In a strategic move that is stirring the waters of the legal maritime world, international powerhouse Watson Farley & Williams has fortified its corporate team in the United States. The firm's New York office welcomes a seasoned maritime and corporate legal eagle, Robert Kritzman, formerly of Clyde & Co LLP, as a new partner.

Clyde & Co Maritime Ace Jumps To Watson Farley : Kritzman's Voyage to Watson Farley

Robert Kritzman, whose legal journey has been marked by a string of impressive accomplishments, has anchored at Watson Farley's only U.S. outpost. His migration from Clyde & Co's corporate division in Miami to Watson Farley signifies a major shift in the legal seascape. Kritzman, whose expertise primarily sails across the maritime and shipping sector, brings a trove of experience, including shipbuilding contracts, secured vessel financings, and maritime restructurings.

Charting Uncharted Waters: Kritzman's Expertise

Kritzman's legal compass points towards a diverse range of maritime matters: from shipbuilding agreements and secured vessel finance to navigating the choppy waters of maritime bankruptcies. His corporate expertise isn't far behind, with a portfolio rich in mergers, acquisitions, venture capital startups, and cross-border transactions. His move is akin to a seasoned captain steering his ship into new, promising waters.

A Mutual Admiration: Kritzman and Watson Farley

Kritzman, in a wave of enthusiasm, expressed his excitement about joining Watson Farley. "The firm's standing as a top-tier international law firm in the maritime sector presents a golden opportunity to elevate my practice and bolster the firm's esteemed U.S. presence," he remarked. His admiration for Watson Farley's legal crew isn't new; Kritzman has previously engaged with them, both as a general counsel and in private practice.

George Paleokrassas, Watson Farley's senior partner, mirrored this sentiment. He highlighted Kritzman's vast maritime corporate experience, particularly in the cruise sector, as a vital addition to the firm's aspirations of expanding its maritime practice in the critical U.S. market.

Clyde & Co Maritime Ace Jumps To Watson Farley : Kritzman's Career Journey

Kritzman, a University of Florida's Levin College of Law alumnus, embarked on his legal voyage at McDermott Will & Emery LLP. His career set sail with Norwegian Cruise Line, where he eventually became the executive vice president and general counsel. Post-2009, Kritzman navigated through various prominent law firms, including K&L Gates LLP, Cozen O'Connor, and Baker Donelson, before docking at Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP and then Clyde & Co.

Watson Farley, with its roots in London since 1982, has evolved from a shipping-focused firm to a global legal titan with over 600 attorneys in 19 offices worldwide.