Contact Info

Phone: (646) 490-2672
Mobile: (973) 908-0518

Randolph H. Donatelli

Partner

Randy has practiced maritime law since 1985, most recently as a partner in another leading New York maritime law firm since 1998.His clients include major liner operators, bulk carriers, and the majority of the IG Clubs. His practice covers all areas of maritime law including:      

• cargo claims involving containerships, bulkers, tankers, and inland carriers
• all types of charter party disputes including demurrage, off-hire, unsafe ports, and speed/consumption claims
• maritime attachment and arrest
• collision and personal injury

He also has extensive experience on the commercial side in drafting bills of lading, service contracts, guarantees and other contracts and documents used in the ocean shipping business.

Notable court victories include dismissal after full trial on a claim for rust damage to cold rolled steel coils, which ruling was affirmed by the Second Court of Appeals. Notable arbitration victories include an award in vessel owner's favor finding that time used by the vessel to deviate to an unscheduled port to pick up security guards prior to sailing in waters known for pirate activity is not off-hire and that 50% of the cost of the guards must be paid by the charterer.

He and his wife Sue live in New Jersey and have three children, Sarah, Kate and Mark.

Education

Union College, B.A, cum laude, 1982
State University of New York at Buffalo Law School, J.D., 1985

Publications

Editor and main author of Court Case Digest, a case reporting publication of Lloyd's of London Press, 1995-1997
"U.S. Suit Time Limitations", Sea Venture, Vol.18 (1999)

Papers given with oral presentations

Introduction to the New York Court of Appeals decision in Koehler v. Bank of Bermuda (2010)
Basic considerations in protecting ocean carriers' interests when handling marine cargo claims (2009)
Rule B maritime attachments of EFTs passing through New York banks (2007)
Impact on ocean carriers of the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling In Kirby v. Norfolk Southern (2005)
Recent developments in U.S. case law on marine cargo claims (1999-2000)
Practical considerations of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in the SKY REEFER case (1995)
Major aspects of the U.S. Maritime Law Association's proposed revisions to U.S. COGSA (1995)

Bar Admissions

New York
Southern District of New York
Eastern District of New York
Georgia
Southern District of Georgia
U.S. Court of Appeals, Second Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals, Third Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit