Overview
Seward & Kissel, founded in 1890, is a leading U.S. law firm with an international reputation for excellence. We have offices in New York City and Washington, D.C.
Our practice primarily focuses on corporate and litigation work for clients seeking legal expertise in the financial services, corporate finance and capital markets areas. The Firm is particularly well known for its representation of major commercial banks, investment banking firms, investment advisers and related investment funds (including mutual, hedge and private equity funds), broker-dealers, institutional investors and transportation companies (particularly in the shipping area).
The Firm’s attorneys are very experienced and highly regarded in their respective practice areas. Many have been with the Firm for most, if not all, of their legal careers. Our focus and expertise, combined with the Firm’s stability, have enabled us to create a work culture that is dedicated to professional excellence and sound judgment, and that is committed to providing our clients with effective, high quality, hands-on legal service.
Rankings
National
Tier
1
National Ranking
Admiralty and Maritime LawTier
2
National Ranking
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization LawTier
2
National Ranking
Private Funds / Hedge Funds LawTier
3
National Ranking
Banking and Finance LawTier
3
National Ranking
Employee Benefits (ERISA) LawTier
3
National Ranking
Mutual Funds LawRegional
New York City
Tier
1
New York City
Admiralty and Maritime LawTier
1
New York City
Criminal Defense: White-CollarTier
2
New York City
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization LawTier
2
New York City
Employee Benefits (ERISA) LawTier
2
New York City
Litigation - Labor and EmploymentTier
2
New York City
Private Funds / Hedge Funds LawSelect Clients
Bank of New York Mellon Brigade Capital Management Citigroup Global Markets Deutsche Bank Trust Co DryShips Inc. Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc. Goldman Sachs & Co. Kingdon Capital Management Law Debenture Trust Company of NY Morgan Creek Capital Management Scorpio Tankers, Inc. Sprott Inc. Tiedemann Investment Group United Business Media Wells Fargo Bank, NA
Rankings
National
Tier
1
National Ranking
Admiralty and Maritime LawTier
2
National Ranking
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization LawTier
2
National Ranking
Private Funds / Hedge Funds LawTier
3
National Ranking
Banking and Finance LawTier
3
National Ranking
Employee Benefits (ERISA) LawTier
3
National Ranking
Mutual Funds LawTier
3
National Ranking
Real Estate LawRegional
New York City
Tier
1
New York City
Admiralty and Maritime LawTier
1
New York City
Criminal Defense: White-CollarTier
2
New York City
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization LawTier
2
New York City
Employee Benefits (ERISA) LawTier
2
New York City
Litigation - Labor and EmploymentTier
2
New York City
Private Funds / Hedge Funds LawTier
3
New York City
Real Estate LawWashington, D.C.
Tier
2
Washington, D.C.
Mutual Funds LawTier
3
Washington, D.C.
Banking and Finance LawPractice Areas
Seward & Kissel LLP has been ranked by Best Law Firms for excellence in 9 specialties, reflecting the firm's commitment to delivering outstanding legal services.
Additionally, the firm provides services in these practice areas:
- Admiralty and Maritime Law
- Banking and Finance Law
- Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
- Corporate Law
- Criminal Defense: White-Collar
- Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
- FinTech Practice
- Labor and Employment Law - Management
- Litigation - Labor and Employment
- Mergers and Acquisitions Law
- Mutual Funds Law
- Private Funds / Hedge Funds Law
- Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
- Real Estate Law
- Securities Regulation
- Trusts and Estates
Individuals Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America®
Seward & Kissel LLP proudly has 10 lawyers recognized for their outstanding professional performance in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. This peer-reviewed honor highlights individual excellence and directly qualifies the firm for consideration in the prestigious Best Law Firms rankings. For over four decades, Best Lawyers has been the gold standard for recognizing top legal talent, serving as the cornerstone for Best Law Firms awards. Learn more about our rigorous Best Lawyers research and selection process.
Client Comments
A strong relationship between a client and their law firm is key to achieving the best possible outcomes. Open communication, trust, and collaboration ensure that attorneys understand each client’s unique goals and needs. Choosing the right firm means finding a team with the experience, knowledge, and dedication to guide you through every stage of the legal process.
Client comments reflect personal opinions and individual experiences. Every case is different, and outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances. Past results and testimonials do not guarantee similar outcomes in future matters. For personalized legal advice, consult directly with an experienced attorney who can evaluate your specific situation and provide tailored guidance.
Awards
Seward & Kissel LLP is honored to be recognized for excellence by Best Law Firms and other leading legal industry organizations. Our rankings and awards reflect the dedication, skill, and results our attorneys deliver across a wide range of practice areas. In addition to our Best Law Firms awards, Seward & Kissel LLP has earned accolades from respected national and regional publications for outstanding legal service and professional achievement. Explore our awards below to learn more about how Seward & Kissel LLP continues to set the standard for quality legal representation.
Attorneys listed in Super Lawyers 2012 for New York - Metro Edition
Voted Best Onshore Hedge Fund law firm by Hedge Funds review magazine in global voting & US voting
Larry Rutkowski named as Top 10 Lawyer of 2012 in Lloyd's List - he is the only US based lawyer.
Voted Best North American Law Firm by Hedgeweek in their global survey of over 2000 readers.
Nick Katsanos is a winner of the 40 Under 40 East M&A Advisor Recognition Awards
Litigation partners rated Top Lawyers in 2012 Top Rated Lawyers Annual Guide to Business Litigation
John Tavss named a Leading Lawyer by Legal 500, for Investment Fund Formation & Management
Ranked in Chambers in Inv. Funds: Hedge Funds, Transportation: Shipping and Shipping: Litigation
Lawyers World Country Award Winner 2012 in Shipping & Maritime, North America
A winner in the DealMakers Corporate Finance Awards 2012
Attorneys listed in Super Lawyers 2012 Business Edition
Gene Souther received Fordham University School of Law's Lifetime Achievement Award
Fim wins Lloyd's List Maritime Deal of the Year Award
Firm named a Finalist by M&A Advisor for 2012 Law Firm of the Year
3 Partners named as world's leading practitioners in Private Funds by Who's Who Legal: Private Funds
Recipient of the Custody Risk Americas Awards 2012 Legal Services Provider
Best investment funds law firm - USA, 2013 ICFM
inMotion's Committment to Justice Award recipient: Jack Yoskowitz
Ranked in Legal 500 for excellencein Capital Markets, Structured Finance, Inv. Fund Formation, M&A
M&A Deal of the Year Recognition from ACG
Firm named the Maritime & Transport Law Firm of the Year - USA, by Intercontinental Finance Magazine
3 Seward & Kissel Deals win M&A Deal of the Year Recognition at 11th Annual M&A Advisor Awards Gala
Offices & Contacts
Washington, DC
901 K Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
United States
New York, NY
One Battery Park Plaza
New York, NY 10004
United States
Senior Marketing Coordinator