognition in Chambers USA, Legal 500 and Best Lawyers 2027
Jones Walker LLP’s Maritime Practice Group has achieved national recognition in three major legal rankings for 2026 and 2027. The firm secured top positions in Chambers USA and Legal 500 United States, while several of its attorneys were individually listed in The Best Lawyers in America® 2027.
The Maritime Practice Group earned national rankings in all three maritime categories evaluated by Chambers USA: Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Finance, Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Litigation (outside New York), and Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Regulatory. The group also received a national ranking in Offshore Energy.
Six partners were individually recognized in Chambers USA. William C. Baldwin was listed in Offshore Energy and Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Finance. Richard D. Bertram and R. Scott Jenkins were recognized in Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Regulatory, while George J. Fowler, III and Grady S. Hurley were listed in Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Litigation (outside New York). Cindy Matherne Muller also earned a spot in Offshore Energy.
National rankings in Chambers USA and Legal 500: Jones Walker
In the Legal 500 United States guide, the group was nationally recognized in Transport, Shipping: Finance and Transport, Shipping: Litigation and Regulation. Eight attorneys were individually recommended, including William C. Baldwin, Richard D. Bertram, and Grady S. Hurley as Leading Partners. George J. Fowler, III was honored with a Hall of Fame designation, while Christopher K. Ulfers was named a Next Generation Partner. Sara B. Kuebel, who became a partner at the firm in January 2026, was listed as a Leading Associate.
The Best Lawyers in America® 2027, which highlights the top 5% of attorneys in each U.S. metropolitan area, included 15 Jones Walker maritime lawyers across four offices.
In Houston, Luis Enrique Cuervo, Kelly M. Haas, and Cindy Matherne Muller were recognized for Admiralty and Maritime Law. The Miami office had two listings: Luis E. Llamas for Admiralty and Maritime Law and Transportation Law, and Lauren Rose for Admiralty and Maritime Law.
Recognition in The Best Lawyers in America® 2027
The New Orleans office led with 11 attorneys, including William C. Baldwin, Richard D. Bertram, George J. Fowler, III, and Grady S. Hurley, all recognized for Admiralty and Maritime Law. Several were also listed for Transportation Law. James A. Kearns was the sole maritime attorney from the Washington, DC office.
The rankings underscore the firm’s strength in maritime law, particularly in key markets like New Orleans, Houston, and Miami. With expertise spanning finance, litigation, and regulatory matters, Jones Walker’s Maritime Practice Group is positioned to address the legal challenges facing the industry.
«The products and services described in this press release are not endorsed by The Maritime Executive.»
The Maritime Executive
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