Where you want to practice maritime law, also known as admiralty law, determines how you become a maritime lawyer. Practicing maritime law does not usually necessitate any special certification or licensing. However, because maritime law tends to involve a lot of unique and international law, special training and education are likely to be required in order to ensure competence, which is not the same as certification.
The path to becoming a lawyer differs significantly from country to country. In many places, it entails specialized training followed a test of some kind, known as the Bar Exam or simply The Bar. People who pass this exam are usually required to join a professional organization. Certification to practice law in the United States (US) is done on a state-by-state basis, whereas many countries license lawyers on a national level.
In most countries, being certified to practice law in general is sufficient to qualify as a maritime lawyer. It’s worth noting, however, that practicing maritime law in the United States required a separate license until 1966, and some countries may still do so. Maritime law is also subject to federal jurisdiction under the United States Constitution. While most maritime cases are now tried in state courts, maritime attorneys must be admitted to practice in federal court. Membership in the American Bar Association (ABA) is required for admission to the Federal Bar, but no additional education or testing is required.
You should typically focus on your education if you want to become a maritime lawyer in any meaningful sense. Maritime law is a relatively unique area of law that is still governed specialized statutes and courts in most parts of the world. In most law schools’ core curriculum, there are only a few classes on maritime law. Obtaining a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in maritime law is often the most effective way to become a maritime lawyer.
An LL.M. is a postgraduate law degree that entails a concentrated study of a single area of law. LL.M.s in maritime or admiralty law are available at a number of law schools around the world. The majority of lawyers who call themselves maritime lawyers have a master’s degree in maritime law.
Because maritime law is so specialized, many regions have special associations or organizations dedicated to maritime practice. Maritime practice rarely necessitates membership in these organizations. However, in some places, membership in such organizations is required before a person can claim to be a maritime law expert. It’s also very common for a new lawyer interested in becoming a maritime lawyer to find a mentor in the field and work as his or her intern or apprentice for a period of time to learn the more practical aspects of the job.