David J. Farrell, Jr. is current President of The Maritime Law Association of the United States. He is Senior Partner with Farrell Smith O’Connell with offices in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. His passion for maritime commerce began with his first job at a Cape Cod boat yard, continued as a USCG-licensed tour boat captain in college, and then as a commercial fishing mate and captain. A graduate of Williams College, Columbia University, and Duke Law School, Farrell practiced maritime law in Seattle at Bogle & Gates and for the last 30 years on Cape Cod. Having personally evaded multiple maritime casualties, Farrell’s practice primarily involves litigating them, typically on appointment by P&I Clubs and domestic marine insurers. Last fall he prevailed for BoatU.S. in a media circus bench trial, denying coverage for a hull claim brought by Nathan Carman, whose mother died in the sinking and whose wealthy grandfather was shot dead three years before, with Carman asserting the Fifth Amendment throughout the litigation. With trial and appellate court victories from Alaska to New England, Farrell is a frequent speaker and author on maritime law and public policy. He has been a dedicated runner for 42 years.