Jones Walker Boosts Maritime Practice with Strategic Houston Hires

HOUSTON, TX – April 20, 2026 – Jones Walker LLP, a law firm with one of the nation's most recognized maritime practices, has significantly bolstered its Houston office with the addition of partner Kelly Haas and associate Hayley Stancil. The move signals a strategic reinforcement of the firm's capabilities in a city that serves as a global nexus for the maritime and energy industries.

A Strategic Power Play in a Vital Hub

The decision to expand its Maritime Practice Group in Houston underscores the city's critical importance to global trade and energy logistics. The Port of Houston is a powerhouse, consistently ranking among the busiest in the United States and serving as a vital channel for international commerce. This concentration of activity creates a high-stakes environment with a constant demand for sophisticated legal counsel on everything from vessel collisions and cargo disputes to complex environmental regulations.

By bringing in Haas and Stancil, Jones Walker is making a calculated investment to deepen its roots in this competitive market. The firm is not just adding personnel but is strategically acquiring talent that enhances its ability to serve a diverse client base that includes vessel owners, offshore operators, shipyards, and energy companies across the Gulf Coast.

"We are pleased to welcome Kelly and Hayley to Jones Walker as part of our nationally ranked Maritime Practice Group," said Bill Hines, the firm's managing partner, in a statement. "Kelly brings valuable maritime experience representing clients in complex matters and is a leader in the Houston maritime community, with a strong record of professional leadership and industry recognition. Her addition further strengthens our Houston office and expands the depth of our maritime capabilities as we continue to serve clients across the Gulf Coast and beyond."

Deepening Expertise for Complex Challenges

The new hires bring a formidable combination of experience and specialized knowledge. Kelly Haas is a widely respected figure in the maritime bar, known for her extensive litigation experience and leadership. Her practice covers a vast range of high-stakes issues, including claims related to the Jones Act, the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act, OPA 90, and the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act. Her expertise in handling vessel arrests, shipboard investigations, and administrative proceedings provides clients with comprehensive support through every phase of a legal challenge.

Haas's leadership credentials are a testament to her standing in the industry. She is the current chair of the Houston Marine & Energy Insurance Conference and has previously served as president of the Galveston County Bar Association and chair of the Southeastern Admiralty Law Institute, where she was only the second woman elected to the position since its founding in 1968. Her consistent recognition by publications like Super Lawyers and The Best Lawyers in America for Admiralty and Maritime Litigation further solidifies her reputation as a top-tier practitioner.

Joining her is Hayley Stancil, an associate whose background provides a unique and valuable perspective. Stancil's experience is not limited to private practice; it also includes work with the Maritime Administration's Office of Chief Counsel (MARAD) and academic research into complex environmental and regulatory issues. This blend of government, academic, and private-sector experience equips her to advise clients on the multifaceted challenges that define modern admiralty law.

Navigating a Shifting Seascape

The timing of this expansion is particularly significant, as the global maritime industry confronts a period of unprecedented change and legal complexity. New international and national regulations aimed at decarbonization are forcing vessel owners and operators to navigate a labyrinth of new rules. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set ambitious goals for near-zero emissions by 2050, with new fuel standards and carbon pricing mechanisms set to take effect. Simultaneously, the European Union's Emissions Trading System (ETS) now includes shipping, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is rolling out new rules under the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act (VIDA).

Beyond environmental compliance, the rise of autonomous vessels presents a new frontier of legal uncertainty. Traditional admiralty law, built around human-crewed ships, is ill-equipped to handle questions of liability when an autonomous system fails. Determining responsibility between a shipowner, a software developer, or a network provider requires a new level of legal and technical expertise. Increased digitalization also brings heightened cybersecurity risks, creating another layer of potential liability that maritime attorneys must be prepared to address.

With a rise in personal injury claims, salvage disputes, and complex contract litigation, the demand for seasoned litigators and regulatory experts has never been greater. The addition of Haas, a proven litigator, and Stancil, with her regulatory background, positions Jones Walker to guide its clients through these turbulent waters.

Solidifying a National Leader's Position

This strategic expansion cements Jones Walker's standing as a dominant force in maritime law. The firm's practice is consistently awarded top-tier national rankings by leading legal directories like Chambers USA, The Legal 500, and U.S. News – Best Lawyers®, which named it a National Tier 1 "Best Law Firm" in Admiralty and Maritime Law for 2026. These accolades reflect a deep bench of talent and a long history of success in representing clients across the full spectrum of the industry.

For a practitioner of Haas's caliber, the move represents an opportunity to leverage the resources and platform of a national powerhouse.

"I am excited to bring my practice to Jones Walker's nationally recognized Maritime Practice Group," Haas stated. "Joining one of the largest maritime legal teams in the country allows me to seamlessly support clients through complex litigation, regulatory challenges, and high-stakes transactional matters across the industry."

By adding proven leaders and dynamic new talent, Jones Walker is not only responding to the current needs of the market but is also proactively building the expertise required to meet the future challenges of a rapidly evolving global industry.