Contactmail

    Patrick M. Brogan

    Of Counsel
    Office: Norfolk, Raleigh
    Admissions: North Carolina, Virginia

    Biography

    Patrick brings over 30 years of experience handling maritime cases in courts around the country. Upon graduating from the United States Merchant Marine Academy, Patrick sailed as a Marine Engineer on merchant ships for seven years. And after graduating from law school, he served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy JAG Corps. Patrick is devoted to serving owners and operators of vessels and those who work in the maritime industry. He is AV Preeminent® rated by Martindale-Hubbell, has been recognized as Best Lawyer’s “Lawyer of the Year,” and has received numerous other awards in his long career.

    Representative Matters

    • Obtained multiple summary judgments in personal injury matters under 905(b) of the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA)
    • Obtained favorable resolutions in numerous maritime deaths and injury cases after filing motions for summary judgment
    • Counseled foreign construction companies on the Jones Act, Passenger Vessels Act and Dredging Act in the use of marine equipment in coastwise trade
    • Represented local companies in insurance coverage issues
    • Represented many vessel owners in collision and allisions with other ships, overhead power lines, bridge fender systems, docks and underwater cables
    • Arrest and attachment of ships and to secure pending lawsuits or foreign arbitration to secure in rem claims
    • Defended ship operators and crew members in matters brought by U.S. under OPA 90, MARPOL and APPS (including oil spills and by passing of oily water separator cases)
    • Represented salvors, including treasure salvors, in admiralty proceedings to establish title to items found or salvaged in both territorial waters and the high seas

    Recognition & Honors

    • Best Lawyers in America, 2008-2025
    • Virginia Super Lawyers; Law & Politics, 2024
    • AV Preeminent® Rated; Martindale-Hubbell
    • Top Lawyers; CoVaBIZ Magazine, 2024
    • Best Lawyers in America, Lawyer of the Year, 2020
    • Outstanding Professional Achievement, USMMA Alumni Association, 2019

    Associations

    • Virginia Maritime Association
    • Southeast Admiralty Law Institute
    • Kings Point Alumni Association
    • William & Mary Alumni Board

    Education

    • U.S. Merchant Marine Academy; B.S., 1979
    • William & Mary Law School; J.D., 1985