Maritime Law combines federal and international laws which govern contracts, offenses, and injuries occurring on, in, or near navigable waters. Our students explore admiralty law, coastal law, international law, and law of the sea and can delve deeper by pursuing an LL.M. in Maritime Law. Students have a unique opportunity to learn from renowned faculty and local maritime legal experts and benefit from our strategic location in Miami, the global headquarters of Carnival, Norwegian, and Royal Caribbean cruise lines. PortMiami, the busiest cruise port in the world, is minutes away from our campus. With more recreational boats registered here than any other state, Florida is the ideal location to study Maritime Law.
Some Facts about Miami and Miami Law:
“While I was in American Samoa [in the Coast Guard], I really grasped the gravity of how important commercial shipping was to the global economy. It made the decision to go to UM, where I could chase my dream of becoming a maritime lawyer, the easiest decision I have ever made.” Tanner Stiehl, J.D./LL.M. ’21 in Maritime Law
Staff Attorney, U.S. Coast Guard
Miami, FL
*Course list is not exhaustive and does not set out a path of study.
"I always loved the marine sciences but it wasn't until I came to law school here that I realize that I could incorporate that into a career in law," Gushue said. "I found myself taking courses that were based on my interest in marine science, and marine life generally. By the time I reached my 3L year, I had already taken all of the courses geared toward the Masters degree. It just made sense that my interests led me to pursue this degree." Jenna Gushue, J.D./LL.M. '13 in Maritime Law
Assistant General Counsel, XO Holding Inc.
“I realized that the impact of what I was doing on the ocean depended heavily on what happens in the courtroom while the smugglers are on trial. If the attorney does not have a strong case, the smugglers are just going back to trafficking, and we do it all over again. I wanted to be a part of the process at the next level; ensuring that the smugglers are held accountable." Brian Sattler, J.D./LL.M. in Maritime Law ‘16
Enforcement Division Chief, U.S. Coast Guard
Los Angeles, CA
(Pictured: Miami Law students with law students from Colombia at the Port of Miami.) International Moot Court Program - The only one of its kind in the U.S., Miami Law offers a unique and comprehensive program in which students travel and compete, in Spanish and English, in competitions around the world. Some have included:
“I owe a lot of my success to Miami Law, I wanted a law school with an international curriculum and environment. The diversity of the Miami Law community, with students from Central and South America, Cuba, and other islands, made law school a very broadening experience.” Denise Krepp, J.D. ‘98
Director’s Action Group, Naval History and Heritage Command
Washington, D.C.
**List is not exhaustive and is intended to provide examples of past externships and internships. Keith C. Wold Maritime Law LL.M. Program Teaching Fund - This fund allows Miami Law to bring in the most renowned experts in the fields of international law and law of the sea to lecture. In February 2020, International and humanitarian law expert Claudio M. Grossman presented the lecture, “The Obligation to Negotiate Access to the Pacific Ocean: The Decision of the International Court of Justice in the case between Bolivia and Chile." (Pictured) Rosensteil School of Marine and Atmospheric Science (RSMAS) - The renowned expertise of RSMAS graduate school provides added opportunities to law students wishing to do a joint degree or take courses through the School. As one of the leading academic oceanographic and atmospheric research institutions in the world, the School's basic and applied research interests encompass virtually all marine-related sciences.
Conferences, Lectures, Schools