|
Larry E. Altenbrun
Member
Practice Areas
|
 |
 |
|
Personal
Narrative
Larry became a partner at Nicoll Black & Feig
in January 2008. He represents
marine-related companies in a variety of matters and other
businesses in commercial litigation and corporate law.
Larry obtained
his J.D., magna cum laude, from Tulane Law School,
where he was an editor of the Tulane Law Review, member of
the Order of the Coif, and recipient of the Harry F. Stiles
scholarship for maritime law. Larry received his Bachelor of
Science degree, cum laude, in Marine Engineering
Systems from the United States Merchant Marine Academy.
Prior to law
school, Larry worked aboard a variety of commercial vessels.
He held a license as a Marine Engineer issued by the U.S.
Coast Guard for over ten years.
Larry’s practice
focuses on all types of commercial and maritime litigation,
with significant experience in personal injury defense,
commercial disputes, cargo damage, and marine insurance
coverage. He has substantial litigation experience at both
the trial and appellate levels. Utilizing his background in
engineering, Larry is regularly involved in the firm’s
complex, technical cases. He has authored several law review
articles and has lectured internationally on various topics.
Larry is admitted to practice in Washington state and
federal courts and before the U.S. Patent and Trademark
Office.
Representative
Matters
-
First chair lawyer for plaintiff in
substantial commercial litigation involving
negligent installation of cargo
refrigeration system, resulting in judgment
for plaintiff following trial. Prowler, LLC
v. York International Corp., 2007 WL 2363046
(W.D. Wash., Aug. 14, 2007).
-
Represented Lloyd’s of London in Certain
Underwriters at Lloyds, London v. Inlet
Fisheries Inc., 518 F.3d 645 (9th Cir.
2008), where the Ninth Circuit affirmed
summary judgment in favor of Lloyd’s and,
for the first time and despite a conflicting
holding from the Fifth Circuit, concluded
that the doctrine of uberrimae fidei is an
established rule of marine insurance.
Aggressively defended ship owners and their
insurer in dozens of personal injury
lawsuits filed in Washington and Alaska.
-
Formed various business entities, including
their internal corporate documents, and
ensured compliance with corporate
formalities.
-
Represented buyers and sellers in
multi-million dollar real estate
transactions.
-
Defended vessel owners and insurers in state
and federal courts in disputes arising from
personal injuries, wrongful deaths,
collisions, oil spills, contract disputes
and cargo damage.
-
Defended web-based business in commercial
litigation claim alleging illegal and unfair
advertising.
-
Successful defense of pleasure craft owners
in multiple lawsuits
-
Investigation and litigation involving
various matters of technical complexity,
such as catastrophic engine failures, fires,
oil spills, and refrigeration release.
Education
Tulane University Law School, J.D.,
magna cum laude
U.S. Merchant
Marine Academy, B.S., Marine Engineering Systems, cum
laude
Professional
Experience
Member, Nicoll Black & Feig, 2008-Present
Senior Associate, Nicoll Black Misenti & Feig, 2004-2007
Associate, Cozen O’Connor, 2001-2004
Associations
Board of Directors, Marine Insurance Association of Seattle
Seattle Propellor Club
Maritime Law Association of the United States
Honors
Tulane Law Review, 2000-2001
Order of the Coif
Bar Memberships
Washington State
U.S. Patent & Trademark Office
U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington
U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit
|
