Vandeventer Black LLP partner, Edward J. Powers, has been elected to serve as an officer for The Maritime Law Association of the United States (MLA). The MLA was founded in 1899 with the objectives of advancing reforms in the Maritime Law of the United States, facilitating justice in its administration, promoting uniformity in its enactment and interpretation, and furnishing a forum for the discussion and consideration of problems affecting the Maritime Law and its administration. 

Vandeventer Black has a rich history with the MLA. The Firm’s partners have held positions on the Board of Directors for more than a century, including Floyd Hughes (1918-1923), Braden Vandeventer, Sr. (1935-1936); Hugh Meredith (1967-1970), Braden Vandeventer, Jr. (1976-1979); Mort Clark (1984-1987), Bill Birkhead (194-1997), Geoff Birkhead (1999-2002), John Ryan (2005-2008), and Mark Coberly (2017-2020). 

“It is a great honor for me. I consider myself fortunate to have spent my career at a firm that allowed me the opportunity to be an active member of the MLA and rise through its ranks,” said Powers, who previously served as a member of the Association’s Board of Directors.  Ed is a past member of the Firm’s Executive Board.  He concentrates his practice in transportation law with a focus on the representation of ship owners, charterers, and their underwriters including domestic and international insurance companies and P&I Clubs.  Ed also represented one of the largest Class I railroads in North America.

Ed is active in many professional organizations including the Southeastern Admiralty Law Institute, the Virginia Maritime Association, the Fourth Circuit Judicial Conference, and he  serves as an Associate Editor for American Maritime Cases.  Ed is a multiple recipient of Best Lawyers in America,^® “Norfolk Lawyer of the Year” for Admiralty and Maritime Law. He is recognized by Virginia Business Magazine as a “Legal Elite” and by the International Who’s Who of Maritime Lawyers.