Edward Floyd is a commercial litigator who focuses on international disputes involving the maritime and commodities industries. He has handled numerous matters involving charter parties, commodities sales agreements and terminal operations. Mr. Floyd regularly appears and argues before the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. He has also participated in multiple appeals before the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and has extensive experience in maritime arbitration.
Given the international nature of his practice, Mr. Floyd routinely works with attorneys around the globe on multi-jurisdictional disputes. Such international cooperation has ranged from investigating corporate relationships to obtaining security for claims pending in other countries and establishing U.S. recognition of foreign arbitral awards. In addition to litigation, he has advised clients in connection with shipping contracts, multinational group structures and regulatory compliance.
Mr. Floyd’s maritime practice is enhanced by his being a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and having spent substantial time at sea himself. Following graduation from Annapolis, he served as an infantry officer in the United States Marine Corps and continues to serve in the reserves. In connection with his service, he has deployed to Iraq where he led over 200 marines and sailors.
Representative Matters:
Achieved significant success as part of the firm’s team of appellate practitioners who obtained a highly favorable, landmark decision from the Second Circuit Court of Appeals in Hawknet, Ltd. v. Overseas Shipping Agencies which has since been widely relied upon by courts and attorneys.
Obtained United States recognition of a 35 million dollar foreign arbitral award involving the sale of soy beans.
Represented an ethanol refiner in connection with termination of a long term contract for product transportation from Caribbean refineries to U.S. ports.
Successfully defended a German shipping company against alter ego claims alleging that the defendant was dominated by a Persian Gulf based family. Soon thereafter, succeeded in defending an English commodities trader against similar alter ego allegations involving alleged domination by an Egyptian entity.
Analyzed a commodities trader’s global operations in order to evaluate exposure to U.S. jurisdiction.
Advised a terminal operator / product refiner regarding environmental regulations and coastal trade laws.
Coauthored several widely disseminated, scholarly papers on maritime law.
Education and Bar Admissions:
United States Naval Academy, B.S. with merit, 1996;
Fordham University School of Law, J.D., 2004 (Journal of Corporate and Financial Law);
Admitted to the New York Bar, the New Jersey Bar, the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit;
Member of the Maritime Law Association of the United States.
