James N. Hurley is a Shareholder and Chair for the firm's Admiralty and Maritime Law Practice Group. With over 30 years of experience handling complex matters in the maritime industry, Jim provides full-cycle legal representation to his clients, from helping them achieve their initial goals to ensuring their continued success should disputes arise.
Practice Focus
Jim represents domestic and international insurers, cargo carriers, major cruise lines, operators and charter companies, and marina and terminal owners and operators in negotiating and drafting various marine-related contracts essential to their business, including the purchase, construction and sale of vessels, financing and vessel registration, concessionaire contracts, contracts for charters, and storage contracts. Additionally, Jim regularly assists private clients with purchasing, financing, and registering multi-million dollar vessels for personal use.
Jim has significant experience trying maritime and admiralty cases in state and federal courts, and frequently represents clients in disputes including passenger and crew personal injury claims, first party coverage disputes, property damage claims, and commercial disputes. Jim also advises clients on regulatory compliances issues and defends civil, criminal, and administrative enforcement actions.
Jim is consistently recognized by esteemed legal publications such as Florida Super Lawyers, and The Best Lawyers in America®, which recognized Jim as the "Best Lawyers® Miami Transportation Law Lawyer of the Year" for the 2022 edition as well as the "Best Lawyers® Miami Admiralty and Maritime Lawyer of the Year" in 2011, 2015 and 2017. Widely recognized for his professional expertise, Jim is a frequent author on various topics in domestic and international maritime law, and is called upon to share his experience at maritime seminars throughout the country.
Jim is Board Certified in Admiralty & Maritime Law by The Florida Bar, served on the Certification Committee of the Admiralty and Maritime Section of The Florida Bar, and has assisted in drafting the certification exam. He is also past Chair of the Southeastern Admiralty Law Institute, where he currently serves on its Advisory Committee.
Professional Associations and Memberships
- American Bar Association, Member
- The Florida Bar, Admiralty & Maritime Law, Certification Committee
- Dade County Bar Association, Member
- Maritime Law Association, Member
- Southeastern Admiralty Law Institute, Chair
- Litigation Counsel of America, Fellow
- Defense Research Institute, Member
In the News
- Maritime Law Heating up as COVID-19 Boosts Boating Demand in South Florida, Daily Business Review, July 21, 2021
- The White of Their Eyes': Lawyers Say Litigating With Insurers Becomes a Game of Chicken, Law.com, May 12, 2020
- Bill Proposing $50,000 Jursidictional Limit for County Courts Advances in Florida, Daily Business Review, March 22, 2019
- Cruise Ship Trumpeter Seeks Rehearing of 11th Circ. Call, Law360, September 13, 2016
- Trial Pros: Fowler White's James Hurley, Law360, July 25, 2016
- Ex-Royal Caribbean Worker Fights Arbitration in 11th Circ., Law360, July 13, 2016
Speaking Engagements
- "Trying to Reason with Hurricane Season," Southeastern Admiralty Law Institute 2023 Annual Seminar, June 22-24, 2023
- “Forum Selection Clauses After Atlantic Marine,” 3rd Annual ACI Admiralty and Maritime Claims and Litigation Seminar, February 27-28, 2014
- “Applications for Marine Insurance: Truth or Consequences,” Southeastern Admiralty Law Institute, Summer Seminar, June 2003 - Present
- "Punitive Damages in Maritime Law," ACI Annual Admiralty and Maritime Claims and Litigation, 2013
- "Recent Trends and Developments in Charter Parties," Association of Transportation Law Professionals, 2013
- "Maritime Law Boot Camp," ACI Annual Admiralty and Maritime Claims and Litigation, 2012
Publications
- Co-Author, "Florida Insurance Compendium," ALFA International, 2023
- Co-Author, "Charter Parties: Safe Harbor Warranty and Cargo Liabilities," Journal of Transportation Law, Logistics and Policy, Volume 80, Number 4, 4th Quarter 2013
- “Marina Liability,” The Florida Bar Maritime Law and Practice, Fourth Edition, 2005