Mr. Hawkes is a board-certified maritime trial attorney and internationally-recognized expert in MARITIME SECURITY. Maritime security encompasses ship security, port security, homeland defense, cargo security, intermodal transportation security, counter-piracy, anti-drug smuggling, and counter-terrorism. There are new national and international maritime security regulations that the entire industry must follow. These are based upon the International Maritime Organization's (United Nations) ISPS Code (International Ship and Port Facility Security Code) and the U.S.' MTSA (Maritime Transportation Security Act). Both have far-reaching ramifications for anyone assiociated with the maritime industry, and will spawn huge amounts of litigation. Very few attorneys know anything at all about these regulations, and Mr. Hawkes can serve as an expert witness, trial consultant or co-counsel.

Background

Q: Please list your professional accreditations, degrees, licenses, and certificates granted:
A: See expert vita

Q: Please list your affiliations or memberships in any professional and/or industry organizations:
A: See expert vita

Q: Please list any teaching or speaking experience you have had, including subject matter:
A: See expert vita

Q: Have any of your accreditations ever been investigated, suspended or removed? (if yes, explain)
A: No

Q: On how many occasions have you been retained as an expert?
A: 10-12

Q: For what area(s) of expertise have you been retained as an expert?
A: maritime security; security; maritime law

Q: In what percentage of your cases were you retained by the plaintiff?
A: 50%

Q: In what percentage of your cases were you retained by the defendant?
A: 50%

Q: On how many occasions have you had your deposition taken?
A: 5-6

Q: When was the last time you had your deposition taken?
A: 2004

Q: On how many occasions have you been qualified by a court to give expert testimony?
A: Not necessary under Florida law

Q: On how many occasions have you testified as an expert in court or before an arbitrator?
A: 5

Q: For how many years have you worked with the legal industry as an expert?
A: 10

Q: What services do you offer? (E.g.: consulting, testing, reports, site inspections etc.)
A: security consulting, trial consulting, ISPS Code and MTSA compliance analysis, security plan review, site surveys, expert witness services

Q: What is your hourly rate to consult with an attorney?
A: 300

Q: What is your hourly rate to review documents?
A: 300

Q: What is your hourly rate to provide deposition testimony?
A: 350 with 4-hour minimum

Q: What is your hourly rate to provide testimony at trial?
A: 350 with 4-hour minimum

Q: Please list any fees other than those stated above (E.g.: travel expenses, copy fees, etc.)
A: travel expenses (business class), travel time ($300 per hour or $2500 per day), copy fees ($0.15 per copy), out of pocket expenses, mileage ($0.40 per mile)

References

Michael J. McHale, Esq.
1925 NE Ricou Terrace
Jensen Beach, FL 34957
(772) 225-2078
Howard T. Sutter, Esq.
Boyd & Sutter, P.A.
233 East Bay Street, Suite 720
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 358-5540

Publications

• The Development of International Maritime Security Policies and Their Legal Implications
• ISPS Code Confusion
• Legal Corner - Writing a Petition for Relief from Fines and Penalties Assessed by U.S. Customs in Drug Seizure Cases (Part I)
• Legal Corner - Maritime Security and Legal Liability
• Legal Corner - Stowaways
• THE MARITIME TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ACT OF 2002 AND THE INTERNATIONAL SHIP AND PORT FACILITY SECURITY CODE