Bill Bennett is a member of our Maritime Emergency Response Team (“MERT”).

Bill has more than 30 years’ experience representing stakeholders in the global shipping, energy, and commodities markets. Bill handles contentious and non-contentious matters for a large global client base. He has extensive experience arbitrating and litigating matters involving complex shipping, international trade, commodities, and energy disputes as well as significant ship casualties involving sinkings, fire, wrongful death, and personal injury. His experience includes arbitrating under the rules of the AAA, ICDR, SMA, ICE, and NAEGA, as well as numerous ad hoc arbitrations. Bill is a frequent presenter on numerous topics impacting the global shipping market.

Chambers USA notes that clients describe Bill as “very personable, doesn’t deal in legalese, provides succinct and clear advice and provides it quickly,” “responsive, hard-working and dedicated to creating a successful outcome,” “a terrific litigator who is smart and knows what he’s doing,” and “brilliant, straightforward, well-reasoned and cuts to the chase.”

Bill is a graduate of SUNY Maritime College, sailed as a licensed officer, and holds a degree in Naval Architecture. In connection with his education at SUNY Maritime College, he obtained his Unlimited Third Mate’s license from the United States Coast Guard (“USCG”). He worked aboard various vessels in the capacity of Third Mate, Second Mate (limited tonnage), and Master (limited tonnage), including oil tankers, ocean-going tugs, dredges, and yachts.

Outside the Firm

Bill enjoys cycling, running, hiking, and fishing. He has completed three marathons.