Spotlight On Kierstan L. Carlson
KIERSTAN L. CARLSON PARTNER
HOW DID YOU GET INTO MARITIME LAW? Completely by chance. Coming out of law school, I knew I wanted to do“ litigation and investigations” and“ something international.” I was fortunate to secure an associate position with Blank Rome in its then“ Maritime & International Trade” practice; however, while I was hired to support international trade, I found myself gravitating toward the maritime matters, particularly MARPOL investigations. Over time and with the encouragement of several current and former colleagues, I developed a litigation and investigations focused maritime practice and I have not looked back.
WHAT DO YOU FIND MOST INTERESTING ABOUT THE MARITIME INDUSTRY? The maritime industry is so much more dynamic than many people realize. The logistics alone are fascinating— every time I’ m in a large port, I am in awe of what is required to get goods on and off ships and to keep the economy moving— but the industry is broad ranging and covers ship building and repair; transactions like charters, sales, and leases; insurance; crewing; etc. and that does not even start to cover the actual operation of ships. Perhaps the most significant aspect of the industry, however, is how seafarers dedicate their lives to the profession and are away from their families for months at a time.
HOW DOES BLANK ROME’ S DEEP EXPERIENCE IN THE MARITIME INDUSTRY PROVIDE THE FIRM WITH A COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE?
Our bench strength sets us apart from other maritime groups, as does our first-hand industry experience. We can handle the full range of civil litigation and arbitration from casualties to cargo or charter party disputes; provide compliance advice ranging from sanctions to Jones Act to MARPOL and VGP; and defend against investigations and enforcement actions. We have attorneys who formerly served in the Coast Guard, Navy, and Merchant Marines, and who worked at federal agencies and P & I Clubs. And we have attorneys at every level from senior partner to junior associate across five offices.
HOW DOES THE GROUP WORK WITH BLANK ROME’ S OTHER SERVICE LINES?
A number of attorneys in our Maritime group( including myself) are part of Blank Rome’ s Transportation industry team, which facilitates collaboration between attorneys serving clients in the transport sector and allows us to provide comprehensive representation. We also routinely build case teams that cross practice groups. For example, we work closely with the firm’ s International Trade group on export controls and sanctions matters and we may look to our White Collar Defense & Investigations colleagues to assist with complex enforcement actions or our Bankruptcy team members, who have experience with the unique features of maritime bankruptcies. We sometimes also assist our M & A colleagues with due diligence on deals involving maritime-related issues. Drawing on our internal knowledge and experience in this way allows us to be truly“ full service.”
WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO OUTSIDE OF YOUR LEGAL PRACTICE?
My partner and I recently purchased a new home and are having fun decorating and planning renovations! I also love the outdoors— on the weekends, you can usually find me going for a hike or bike ride. p – 2025 BLANK ROME LLP
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