Hoppel, Mayer & Coleman

For businesses and organizations involved in the intricate world of maritime and transportation, navigating the myriad of regulations, contracts, and disputes can be a formidable challenge. In the District of Columbia, a city at the nexus of federal law and global commerce, having access to specialized legal expertise in these fields is crucial. This article introduces Hoppel, Mayer & Coleman, a distinguished law firm with a rich history of serving clients in maritime and transportation law right here in Washington, DC.

Established in 1973 by partners Neal M. Mayer and Paul D. Coleman, Hoppel, Mayer & Coleman has built a strong reputation over more than 49 years for its unwavering commitment to excellence in maritime and transportation law. They understand that the shipping and logistics industries are dynamic and complex, requiring not only a deep understanding of legal principles but also a practical grasp of industry operations. The firm prides itself on providing insightful advice and robust representation to a diverse range of clients, from ocean common carriers and shippers to non-vessel-operating common carriers (NVOCCs), freight forwarders, marine terminal operators, and public port authorities.

The firm's mission is to offer comprehensive legal solutions for business, statutory, regulatory, and transactional matters arising under federal maritime, surface transportation, and related laws. Their long-standing presence and focus in Washington, DC, allow them to remain at the forefront of legal developments affecting these vital sectors, ensuring that their clients receive timely and accurate counsel grounded in extensive experience and time-tested judgment.

Hoppel, Mayer & Coleman is strategically located at 1050 Connecticut Ave NW STE 1000, Washington, DC 20036, USA. This address places the firm in a prime, central business district of Washington, DC, offering excellent accessibility for local, national, and international clients who may be visiting the nation's capital for legal matters.

The firm's location on Connecticut Avenue Northwest is a significant advantage, providing convenient access via a variety of transportation options. For those utilizing the efficient Washington D.C. Metro system, the office is within easy walking distance of several major stations. The Farragut North Metro Station (Red Line) and the Farragut West Metro Station (Orange, Blue, and Silver Lines) are both just a short stroll away. This proximity to key Metro lines ensures that clients from various parts of the District, as well as those commuting from the broader metropolitan area including Maryland and Virginia, can reach the office with ease. Additionally, numerous Metrobus routes operate along Connecticut Avenue NW, offering further public transit convenience.

For clients who prefer to drive, while street parking can be limited in downtown DC, there are several commercial parking garages available in the immediate vicinity of 1050 Connecticut Ave NW. The building's prominent and central position ensures ease of navigation, helping clients find their way to appointments without unnecessary stress. This strategic and accessible location underscores Hoppel, Mayer & Coleman's commitment to being readily available to serve the complex maritime and transportation legal needs of their diverse clientele.

Hoppel, Mayer & Coleman specializes exclusively in maritime and transportation law, providing a comprehensive suite of legal services to a broad spectrum of clients within these industries. Their expertise covers both domestic and international aspects, catering to the unique regulatory and commercial challenges faced by stakeholders.

• Maritime Administrative Law: Representing clients before federal agencies such as the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) and other relevant regulatory bodies on compliance, licensing, and enforcement matters. This includes navigating the Shipping Act of 1984 and related statutes.
• Maritime Commercial Law: Advising on commercial agreements, contracts, and disputes pertinent to the maritime industry. This can include charter party agreements, bills of lading, cargo claims, and vessel financing.
• Shipping Regulations: Providing counsel on complex domestic and international shipping regulations, ensuring clients operate in compliance with evolving legal frameworks. This involves understanding rules related to tariffs, service contracts, and competition.
• Transportation Arbitration: Representing clients in alternative dispute resolution (ADR) processes, particularly arbitration, for transportation-related disputes, often a preferred method for resolving commercial disagreements in the industry.
• Transportation Regulations: Offering guidance on a wide array of transportation regulations beyond just maritime, which could encompass surface transportation regulations administered by agencies like the Surface Transportation Board (STB) depending on the scope of the client's operations.
• Advising Ocean Common Carriers: Providing comprehensive legal support to major shipping lines on their operational, regulatory, and contractual needs.
• Representing Shippers: Assisting businesses that transport goods by sea with their rights, obligations, and disputes with carriers or other logistics providers.
• Counsel for Non-Vessel-Operating Common Carriers (NVOCCs) and Freight Forwarders: Guiding these intermediaries through their specific regulatory requirements, contractual relationships, and liability issues.
• Representation of Marine Terminal Operators: Advising terminal operators on their legal responsibilities, contractual arrangements with carriers and shippers, and regulatory compliance.
• Legal Counsel for Public Port Authorities: Providing legal support to ports on a range of issues, including regulatory matters, land use, and commercial agreements.
• Transactional Matters: Assisting with the legal aspects of business transactions within the maritime and transportation sectors, such as mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures involving industry players.
• Statutory Compliance: Ensuring clients adhere to all applicable federal and state statutes governing maritime and transportation activities.

Hoppel, Mayer & Coleman stands out with several notable features and highlights that underscore its expertise and suitability for clients in Washington, DC, and beyond:

• Decades of Specialized Experience: With over 49 years in practice, the firm possesses an unparalleled depth of knowledge and experience in maritime and transportation law. This long-standing focus ensures that clients benefit from seasoned judgment and insights into complex industry-specific legal issues.
• Focus on Maritime and Transportation Law: Unlike general practice firms, Hoppel, Mayer & Coleman's exclusive specialization means their attorneys are immersed daily in the nuances of federal maritime, surface transportation, and related administrative laws. This highly focused expertise is a significant advantage for clients in these sectors.
• Founding Partners' Legacy: Founded by Neal M. Mayer and Paul D. Coleman in 1973, the firm benefits from the enduring legacy and continued influence of its experienced partners, who have become synonymous with legal prowess in the maritime industry.
• Diverse Client Base: The firm advises and represents a wide array of industry stakeholders, including ocean common carriers, shippers, NVOCCs, freight forwarders, marine terminal operators, and public port authorities. This broad client base demonstrates their versatility and comprehensive understanding of the entire supply chain.
• Regulatory Agency Expertise: Being located in Washington, DC, and specializing in highly regulated industries, the firm has extensive experience representing clients before key federal agencies such as the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) and other relevant administrative bodies. This familiarity with agency procedures and personnel is a critical asset.
• Commitment to Technology: The firm emphasizes its use of "the best technology available" for communication and collaboration. This focus on state-of-the-art tools helps ensure prompt, accurate advice and efficient service delivery, reflecting a modern approach to legal practice.
• Reputation and Recognition: While specific recent accolades are not broadly detailed, the firm's longevity and consistent focus in such a specialized field indicate a strong reputation within the maritime and transportation legal community. Attorneys within the firm are often recognized through platforms like Super Lawyers, attesting to peer recognition and professional achievement.
• Strategic and Practical Advice: Their extensive experience allows them to provide not just legal interpretations but also practical, business-oriented advice that helps clients navigate complex issues and make informed decisions that align with their commercial objectives.

As a highly specialized and established law firm focusing on complex areas of maritime and transportation law, Hoppel, Mayer & Coleman does not typically advertise broad "promotions" or "special offers" in the way a retail business might. Their value proposition is built on their deep expertise, long-standing reputation, and the tailored, high-level legal services they provide.

Legal services, especially in niche fields like maritime and transportation law, are often bespoke to the client's specific needs, the complexity of the case, and the nature of the industry. Therefore, fee structures are usually determined after an initial consultation and assessment of the scope of work required.

Prospective clients in the District of Columbia interested in Hoppel, Mayer & Coleman's services are encouraged to contact the firm directly using the provided phone number. This initial outreach would be the appropriate step to discuss their legal needs, understand the firm's approach, and inquire about their fee arrangements for specific matters. While explicit "offers" are unlikely, the firm's long history and specialized focus imply a commitment to delivering strong value through expert representation.

To connect with Hoppel, Mayer & Coleman and discuss your legal needs related to maritime and transportation law in the District of Columbia, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 1050 Connecticut Ave NW STE 1000, Washington, DC 20036, USA
• Phone: (202) 296-5460
• Mobile Phone: +1 202-296-5460

The firm welcomes inquiries from carriers, shippers, NVOCCs, freight forwarders, marine terminal operators, public port authorities, and other entities requiring specialized legal counsel in these intricate fields.

For businesses and organizations operating within the District of Columbia that are involved in the maritime and transportation industries, Hoppel, Mayer & Coleman stands as an exceptionally suitable and vital legal resource. Their central location at 1050 Connecticut Ave NW ensures high accessibility for local clients, minimizing the logistical challenges of seeking specialized legal counsel in a busy urban environment.

What truly makes this firm an ideal choice for locals is its unparalleled specialization and decades of experience in maritime and transportation law. In a city like Washington, DC, which is home to federal agencies governing these sectors (like the FMC and STB), having a legal partner with nearly 50 years of direct engagement with these regulatory bodies and the industries they oversee is an immense advantage. Whether it's navigating complex shipping regulations, handling commercial disputes, or ensuring compliance, the firm's deep expertise ensures that DC-based clients receive highly informed, strategic, and practical advice.

Their ability to represent a diverse range of clients—from major ocean carriers to local port authorities and individual shippers—means they understand the multifaceted challenges faced by all players in the supply chain. For any entity in the District of Columbia whose operations touch upon the maritime or transportation spheres, Hoppel, Mayer & Coleman offers not just legal representation, but a wealth of institutional knowledge and a proven track record, making them an indispensable ally in safeguarding their interests and navigating the intricate legal waters.