James Levantino

James is an associate within the Litigation practice group at the firm. He joined the firm in 2021 after completing the firm’s summer associate program in 2019 and 2020. As a member of the Maritime practice group James’ practice focuses primarily on maritime related issues including experience with international disputes, pollution, marine insurance, personal injuries, and regulatory compliance matters.

James earned his Juris Doctor from Tulane University School of Law (’21) where he was a member of the Tulane Maritime Law Society. James graduated with a Certificate in Maritime Law.

Prior to attending law school, James earned his B.S. from the United States Merchant Marine Academy (’13), where he majored in Logistics and Intermodal Transportation.

In addition to his undergraduate degree, upon graduating from the academy James was licensed by the United States Coast Guard as a third mate (Unlimited) and accepted a commission as an Ensign in the United States Naval Reserve.

James actively sailed under the authority of his Coast Guard license in various capacities aboard a broad spectrum of vessels in many areas of the maritime industry which afforded him the opportunity to advance his license to its current level of Master (1600 ton) and Chief Mate (Unlimited). After a period in the Gulf of Mexico working as a Dynamic Positioning Operator and Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch aboard offshore supply vessels, James returned to the world of deep-water shipping. James has experience onboard tankers, ro-ro car carriers, and containerships calling countless ports around the world. Most recently, James sailed as Chief Mate aboard various container ships until beginning law school in 2018.

James proudly maintains his USCG license and was honorably discharged from the United States Naval Reserves in 2021 at the rank of Lieutenant after fulfilling his service obligations.