About James

Prior to attending law school, James Levantino spent five years sailing on large merchant vessels, concluding his seafaring career as Chief Mate on several large container ships. Taking advantage of his maritime education at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, at Kings Point, and his sailing experience, James concentrates his law practice in maritime and admiralty matters, providing clients with timely and creative solutions to legal issues. James is knowledgeable and experienced in cargo disputes, collisions, allisions, international disputes, marine insurance, Jones Act compliance and defending Jones Act seamen claims.

Experience

2013 – 2015: Otto Candies LLC (Sailing as Third Mate on IMR vessels)
2015 – 2017: International Organization of Masters, Mates, & Pilots (Sailing as Second Mate on various Ro-Ro, OSV, and container vessels)
2107-2018: Crowley Marime (Sailing as Chief Mate on container vessels)
2019 – 2022: Vandeventer Black, LLP
2022 – Present: Ventker Henderson Stancliff, PLLC

Courts

Supreme Court of Virginia
United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia
United States District for the Western District of Virginia

Professional Affiliations

Maritime Law Association
Virginia Maritime Association
Southeastern Admiralty Law Institute
Transportation Lawyer Association
Norfolk & Portsmouth Bar Association
Virginia Bar Association

Education

2021 Tulane University School of Law, J.D. Maritime Law Certificate
2013 United States Merchant Marine Academy, B.S. (Logistics and Intermodal Transportation)