Moseley Jr. Takes Helm of MLA, Navigating Legacy and New Horizons

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – May 01, 2026 – James F. “Jim” Moseley, Jr., a prominent shareholder at the Florida-based law firm GrayRobinson, has officially begun his two-year term as president of the Maritime Law Association of the United States (MLA). The appointment places a nationally recognized leader at the forefront of an organization shaping law and policy for a global industry navigating an era of profound transformation.

Moseley’s presidency is not just a personal career milestone but also a continuation of a remarkable family legacy. However, his leadership tenure begins as the maritime sector faces a confluence of complex challenges, from stringent environmental regulations and geopolitical instability to rapid technological disruption. As head of the influential 2,200-member association, Moseley is now positioned to help guide the American maritime legal community through these turbulent waters.

A Legacy of Leadership

The story of the Moseley family's leadership in American law is a significant one. Jim Moseley Jr.’s election to the MLA presidency creates a rare historical footnote: he and his father, James F. Moseley, Sr., are the only father-son duo to have ever presided over both the Maritime Law Association and the Jacksonville Bar Association (JBA). The elder Moseley led the MLA from 1996 to 1998, establishing a high benchmark for service.

This unique distinction highlights a deep-seated commitment to the legal profession that spans generations. Yet, the original announcement from GrayRobinson was quick to note that while Moseley “follows a path shaped in part by those who came before him, his election reflects a career and reputation built entirely on his own terms.” His journey to the presidency was methodical, involving years of dedicated service on the MLA’s board of directors and in officer roles as secretary, second vice president, and first vice president.

The deep connection between Moseley’s firm and the MLA extends beyond his family. GrayRobinson Of Counsel Robert B. Parrish also served as the association's president from 2012 to 2014, cementing the firm's long-standing influence within the nation's premier maritime legal body.

Anchoring National Prominence

Moseley’s appointment is a significant validation of GrayRobinson's strategic focus on building a powerhouse admiralty and maritime practice. The firm, already an influential legal and lobbying force in Florida and Washington, D.C., sees this as a confirmation of its national standing in a highly specialized field.

“Jim Moseley’s election as president of the MLA is a tremendous honor, and further cements GrayRobinson’s position as a national leader in maritime law,” said GrayRobinson President and CEO Dean Cannon. He noted that Moseley and his team have been pivotal in expanding the firm’s maritime and transportation practices, enhancing its capabilities for a global clientele.

As the head of the firm’s Admiralty and Maritime Team, Moseley brings four decades of experience to the role. His expertise is widely recognized and heavily decorated. He holds a Band 1 ranking from Chambers USA for Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Litigation, the highest possible designation. Furthermore, he is board-certified by The Florida Bar in Admiralty and Maritime Law and has been named “Lawyer of the Year” in the field by Best Lawyers in America an astonishing six times, including for 2025.

His practice involves complex litigation, commercial transactions, and regulatory counsel for a wide array of clients, including shipowners, insurers, logistics companies, and railroads. He is particularly known for his work with leading international marine insurers in the London market, handling high-value claims involving vessels and cargo.

Steering Through Complex Waters

While steeped in tradition, Moseley’s presidency will be defined by the future. He takes the helm at a critical juncture for the maritime industry, which is grappling with issues that will fundamentally reshape its operations and legal frameworks.

Perhaps the most pressing challenge is the global push for decarbonization. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, forcing the industry to explore alternative fuels like green ammonia and methanol and invest in technologies such as shore power and carbon capture. The legal and financial implications of this “green shipping” transition are immense, touching everything from vessel financing and charter agreements to liability for new, unproven technologies. The recent collapse of a landmark emissions levy deal at the IMO underscores the political and economic complexities Moseley and the MLA will help the industry navigate.

Simultaneously, the rise of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) presents a new legal frontier. Questions of liability, cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance for crewless vessels are largely unanswered, and the MLA is expected to play a key role in developing the legal principles that will govern their operation. Geopolitical uncertainty, from trade disputes and sanctions to route diversions, further complicates the legal landscape, demanding constant adaptation from maritime lawyers.

The Enduring Role of the MLA

Founded in 1899, the Maritime Law Association of the United States has long been the central force for promoting uniformity and facilitating justice in American maritime law. As an affiliate of the American Bar Association and a constituent member of the Comité Maritime International (CMI), its influence extends globally. The association’s work is largely carried out through dozens of specialized committees that monitor legal developments, draft model rules, and provide expert commentary on pending legislation and regulations.

In his new capacity, Moseley will oversee this extensive network, guiding its focus toward the industry's most urgent needs. His own words reflect a deep respect for the organization’s mission.

“I am deeply honored to serve as president of the MLA,” Moseley stated. “The MLA plays a vital role in shaping maritime law, both domestically and on the international stage, and I look forward to working with the association’s outstanding membership to advance that mission.”

He credited his firm for providing the support necessary to take on such a demanding role, highlighting its “full-service platform and commitment to maritime excellence.” As he begins his term, Moseley’s agenda will be to leverage this support and his own extensive experience to ensure the MLA remains a vital, forward-looking institution, ready to guide the maritime world through the uncharted legal waters that lie ahead.