Christopher R. Nolan

Christopher R. Nolan is a Partner at Holland & Knight in New York and Chicago. He is a litigation attorney and co-chair of the Transportation and Infrastructure Group. His practice focuses on international dispute resolution, arbitration, complex commercial litigation, maritime disputes, contract matters, insolvency issues, and transportation claims for global clients.

Christopher earned a J.D. from Hofstra University School of Law, graduating cum laude. He also earned a B.A. from the State University of New York at Binghamton, graduating cum laude. His education supports his work in litigation, maritime law, transportation disputes, contract issues, complex business conflicts, and practical legal judgment.

Christopher represents shipping owners, charterers, shippers, cargo consignees, logistics providers, traders, foreign instrumentalities, Hull underwriters, and P&I clubs. His work covers charterparties, bills of lading, fire and explosion claims, total loss, limitation, Shipping Act issues, demurrage and detention invoicing, marine insurance, insolvency, contamination claims, and related U.S. matters and claims.

Christopher has been named by Chambers Global, Chambers USA, The Best Lawyers in America, The Legal 500 USA, New York Super Lawyers, Lloyd’s List, and Legal Media Group’s Expert Guides. Lloyd’s List included him among the Top 10 Maritime Lawyers in 2018, 2019, 2023, and 2025, a leading industry ranking.

Christopher is active in the legal community. He served as the immediate past chair of the ABA Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section. He is a Proctor in Admiralty with the Maritime Law Association of the United States and chairs its Arbitration & ADR Committee for 2021 through 2026.

Christopher R. Nolan serves as national counsel for a major ocean carrier and handles cargo disputes, logistics challenges, regulatory matters, and early-resolution programs. He supports pro bono work with Kids In Need of Defense, First Amendment matters for journalists, and service tied to Holland & Knight’s 9/11 Day of Service.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Holland & Knight LLP
• Member, American Bar Association (ABA), Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section (TIPS
• Former Chair, Admiralty & Maritime Law Committee
• Former Vice Chair, International Law Committee
• Former Co-Chair, TIPS Annual Section Conference
• Proctor in Admiralty, Maritime Law Association of the United States (MLAUS)
• Member, International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC)
• Fellow, American Bar Foundation
• Former Member, Connecticut Maritime Association
• Member, Association of the Bar of the City of New York

Licensed State

• Illinois
• New York

Education

• Hofstra University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• State University of New York at Binghamton
  BA with Cum Laude

Awards & Badges