Seward & Kissel Strengthens Maritime and Transportation Leadership With Appointment of John Benson as Head of Maritime Finance
Seward & Kissel LLP has announced a significant expansion of its Maritime and Transportation Group with the addition of John Benson as Head of Maritime Finance, reinforcing the firm’s long-standing position as one of the most respected legal advisers in the global maritime sector. Benson brings with him more than 20 years of Chambers-ranked experience advising clients on complex domestic and cross-border maritime finance transactions, further enhancing the firm’s already deep bench of transportation-focused legal talent.
The appointment reflects Seward & Kissel’s continued investment in strategic growth areas within transportation, asset finance, and capital markets, particularly at a time when the global maritime industry is navigating regulatory transformation, fleet modernization, sustainability pressures, and evolving financing structures. By bringing in a senior practitioner with extensive experience across jurisdictions and transaction types, the firm is positioning itself to meet increasing client demand for sophisticated, integrated maritime finance advice.
A Strategic Addition to a Renowned Maritime Practice
For more than four decades, Seward & Kissel has been widely regarded as a leading U.S. law firm in maritime law, representing shipowners, operators, lenders, private equity sponsors, and capital markets participants across the shipping, offshore, and broader transportation sectors. The firm’s Maritime and Transportation Group has built a reputation for handling some of the most complex transactions in the industry, spanning vessel financings, restructurings, joint ventures, public and private capital raises, and regulatory matters.
John Benson’s arrival marks a strategic step in deepening that capability. As Head of Maritime Finance, Benson will focus on advising financial institutions, private equity firms, investment funds, and both domestic and international vessel owners and operators on a wide range of financing and investment transactions. His practice encompasses traditional bank financings, leasing structures, export credit-backed deals, restructurings, and joint ventures, as well as emerging financing models tied to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations.
Benson is admitted to practice law in New York and in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, a jurisdiction that plays a critical role in global shipping as one of the world’s largest ship registries. His dual admissions allow him to provide clients with seamless advice on both U.S. law and Marshall Islands law, a combination that is particularly valuable for international maritime finance transactions.
Leadership Commentary on the Appointment
Daniel Bresler, Managing Partner of Seward & Kissel, emphasized the significance of the hire and its alignment with the firm’s long-term strategy.
“For more than four decades, Seward & Kissel has been the go-to U.S. firm in the maritime area,” Bresler said. “We have earned that reputation by cultivating and attracting exceptional talent in this field. John is a prime example—his expertise in sophisticated maritime finance transactions places him among a very select group in the industry.”
Bresler noted that the firm’s success in maritime law has always been driven by its ability to anticipate industry trends and assemble teams capable of handling the most demanding legal challenges.
“John’s background, experience, and international perspective are a perfect fit for our clients’ needs,” he added. “His arrival underscores our commitment to remaining at the forefront of maritime and transportation law.”
Keith Billotti, who leads Seward & Kissel’s Capital Markets practice as well as its Maritime and Transportation Capital Markets group, echoed those sentiments, highlighting the broader benefits of Benson’s addition.
“John’s arrival further strengthens the Firm’s leadership in the maritime industry and adds depth to our already robust client offerings,” Billotti said. “We are excited to have John join us and look forward to the continued growth of our practice.”
Billotti also pointed to the increasingly interconnected nature of maritime finance and capital markets, noting that Benson’s experience will complement the firm’s capabilities in public and private financings, securities offerings, and structured transactions across the transportation sector.
Reuniting a Proven Team and Expanding Transportation Finance Capabilities
A notable aspect of Benson’s move to Seward & Kissel is his reunion with Susanne Burstein, Head of the firm’s Transportation Finance Practice. Benson and Burstein have worked closely together for nearly two decades, developing a professional partnership that has advised clients on some of the most prominent maritime finance transactions in the market.
Burstein joined Seward & Kissel in mid-2025 as part of a broader lateral expansion that saw eight partners join the firm over the course of the year. Her arrival marked a significant enhancement of the firm’s transportation finance capabilities, and Benson’s appointment further builds on that momentum.
“Having worked with John for most of my legal career, I know what an invaluable asset he will be to our Seward & Kissel clients,” Burstein said. “He brings many years of experience in the maritime space and an understanding and knowledge of maritime finance that few lawyers elsewhere possess.”
She added that Benson’s role will be central to maintaining and expanding the firm’s leadership in transportation law.
“He will serve a vital role in continuing our well-established role as a leader in transportation law,” Burstein said. “Our clients value deep industry knowledge, practical judgment, and the ability to navigate complex, cross-border issues—and John exemplifies all of those qualities.”
Together, Benson and Burstein will work alongside Keith Billotti, Ted Horton, and the rest of Seward & Kissel’s Maritime and Transportation Group to deliver comprehensive legal services that span financing, capital markets, regulatory compliance, restructurings, and transactional matters.
Experience at a Global Law Firm
Prior to joining Seward & Kissel, Benson practiced at Watson Farley & Williams, a London-headquartered global law firm known for its strength in asset finance, maritime, energy, and infrastructure. During his nearly two decades at the firm, Benson developed a reputation as a trusted adviser to lenders and owners involved in high-value, multi-jurisdictional maritime transactions.
His experience at an international firm has given him deep insight into the operational, regulatory, and commercial realities facing global shipping companies and financial institutions. That perspective will be particularly valuable as Seward & Kissel continues to advise clients operating in an increasingly complex and globalized maritime environment.
Benson’s move also reflects a broader trend of senior maritime finance practitioners seeking platforms that combine international reach with deep U.S. regulatory and transactional expertise.
Benson’s Perspective on Joining Seward & Kissel
Commenting on his appointment, Benson expressed enthusiasm about joining a firm with such a strong reputation in maritime and transportation law.
“Seward & Kissel is a firm that I have long known and respected,” Benson said. “I am thrilled to be joining an institution with such a strong and historied foundation in the transportation sector, and I am very excited to be teaming up with Susanne again.”
He noted that Seward & Kissel’s integrated approach to maritime, transportation, and capital markets law was a key factor in his decision.
“The firm’s ability to offer clients a full-service platform—combining maritime finance, capital markets, regulatory, and corporate expertise—is incredibly compelling,” Benson added. “I look forward to contributing to the continued growth of the Maritime and Transportation Group and helping clients navigate the evolving challenges and opportunities in the industry.”
Industry Recognition and Professional Credentials
Benson is widely recognized as a leading asset finance lawyer by several of the legal industry’s most respected ranking publications, including Chambers USA, Legal 500, and IFLR1000. He is also recognized by Chambers Global as an “Expert Based Abroad in Marshall Islands law,” underscoring his specialized knowledge in a jurisdiction that is central to international shipping.
His academic credentials include a Juris Doctor degree from the Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law, as well as an undergraduate degree from Villanova University. Over the course of his career, he has built a practice that combines technical legal expertise with a practical understanding of commercial realities—an approach that aligns closely with Seward & Kissel’s client-focused philosophy.
Positioning for the Future of Maritime and Transportation Law
Benson’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the maritime and transportation industries. Shipowners and financiers are grappling with decarbonization targets, evolving regulatory frameworks, geopolitical uncertainty, and technological innovation, all of which are reshaping how vessels are financed, owned, and operated.
By adding a seasoned maritime finance leader with global experience, Seward & Kissel is reinforcing its ability to guide clients through these changes. The firm’s leadership has made clear that strategic growth in transportation finance and related areas will remain a priority, supported by continued investment in top-tier legal talent.
With John Benson joining Susanne Burstein, Keith Billotti, and the broader Maritime and Transportation Group, Seward & Kissel is well positioned to build on its legacy as a premier maritime law firm while adapting to the future needs of a rapidly evolving industry.
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