Contract Review and Drafting -
We frequently edit, draft, and negotiate various types of transportation agreements for our clients. As a relatively compact firm, we are able to offer transactional advice across the entire range of international business transactions, thereby allowing us to deliver outstanding legal and commercial results for our clients in a practical and cost-effective way. Whether it’s a bill of lading, charter party, purchase and sale agreement, or letter of credit, IMG attorneys can answer your legal questions quickly and efficiently.
Arbitration and Litigation -
When cargo claims turn contentious, we represent clients in international arbitrations around the world, under many different laws, as well as in litigation before U.S. courts at all levels. We also we work alongside all the different parties that may be involved in a cargo operations, including carriers, shippers, insurers, financial institutions, freight forwarders, and NVOCCs, governments, and other local interests. IMG not only helps carriers and shippers respond to cargo claims, but we also can advise clients on how best to tender their claims, claims calculation, and claims budgeting with their underwriters. Indeed, our experience in contentious cross-border litigation and arbitration gives us the insight to advise our clients through the complex issues that can accompany large and sophisticated disputes and transactions - regardless of the location.
R. Isaak Hurst, Esq.
Founder and Principal Attorney
- 24/7 Emergency Response for Carriers and Shippers
- Cargo Loss and Damage Claims
- Transactional Expertise, Guidance, and Support
- Arbitration and Litigation
- Cargo Insurance Evaluation and Recommendations
- In Rem actions and Vessel Arrests
or call (206) 707-8338
to speak to someone today.
How We Can Help
Bills of Lading
IMG assists both carriers and cargo owners in preparing transport and freight contracts, and IMG regularly advises clients on the drafting and review of bills of lading, way bills, and electronic bills of lading. We also advise our clients on the nuances of BL law in charter party agreements, and we have been involved with all types of cargo contracts: from general and bulk oil and grain, through to containerized carriage, and specialist cargoes such as LNG. In addition, IMG offers a full range of litigation and arbitration services for our clients with cargo damage claims.
Incoterms
In addition to having a thorough understanding of trade transactions and the nuances of the supply chain, we are specialists in the international sale of goods and the Incoterms that largely govern them. This uniquely enables us to draw upon our expertise and knowledge across the spectrum and to support you, whether you’re a large entity, local company or business individual, in adapting to, embracing and understanding how to get the most out of this changing world.
Regulatory Guidance
Never in history has there been so much government and regulatory oversight for companies engaged in the cross-boarder trade of goods and services. The rules governing international trade are complex and corporations often find themselves having to navigate through an intricate network of multilateral, regional and bilateral trade agreements (as well as widely differing national laws and regulations). However, we provide effective and practical solutions for complex regulatory issues that are international in nature and often times multi-jurisdictional. Indeed, it is our job to cut through the complexity and “legalese” in order to provide clear, precise and insightful answer to our clients. We balance the big picture with what our clients need to know, now.
Project Cargo -
IMG provides project cargo services to clients worldwide. If it’s overweight, oversized, and extremely high value, our legal team has the experience and knowledge to expertly handle the legal and regulatory complexities of your shipment—regardless of the location.
Our legal team will work with you and your staff to help assess the statutory and contractual liability associated with your shipment. We will also negotiate the best deal possible for you with freight forwarders and carriers in order to limit any liability associated with the project. The result is complex projects are handled on-time and on budget, and more importantly without any legal exposure.