Swain & Dipolito, LLP - Long Beach, CA
Swain & Dipolito, LLP is a premier AV-rated maritime and transportation law firm in Long Beach, California. Founded in 1995, the practice provides sophisticated legal counsel and litigation defense to vessel owners, charterers, P&I clubs, inland motor carriers, and marine insurers across state and federal courts throughout California.
Preeminent Admiralty and Maritime Legal Counsel in Long Beach
Operating at the gateway to global commerce near the Port of Long Beach and the Port of Los Angeles, commercial maritime enterprises navigate intricate domestic statutes and international maritime conventions. When ocean carriers, terminal operators, and cargo syndicates need an attorney with extensive maritime experience, Swain & Dipolito, LLP offers unmatched courtroom skill and operational insight. Established in 1995, the firm brings together over seven decades of combined legal experience backed by real-world nautical command, ship handling, and marine terminal management.
Unlike conventional law practices, the attorneys at Swain & Dipolito, LLP understand both the courtroom and the deckplate. Founding partner Frank Dipolito holds an unlimited United States Coast Guard Master license and sailed as master of large merchant ships, bringing firsthand technical mastery to every marine casualty, collision, and cargo dispute. As leading business litigation lawyers, the firm represents clients before the United States District Courts, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and California state tribunals.
Comprehensive Admiralty Litigation and Casualty Defense
Maritime casualties demand swift legal intervention to protect vessel assets and resolve liabilities. When shipping operators require counsel to manage major collisions, vessel allisions, groundings, or catastrophic fires at sea, the firm responds around the clock. The legal team investigates marine disasters, invokes federal limitation of liability proceedings, and coordinates emergency response protocols.
The practice also excels in complex vessel arrests and maritime attachments under Supplemental Rules B and C. Whether asserting maritime liens for necessaries, defending against improper vessel seizures, or handling charter party disputes and demurrage claims, the firm provides aggressive defense tailored to the commercial realities of international shipping.
Inland Transportation, Cargo Logistics, and Warehousing
Intermodal transit connects seaborne freight with rail and overland trucking. Commercial logistics companies looking to hire a maritime lawyer for intermodal disputes rely on Swain & Dipolito, LLP. The firm represents freight forwarders, motor carriers, third-party logistics providers, and bonded warehouses under the Carmack Amendment, Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, and the Harter Act.
From defending high-value cargo losses and refrigerated transit spoilage to litigating freight forwarding contracts and warehousing bailment disputes, the firm serves as trusted contract lawyers, ensuring transportation contracts and bills of lading insulate clients against unforeseen operational liabilities.
Marine Insurance Coverage and Environmental Compliance
Navigating marine insurance coverage disputes requires deep understanding of protection and indemnity club rules, hull and machinery policies, and general liability terms. Swain & Dipolito, LLP regularly advises insurers and corporate policyholders on complex coverage opinions, bad faith defense, and subrogation claims. Furthermore, the firm guides vessel operators through federal and California environmental standards, including the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 and state clean water regulations.
Core Legal Practice Areas
- Admiralty and maritime casualty defense, collisions, and allisions
- Limitation of liability petitions and vessel arrest proceedings
- Marine insurance coverage analysis, hull, cargo, and P&I defense
- Inland transportation litigation, freight forwarding, and Carmack Amendment claims
- Cargo loss, bill of lading disputes, and ocean charter party arbitration
- Maritime worker injury defense, Jones Act claims, and wrongful death litigation
- Marine environmental compliance and hazardous materials response
For dedicated maritime defense and transportation litigation counsel in Southern California, reach out to Swain & Dipolito, LLP in Long Beach to discuss your legal and operational needs.
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Location & Access
Primary Address
Situated in the bustling East Village Arts District of Downtown Long Beach, on the corner of Ocean Blvd and Linden Ave.
Building Location
The office is located in a 9-story commercial office building known as the Fidelity Federal Plaza (also referred to as the 555 Building). The building features on-site banking with U.S. Bank and dining options such as the famous 555 East American Steakhouse on the ground floor.
Parking Details
Covered parking is available for visitors directly across the street or within the 555 Building parking garage, with vehicle entry accessible from Linden Avenue.
Public Transit
Served by Long Beach Transit Route 111 (Broadway to Lakewood); nearest stop is at Broadway & Atlantic.
Accessibility / Suite Access
Step through the main entrance of the Fidelity Federal Plaza. Proceed to the elevator lobby and take the lift to the 6th floor, where you will find Suite 600 directly above the bank and steakhouse.