Highlighting the Firm’s maritime expertise and experienced attorneys, Galloway Johnson Tompkins Burr & Smith will be well represented at the 31st Biennial Admiralty Law Institute hosted by Tulane University Law School. The premier event, held every other spring, gathers admiralty leaders, including lawyers, academics, industry professionals, and governmental agency leaders, for the oldest and largest continuing legal education program dedicated to maritime law.
Kathleen Charvet
Director Kathleen Charvet was elected Chair of the Program Committee for the event in 2024 and will once again serve in that role in 2026. In addition to her committee leadership, Kathleen will be a lead panelist discussing catastrophic claims and seismic verdicts in maritime cases.
Kathleen has practiced admiralty and maritime law in New Orleans for more than 25 years. She engages in a collaborative practice with clients to best determine the best strategies for protecting and defending their interests.
Jason Waguespack
Galloway Managing Director Jason Waguespack will be the panel moderator on “Admiralty Dark Thirty” where presenters will discuss how sanctions, warzones, chokepoints, fraudulent registries, and the shadow fleet all impact maritime industry and trade. Jason is an associate professor of law at Tulane University Law School, teaching a course on maritime charter parties to upperclassmen and graduate students.
Jason focuses his practice on litigation and arbitration related to all aspects of maritime and international law. With over 30 years of experience, he brings a deep understanding of maritime claims and the rapid response necessary from on-scene investigation through trial.
Frederick “Billy” Swaim
Managing Director of Galloway’s Greater New Orleans offices, Frederick “Billy” Swaim will moderate the panel on “The Admiralty Alphabet” which will explore Rules A-G of the Federal Supplemental Rules of Admiralty as well as prominent examples of these rules in action. Billy is a Tulane Law School graduate, having earned a Masters of Law (LL.M.) in Admiralty with distinction.
Billy is an experienced litigator with a practice focused, domestically and internationally, on maritime matters in both blue and brown water, coverage, and transactional law. He has presented on maritime topics around the world.
Brendan Hughes
Associate Brendan Hughes will close the Tulane Admiralty Law Institute with a panel on ethics in settlement negotiations. Prior to attending Tulane Law School and starting his career in law, Brendan was a senior environmental scientist with a national environmental engineering and science firm. He focuses his practice on environmental, insurance, and maritime matters, including claims under the Clean Water Act, RCRA, CERCLA, and the Clean Air Act.
More Information
For more information on the 31st Tulane Admiralty Law Institute, and to register, visit their website. To connect with Galloway maritime attorneys in New Orleans, contact our team.
