Seward & Kissel Adds Partner Christopher Belisle to Its Maritime and Transportation Finance Practice

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Seward & Kissel LLP announced today that Christopher Belisle has joined the Firm as co-head of maritime finance in the Maritime and Transportation Practice in New York. Belisle is the third leading transportation finance lawyer to join the Firm in the last nine months, along with Susanne Burstein and John Benson.

Belisle primarily advises on U.S. and cross-border asset-based loan facilities for maritime assets and related infrastructure, as well as lease financings. He has extensive experience with and is widely regarded as a leading authority on the Jones Act, counseling U.S. and international owners, shipbuilders, investors, lenders (including DIP lenders), and operators on Jones Act matters, as well as regularly being called on by other law firms to act as special counsel on the topic. Belisle also advises on corporate matters including in relation to joint ventures, strategic alliances, and the acquisition and restructuring of companies.

“2026 has already proven to be a very exciting year, particularly for our Maritime and Transportation Practice,” said Daniel Bresler, managing partner of Seward & Kissel. “The additions of John last month and Chris today further strengthen our leadership position in the maritime industry and support our continued diversification into complementary transportation finance capabilities for our clients.”

Belisle is the latest arrival to Seward & Kissel from London-headquartered, global law firm Watson Farley & Williams LLP where he began his legal career in tandem with the launch of WFW’s New York office. He joins Benson and Burstein at Seward & Kissel where the three will continue their decades-long work together advising on industry‑defining matters.

“Chris’s arrival further strengthens the depth and capabilities of our Maritime and Transportation Practice,” said Keith Billotti, head of the Firm’s Capital Markets and Maritime and Transportation Capital Markets Practices. “His sophisticated, solutions-oriented approach to transportation finance and longstanding relationships with Susanne and John make this a natural addition as we continue to expand the practice.”

“I am thrilled to welcome Chris to Seward & Kissel and to reunite with him here,” said Burstein. “Chris, John, and I have spent years collaborating to provide our clients with the best possible service, and we are extremely excited to have the opportunity to continue working together and to expand our offerings at a law firm with such a strong foundation and history in the maritime and transportation space. Chris’s well-rounded experience in the transportation sector, strategic thinking, and commercial approach to transactions will be a tremendous asset to our clients.”

Belisle received his J.D. from St. John’s University School of Law and his undergraduate degree from State University of New York at Stony Brook. He is a member of the Maritime Law Association and is recognized as a leading transportation lawyer nationally by Chambers USA and in the Legal 500 Hall of Fame.

“Seward & Kissel is a firm that I have long known and respected and joining the team here is incredibly exciting,” said Belisle. “The Firm’s market-leading transportation practice is a powerful one, and its unmatched reputation in the transportation sector sets a high bar. I am thrilled to be working again with my long-time colleagues and friends, John and Susanne.”

Seward & Kissel has started 2026 strong following a transformative 2025, marked by the election of Dan Bresler to managing partner and the arrival of eight lateral partners across key practice areas.

About Seward & Kissel LLP

Seward & Kissel LLP, founded in 1890, is a leading U.S. law firm with offices in New York City and Washington, D.C., with particular expertise in the financial services, investment management, banking, and shipping industries. The Firm is well known for its representation of investment advisers and related investment funds, broker-dealers, major commercial banks, institutional investors, and transportation companies. Its practices primarily focus on corporate, M&A, securities, finance, litigation (including white collar), restructuring/bankruptcy, real estate, regulatory, tax, employment, and ERISA for clients seeking legal expertise in these areas.