Note from the Editor
WILLIAM R. BENNETT III
The maritime industry, as a whole, is extremely collegial and driven by personal relationships. I have been very lucky to have developed so many personal friendships that grew from business relationships. In particular, as a maritime lawyer, I have been fortunate to have travelled to many places, near and far, and have worked with many impressive people across the globe. One of those people was Jim Lawrence. For those who did not have the pleasure of knowing Jim, he was, among other things, the founder of MTI Network, and led Marine Money’ s and the Connecticut Maritime Association’ s annual conferences. I first became acquainted with Jim when he emceed the annual Admirals’ Dinner at SUNY Maritime College. Laughter came easy while Jim spoke. Jim’ s accomplishments and reputation preceded him well before I got to know him better in 2015 while we both were working on the El Faro matter. The knowledge and guidance Jim provided to his clients during times of crisis was invaluable. Jim’ s smile and sunny disposition were, to me, his hallmark during those times of crisis.
On behalf of the Blank Rome Maritime team, thank you Jim for your friendship. Our crew is one less, we sail shorthanded, and so we mourn, but to Jim we say:
That Hand is you, Old Sailor. And you’ ll be sailing out on Heavenly Seas. May the wind be ever at your back. Fair weather, and God Speed. EDITOR, Mainbrace
WILLIAM R. BENNETT III Partner 212.885.5152 william. bennett @ blankrome. com
CO-EDITOR, Mainbrace
EMMA C. JONES Of Counsel 202.420.2285 emma. jones @ blankrome. com
ASSOCIATE EDITOR, Mainbrace
HOLLI B. PACKER Associate 215.569.5488 holli. packer @ blankrome. com