James R. Jeffcoat

Partner
blank image James R. Jeffcoat

James R. Jeffcoat

Partner
Baltimore T: 410.347.8736 F: 410.234.2348
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James R. Jeffcoat

James R. Jeffcoat

PARTNER
jjeffcoat@whitefordlaw.com
BALTIMORE
T: 410.347.8736
F: 410.234.2348
Biography
BIOGRAPHY
Mr. Jeffcoat’s practice focuses on in civil litigation in federal and state courts, including commercial litigation, insurance coverage and defense, admiralty and maritime disputes, and intellectual property litigation. He additionally has experience with patent infringement actions before the International Trade Commission. 

Prior to practicing law, Mr. Jeffcoat spent five years as an officer on U.S. flag merchant ships on coastwise and foreign voyages.  He currently holds a 1600 ton Master’s License.
 

Recognitions

  • The Best Lawyers in America®, Baltimore Commercial Litigation "Ones to Watch" (2023, 2024), Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs "Ones to Watch" (2024)
  • Maryland Super Lawyers®, Transportation/Maritime (2019–2022)
 

Memberships & Activities

  • Maryland Port Director of the South Eastern Admiralty Law Institute
  • Member: Maryland State Bar Association
  • Member: District of Columbia Bar Association
  • Member: Bar Association of Baltimore City
  • Member: Maritime Law Association of the United States
  • Member: Propeller Club of Baltimore
  • Member: International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots
  • Best Lawyers Designation
INSIGHTS
"Maryland is Committed to the Port of Baltimore", The Baltimore Sun, November 2021

ARTICLES

December 14, 2021

Maryland Is Committed to the Port of Baltimore

As President Joe Biden returns to Baltimore Wednesday, to visit the Port of Baltimore and discuss his infrastructure bill, he should know that the state is committed to the growth of the port. Recent projects include the arrival of four new massive cranes; the addition of a second, 50-foot berth at Baltimore’s Seagirt Marine Terminal; and the beginning in earnest of the long-awaited increase in height of the Howard Street Tunnel (HST) to accept double-stacked rail cars.
April 3, 2020

Client Alert: U.S. Supreme Court Holds Duty of Safe-Berth is a Warranty, Regardless of Diligence or Fault

In November 2004, the 748-foot, oil tanker ATHOS I embarked on a 1,900 mile voyage from Puerto Miranda, Venezuela to Paulsboro, New Jersey laden with heavy crude oil.  In the final 900 feet of that voyage, as she made her approach to the berth in Paulsboro on the Delaware River, the flukes of an abandoned ship anchor punctured the single-hull of ATHOS I.  Approximately 264,000 gallons of cargo spilled into the river. 

NEWS

August 17, 2023

A Record 87 Whiteford Attorneys Listed in Best Lawyers in America 2024, Ten Selected as “Ones to Watch”

87 lawyers from Whiteford, Taylor & Preston have been selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2024 (copyright 2023 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken S.C.). New practice areas of recognition include CleanTech Law and Entertainment and Sports Law. The lawyers selected are based in the firm’s Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington offices. Client comments are posted on the Best Lawyers website, at bestlawfirms.com.
August 18, 2022

73 Whiteford Attorneys Listed in Best Lawyers in America 2023, Six Selected as “Lawyer of the Year”

73 lawyers from Whiteford, Taylor & Preston have been selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2023 (copyright 2022 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken S.C.). The lawyers selected are based in the firm’s Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington, D.C. offices. Client comments are posted on the U.S. News & Best Lawyers web site, at bestlawfirms.com.