Robert Kritzman expands international law firm's cruise practice

Kritzman is speclalized in international commercial transactions, maritime transactions, maritime regulatory compliance, and mergers and acquisitions.

He has extensive experience in vessel construction projects including cruise and cargo ships, tankers and yachts. He provides advice to lenders, buyers and borrowers on regulatory issues and commercial transactions with an emphasis on the shipping and maritime industry, including shipbuilding contracts, secured vessel financings and transactions, maritime bankruptcies and restructurings, and environmental and safety compliance.

Kritzman also has experience in the super-yacht industry and is expected to take an active role supporting Clyde & Co's existing global super-yacht team.

Ideal match

'Robert's significant experience in the cruise line sector idealy matches our ambitions in and focus on this market and, in Miami, he is perfectly based to do so,' said David Bennet, Clyde & Co partner and global chair of the firm's energy, marine and natural resources practice. 'Robert will also extend the already impressive reach of our super-yacht team.'

For Kritzman's part, he was attracted by Clyde & Co's strong reputation and wide network. 'Due to the global reach of the firm, I will be able to expand and diversify my activities for clients in regions such as APAC and the UK, while increasing the firm's maritime practice,' he said.

This is 'an exciting opportunity to offer an unparalleled breadth of expertise and geographic reach to the cruise industry. The firm has a long history of representing the industry in Europe, Asia-Pacific and the United States, including a current high profile representation in Australia. 

'Positioned to provide seamless cross-border representation'

'The application of English law to many international maritime transactions, the US base and market prominence for many cruise lines and the international nature of the industry makes Clyde & Co perfectly positioned to provide seamless cross-border representation,' Kritzman continued. 'Our industry experience and knowledge also allows Clyde to best address cruise industry clients' business goals.'

Kritzman joins from Lewis Brisbois where he was a partner and a member of the commercial lending, complex business and commercial litigation, marine and energy, and transportation practices. Earlier, he spent 17 years at Norwegian Cruise Line, first as general counsel and EVP and later as managing director of NCL America.

Clyde & Co's marine lawyers are based in more than 25 locations across five continents. With more than 80 years' experience, Clyde is among the world's oldest maritime law firms.

Robert Kritzman provides expert legal commentary about the Genting Hong Kong and Crystal Cruises path to liquidation in Seatrade Cruise Review's current issue