Charles E. Schmidt

In the intricate world of commercial law, particularly within the specialized fields of insurance and maritime matters, having a seasoned legal professional is not just an advantage, but a necessity. For businesses and individuals in New York City facing complex insurance coverage disputes, transportation-related legal issues, or international trade challenges, Charles E. Schmidt stands as a highly respected and exceptionally qualified attorney. As a key professional at Kennedy Lillis Schmidt & English, Mr. Schmidt brings decades of experience and a profound understanding of these niche areas of law, offering sophisticated counsel and vigorous representation.

Mr. Schmidt's reputation is built on a foundation of extensive knowledge and a long-standing commitment to his practice. He is recognized by his peers and the legal community for his significant contributions and expertise, notably being selected to the prestigious Super Lawyers list for multiple years. This acknowledgment underscores his professional excellence and the high regard in which he is held by other attorneys. For New Yorkers navigating the complexities of marine insurance, air carrier defense, or the nuances of international trade regulations like OFAC, Charles E. Schmidt offers a reliable and expert hand, committed to providing quality representation and fair fees.

The Law Office of Charles E. Schmidt, part of Kennedy Lillis Schmidt & English, is conveniently located at 125 Maiden Ln #5c, New York, NY 10038, USA. This address places the firm in the heart of Lower Manhattan's Financial District, a hub of commercial activity and an exceptionally accessible location for clients throughout New York City and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Being situated on Maiden Lane ensures superb connectivity through New York City's extensive public transportation system. Multiple subway lines, including the 2, 3, 4, 5, J, and Z trains, have stations within a very short walking distance from the office building. This wide-ranging access is crucial for businesses and individuals commuting from all five boroughs – Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island – as well as those utilizing PATH trains from New Jersey. Numerous bus routes also traverse the area, providing additional convenient options for reaching the office. While street parking in Lower Manhattan can be limited, there are several commercial parking garages nearby, offering alternatives for those who prefer to drive.

The professional environment of the office building at 125 Maiden Lane provides a suitable and confidential setting for discussing sensitive legal matters related to insurance, maritime, and transportation law. The ease of access to Charles E. Schmidt’s office is a significant advantage for New Yorkers, ensuring that critical legal assistance is readily available without undue logistical burdens.

Charles E. Schmidt specializes in providing comprehensive legal services across intricate areas of insurance and transportation law. His practice at Kennedy Lillis Schmidt & English offers expertise in:

• Insurance Coverage Interpretation and Litigation: A principal area of focus, Mr. Schmidt advises and represents clients in matters concerning insurance coverage. This includes interpreting complex policy wordings and litigating disputes related to various types of insurance, such as:
  • Marine Cargo Insurance: Handling claims and disputes involving loss or damage to goods transported by sea.
  • Hull Insurance: Addressing coverage issues for the physical damage to vessels.
  • Legal Liability Insurance: Dealing with policies that cover liabilities arising from various incidents.
  • Other Marine and Non-Marine Insurance Policies: Extending expertise to a wide range of other specialized insurance policies.
• Policy Drafting and Review: Providing meticulous services for drafting and reviewing insurance policy wordings and endorsements to ensure clarity, compliance, and protection for underwriters and insureds.
• Subrogation: Actively pursuing recovery of losses on behalf of insurers and insureds from responsible third parties. This involves complex litigation against ocean carriers, air carriers, railroads, motor carriers, and warehouses for cargo losses, often extending to foreign tribunals through a network of correspondent attorneys.
• General Average Matters: Advising clients on complex issues related to General Average, a principle in maritime law where all parties in a sea adventure proportionately share losses resulting from a voluntary sacrifice of part of the ship or cargo to save the whole.
• Defense of Air Carriers and Air Freight Forwarders: Providing vigorous defense for air carriers and air freight forwarders at both trial and appellate levels, addressing claims and litigation specific to the aviation transportation industry.
• OFAC Regulations (Office of Foreign Assets Control) Counsel: Counseling clients on the potential impact of regulations administered by the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) on underwriting, claims, and subrogation, ensuring compliance with international sanctions programs.

Charles E. Schmidt's practice is marked by several significant features and highlights that underscore his expertise and value to clients in New York.

• Super Lawyers® Recognition: Mr. Schmidt has been repeatedly selected to the prestigious Super Lawyers® list for multiple years (2010-2011, 2014-2017, 2019-2024). This esteemed recognition, based on peer nomination, professional achievement, and independent research, signifies his standing among the top 5% of attorneys in New York and reflects a high degree of respect within the legal community.
• Martindale-Hubbell AV® Preeminent™ Rated: He holds an AV® Preeminent™ rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest possible rating for legal ability and ethical standards. This peer-reviewed rating further affirms his professional excellence and integrity.
• Deep Industry Experience: With admission to the bar in 1976, Mr. Schmidt brings nearly five decades of experience to his practice. His background includes prior sailing experience on vessels and 11 years with a firm specializing in P&I defense work, providing him with invaluable practical insight into maritime operations and liabilities.
• Specialized Focus on Insurance and Maritime Law: His principal area of focus and interest in insurance and transportation matters, including marine cargo, hull, and liability coverage, demonstrates a highly specialized expertise that is crucial for navigating these complex fields. This dedicated focus ensures clients receive sophisticated and knowledgeable counsel.
• Leadership in Maritime Law Associations: Mr. Schmidt is actively involved in the Maritime Law Association of the U.S., where he has served on various committees and is currently the Chair of the Special Committee for Meetings and Events. His participation underscores his commitment to the advancement of maritime law and his strong network within the industry.
• Educational Background and Speaking Engagements: His background includes a J.D. from Fordham University and guest lecturing at the Admiralty Law course at the College of Insurance. He has also spoken to numerous industry groups on topics such as OFAC issues, subrogation, insurance coverage, and the Warsaw Convention, highlighting his authority and ability to articulate complex legal concepts.

While professional legal practices do not typically offer traditional "promotions" in the retail sense, Charles E. Schmidt at Kennedy Lillis Schmidt & English does provide a significant and valuable offering: a Free Consultation.

This complimentary initial meeting is an invaluable opportunity for prospective clients in New York to:

• Discuss the specifics of their insurance, maritime, or transportation-related legal issue.
• Receive preliminary legal advice directly from an experienced attorney.
• Gain a clearer understanding of their legal standing, potential challenges, and strategic options.
• Determine if Mr. Schmidt's expertise and the firm's approach are the right fit for their complex legal needs, without any upfront financial commitment.

For businesses and individuals facing high-stakes issues in these specialized fields, a free consultation with a Super Lawyers-rated attorney like Charles E. Schmidt is an exceptional advantage. It allows for a vital first step in assessing a situation and planning a course of action with a highly qualified legal professional. It is recommended to contact the office directly to schedule this consultation.

Connecting with Charles E. Schmidt and the team at Kennedy Lillis Schmidt & English is straightforward for those in New York seeking expert legal counsel in insurance and maritime law.

• Address: 125 Maiden Ln #5c, New York, NY 10038, USA. This well-known and central location in Lower Manhattan's Financial District ensures ease of access.
• Phone: (212) 430-0802. This is Mr. Schmidt's direct contact number, allowing clients to reach him for inquiries and to schedule appointments.
• Mobile Phone: +1 212-430-0802. The provision of a mobile number further emphasizes direct accessibility and client convenience.

Prospective clients are encouraged to call during business hours to speak with a representative and arrange an initial consultation to discuss their specific legal situation.

For businesses and individuals in New York City facing intricate legal challenges within the realms of insurance and maritime law, Charles E. Schmidt and his team at Kennedy Lillis Schmidt & English offer a uniquely suitable and highly effective solution. Their strategic location at 125 Maiden Lane in Lower Manhattan provides unparalleled accessibility, making it convenient for clients from all five boroughs and beyond to reach their office via the city's extensive public transportation network. This ease of access is particularly beneficial for commercial clients who often operate on tight schedules and require efficient legal support.

What truly distinguishes Charles E. Schmidt as an ideal choice for New Yorkers is his decades of highly specialized experience and profound understanding of complex marine and non-marine insurance matters, as well as transportation law. New York, as a global financial and trade hub, frequently encounters cases involving international cargo, complex liability policies, and intricate federal regulations. Mr. Schmidt’s extensive background, including his years of defending P&I claims and his role as a guest lecturer on Admiralty Law, means he brings a level of expertise that is crucial for navigating these high-stakes legal environments. His consistent recognition by Super Lawyers® and his AV® Preeminent™ rating from Martindale-Hubbell further solidify his standing as a top-tier attorney in these niche fields, providing New Yorkers with an assurance of quality and professional achievement.

For local businesses and individuals who demand sophisticated, experienced, and effective legal representation in complex insurance, maritime, and civil litigation matters, Charles E. Schmidt offers a trusted and proven resource. His commitment to quality representation and clear communication ensures that New Yorkers receive not only expert legal counsel but also a reliable partner in resolving their most challenging legal issues.