Timothy Semenoro

Timothy Semenoro is a partner in the Litigation Department and co-chair of the Maritime and Transportation Industry Group. Combining formal training as a naval architect with deep admiralty knowledge, Tim offers a rare technical perspective that distinguishes his approach to complex shipping disputes. He primarily represents international companies, vessel owners, charterers, Protection and Indemnity (P&I) Clubs, Hull Clubs, and insurers in high-stakes, multiparty litigation, arbitration, mediation, and appeals.

Tim's practice spans the full spectrum of maritime casualty litigation, appeals, and arbitration, involving high-value and complex matters arising under the U.S. Limitation of Liability Act, Fire Statute, COGSA, and general maritime law. His broader experience includes providing charter party contract advice, negotiating pre-judgment security, leading on-site incident investigations, directing expert consultants, managing large-scale e-discovery, and engaging with U.S. government agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard and NTSB, in investigations, public hearings, and Federal Maritime Commission proceedings. Tim also advises international companies and foreign insurers on U.S. maritime regulations governing cargo transportation, trade restrictions, and pollution liability.

Prior to joining Montgomery McCracken, Tim was a partner with the maritime law firm Chalos O'Connor LLP. Previously, he practiced at a boutique New York law firm in the areas of cargo subrogation, complex commercial litigation, insurance, and coverage. During his final year of law school, Tim served as a judicial-extern clerk to the Honorable Marcel Livaudais, Senior U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Louisiana.

Before attending law school, Tim was a naval architect and marine engineer with the firm of CG International, Inc. The years Tim spent working in the marine vessel design and construction field before transitioning to maritime law provide him with a unique technical perspective on vessel operations, casualty causation, and loss prevention. This engineering foundation gives him an unmatched ability to analyze technical evidence, understand vessel operations, and communicate effectively with marine surveyors and technical consultants.