Maritime Law Association Commends SCI
May 8, 2009
At its annual meeting on May 1, 2009, the Maritime Law Association of the United States (MLA) honored the Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI) for 175 years of service to the maritime community. MLA President Warren J. Marwedel presented a certificate to SCI at its New York Headquarters, where SCI hosted six MLA committee meetings, comprising over 300 members in total.
SCI Executive Director, the Rev. David M. Rider, expressed his appreciation in response to the MLA’s commendation and updated MLA members on the work of SCI’s Center for Seafarers’ Rights (CSR), the world’s only free legal-aid service devoted exclusively to merchant mariners. Rider noted SCI’s association with other maritime law firms and attorneys. SCI trustees Chester Hooper and Raymond Hayden, both admiralty attorneys, have played leading roles in MLA affairs for many years. Rider also commented on SCI’s contribution to a new generation of attorneys through its internship program.
Later in the MLA meeting, Douglas B. Stevenson, Director of CSR, presented a continuing legal education (CLE) program for MLA membership. According to Stevenson, almost all US states require lawyers to take CLE courses, including courses in ethics, in order to practice law. His lecture, which examined ethical considerations in abandoned ship cases, provided attorneys with approved CLE ethics credits.
The Maritime Law Association of the United States, a professional organization concerned with improvements in the maritime law, was founded in 1899. MLA membership consists of lawyers, judges, admiralty law professors, and those holding responsible positions in the maritime field. MLA’s committees and the Association as a whole meet in the spring and fall of each year. Below is the resolution honoring SCI passed by MLA at the spring meeting.
“Resolved, that the Maritime Law Association of the United States congratulates the Seamen's Church Institute of New York and New Jersey on its 175 years of service to mariners and the maritime industry, and expresses its appreciation and support for that service. Be it further resolved, that a copy of this resolution be made a part of the permanent records of the Association.”
