Law Office of Patrick Flanigan - Commercial Fishing Law

Law Office of
Patrick Flanigan
P.O. Box 42
Swarthmore, PA 19081-0042
Toll-free: 877-275-5191
Phone: 610-628-0539
E-mail Us

Commercial Fishing and Maritime Law, Employment Law

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Lawyer

Protecting Your Rights and Livelihood

If you are a boat owner, commercial fisherman or other individual facing an alleged violation of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act or other regulatory violation, it is important to act quickly to protect your interests. There is a limited time period in which to respond to such notices of violations. Failure to respond, or failure to follow proper administrative procedures, could cause you to waive your rights. Failure to fight hard may result in significant monetary fines, suspension or revocation of your fishing and operating permits.

The Law Office of Patrick Flanigan is a maritime law practice focused on protecting the rights and interests of fishermen, seamen and boat owners nationwide. Attorney Patrick Flanigan is an experienced U.S. fish and wildlife attorney with vast knowledge in commercial fishing law and litigation experience. He believes strongly in asserting the rights of clients, whether they are facing a civil fine, permit violation or other concern affecting their ability to maintain their livelihood.

Endangered Species Act Violations — Attorney Flanigan Protects Your Interests

The Endangered Species Act (ESA) focuses on protection of wildlife species and conservation in relation to economic growth and development. The act is administered by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (F&WS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Violations cited by these federal agencies can involve:

  • Unauthorized harvest of listed endangered or threatened species
  • Fishing during off seasons, in protected or closed areas
  • Violating targeted or bycatch regulations
  • Importing fish species
  • Record keeping and reporting of fish species (vessel and dealer reporting)
  • Any other regulatory violations

Guiding Clients Through the Administrative Law Process

There are strict regulatory requirements within each federal administrative agency, which can be complex if you are unfamiliar with administrative procedures. The overlap between the multitudes of federal regulations adds to the complexity of the administrative process. Attorney Flanigan is experienced in navigating these complex procedures and aggressively fighting for your interests.

At the Law Office of Patrick Flanigan, we understand that a monetary fine or a permit sanction can cause serious financial problems - putting your ability to earn a living on hold and jeopardizing your business. Whether you have been served a notice of violation of the Endangered Species Act, the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act or other regulations administered by the Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or other federal agencies, our firm will work efficiently to protect your rights and defend your interests.

Contact a Knowledgeable U.S. Fish and Wildlife Lawyer

The Law Office of Patrick Flanigan represents clients nationwide in commercial fishing and all other types of maritime matters. Contact us online or call us toll free at 877-275-5191 to schedule your free and confidential initial consultation.

For your convenience, we offer evening and weekend consultations. Contingent, hourly and other negotiated fee structures are available and may be customized to your needs.


The Law Office of Patrick Flanigan is a maritime law firm that represents clients nationwide. It serves clients in states along the eastern seaboard including Maryland, Massachusetts (including New Bedford, MA), New York and New Jersey (including Cape May, NJ), as well as Maine (including Portland, ME), Vermont, New Hampshire, Delaware, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Connecticut and Rhode Island; and the states of Alaska (including Kodiak Island and Dutch Harbor, AK), Louisiana, Alabama and California.