Alexander M. Giles

One of the premier maritime law attorneys in the nation, Alex Giles has almost three decades of extensive and diverse experience handling the unique business, regulatory, and claims-related issues that arise in this distinct and complex area of the law. He has advised clients on almost every type of matter that intersects with the laws and regulations governing navigable waterways, vessels, ports, terminals, cargo, marinas, and recreational boats. His deep insights and sophisticated counsel have earned Alex repeated recognition from his peers, including being named by Best Lawyers as Baltimore's "Lawyer of the Year" for Admiralty & Maritime Law in 2021 and "Maritime Person of the Year" in 2024.

Alex has assisted clients with maritime matters of virtually every description, including terminal claims, cargo claims, marine terminal tariff disputes, arrest and attachment proceedings, limitation of liability proceedings, marine death and personal injury claims, collision and allision cases, marine insurance claims, suits involving breaches of maritime contracts and charter parties, marine products liability claims, U.S. Customs and Border Protection investigations and administrative claims, claims involving toxic substances, salvage claims, license suspension and revocation proceedings, marina claims, recreational boating claims, and vessel excise tax claims.

A seasoned and effective advocate, Alex leverages his vast knowledge of maritime law to protect and advance clients' interests in maritime and commercial litigation matters in a wide range of judicial and administrative forums. He has appeared before the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, various United States District Courts around the country, the Maryland Court of Appeals, the Maryland Court of Special Appeals, the Federal Maritime Commission, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Office of Administrative Hearings in Maryland, and numerous state courts in Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.

As the offshore wind industry has scaled and matured, clients have sought Alex's guidance as to how maritime law implicates their interests, operations, and strategic planning, including advising clients on matters relating to the Jones Act and cabotage law issues, representation before U.S. Customs and Border Protection regarding interpretative rulings, Maryland Public Service Commission regulations/oversight, and U.S. Coast Guard navigation issues and regulations.

Activities

Maritime Law Association of the United States

Proctor in Admiralty

Membership Secretary (2022-2026)

Board of Directors (2011-2014)

Ex-Officio Member, MLA Ad Hoc Membership Action Committee (2024-2025)

Co-Chair, Planning and Arrangements Committee - San Diego (2019-2022)

Chair, Planning and Arrangements Committee - Scottsdale (2017-2019)

Vice Chair, Planning and Arrangements Committee (2016-2017)

Member, Planning and Arrangements Committee (2008-2009, 2011)

Chair, Stevedores, Marine Terminals, and Vessel Services (2017-2020)

Vice Chair, Stevedores, Marine Terminals, and Vessel Services (2013-2017)

Long Range Planning Committee (2015-2020)

Vice Chair, Marine Ecology and Criminal Law Committee (2008-2012)

Secretary, Marine Ecology and Criminal Law Committee (2004-2008)

Chair, Young Lawyers Committee (2009-2011)

Vice Chair, Young Lawyers Committee (2007-2009)

Secretary, Young Lawyers Committee (2005-2007)

International Propeller Club of the United States

Treasurer (2011-2012)

U.S. Representative, European Association of Propeller Clubs (2011-2012)

Member, Goedhard Litigation Special Committee (2011)

Chair, Executive Vice President Search Committee (2010-2012)

Executive Vice President Search Committee (2008-2012)

Executive Committee (2008-2012)

International Third Vice President (2007-2008)

Convention Chairman, 2008 International Propeller Club Convention

Propeller Club of the United States, Baltimore Chapter

Chair, Port Person of the Year Awards Committee (2015-2023)

Trustee, Charitable Trust Board (2005-present)

President of Charitable Trust Board (2004-2005)

President (2003-2004)

Executive Vice President (2002-2003)

Board of Directors (2001-2002)

Member of Scholarship Committee (2001-2009)

Southeastern Admiralty Law Institute (SEALI)

Board of Directors (2008-2010, 2012-2020)

Business Network for Maryland Offshore Wind (now known as Oceantic)

Board of Directors (2014-2020)

Chair, Infrastructure Committee (2015-2020)

Chair, Nominations Board Ad-Hoc Committee (2016-2020)

Counsel (2015-2020)

Federal Bar Association, Maryland Chapter

Treasurer (2017-2021)

Board of Directors (2014-2021)

Chair, Annual Golf Outing (2017-2021)

Chair, End of Year Luncheon Committee (2015-2017)

U.S. District Court Committee on Local Admiralty Rules

Chair (2016-present)

Baltimore Port Alliance

Rule Day Law Club (2012-present)

Pride of Baltimore, Inc.

Counsel (2014-2019)

Secretary (2014-2019)