John D. Padgett Partner

He is experienced in counseling public and private businesses, partnerships and limited liability corporations with matters involving mergers and acquisitions, commercial real estate and operational issues. John also has experience with the transportation and terminal operating industries and has a unique perspective on maritime commerce.

He has worked with a variety of enterprises at various points in their corporate trajectory, from early stage to maturity. He also advises corporations in the nuances of international trade and U.S. customs’ compliance issues. Additionally, he provides litigation support to the firm’s corporate and maritime clients. He has been selected by his peers as one of the best corporate and transportation attorneys in Virginia. His specific experience includes:

International Trade and Customs

John advises clients on a full range of customs and international trade matters, including tariff classification, duty mitigation, and compliance with evolving trade regulations. He regularly counsels on strategies to minimize exposure to antidumping and countervailing duties, navigate USMCA rules, and respond to enforcement actions under the Enforce and Protect Act (EAPA).

With over 40 years of experience and a deep understanding of cross-border trade dynamics, John works with clients across industries—from automotive and transportation to manufacturing and medical supply—to develop proactive compliance programs, secure favorable rulings, and defend against government investigations. His practice integrates legal precision with a practical understanding of global supply chain risk.

Transportation Law

He has substantial experience in the transportation industry, including the representation of tug boat companies, freight forwarders, shipping companies, freight consolidators, trucking companies and international companies. He has advised clients with transactions involving the Shipping Act, COGSA, Harter Act, the Carmac Amendment, Pomorene Act and other federal and international treaties and conventions. His practice includes assisting clients in documenting international transactions and drafting charter and transportation agreements. John regularly handles litigation relating to cargo damage, charter disputes and transportation issues.

Emerging Growth and Private Equity

John has advised emerging growth companies from pre-incorporation to an appropriate exit strategy which could involve an initial public offering or sale of the enterprise. He has experience with a variety of transactions and operational issues, and can anticipate the hurdles a client may face in the future as well as help a client address these challenges in a creative and constructive way. He has industry experience in bio-tech, Internet, software, pharmaceuticals, telecommunications and medical devices.

Admiralty and Maritime Matters

He has advised clients regarding the impact of maritime and admiralty law. He routinely represents a number of shipyards and tug boat companies and has an administrative practice before the U.S. Coast Guard. He has experience with cases filed under the Jones Act and general maritime law, and regularly addresses charter parties disputes and litigation issues relating to cargo and allision damage. He is a member of the Maritime Law Association and has been a lecturer at the Southeastern Admiralty Law Institute.

Banking and Financial Institutions

John regularly represents banks and financial institutions in structuring and documenting complex lending transactions. He has expertise in the federal Ship Mortgage Act and the Maritime Lien Act, and has provided assistance to numerous lenders in documenting and exercising remedies under loans secured by federally documented vessels. He recently assisted an international lender syndicate which needed to comply with the American Fisheries Act in order to perfect a lien against a large fishing fleet.

Commercial Real Estate

John has experience in the acquisition and development of real estate ventures, including office buildings, residential subdivisions and golf course developments. He was the principal attorney involved in developing the Stonebridge Landing planned unit development, Kings Landing planned unit development, the first traditional neighborhood development in Suffolk, and several industrial parks in the Hampton Roads area. He also represents several clients in acquiring mobile home parks throughout the United States.