Bill Dougherty focuses his practice on counseling and representing vessel owners and operators, as well as other maritime commercial entities, in all areas of maritime tort, contract and regulatory law. He has managed cases and disputes arising out of vessel collisions and groundings, marine salvage incidents, casualties to main propulsion engines and associated systems and equipment, oil pollution response and natural resource damage assessments, and has counseled clients on the requirements of the Jones Act and its implications in cases involving customs practice.
Notably, he has represented vessel owners in administrative and criminal proceedings arising out of violations of international environmental conventions and U.S. environmental laws and regulations. Bill has also conducted environmental regulatory compliance investigations and audits, and has drafted and negotiated both long- and short-term vessel charters, a broad range of marine service contracts and other commercial agreements on behalf of clients.
Drawing from his long-standing experience in the maritime industry, Bill is able to analyze each matter from the client's perspective and address it in an efficient, professional manner.