Jones Walker Adds Partner – Cross-Border Maritime Disputes

By The Maritime Executive 2026-10-14 13:29:00

[By Jones Walker]

As cross-border commerce, nearshoring, and geopolitical tensions reshape global shipping, maritime disputes increasingly demand counsel who can navigate both complex litigation and international arbitration.

Jones Walker has added international litigator Rafaela Castells as a partner in its Miami Maritime Practice Group, strengthening the firm’s capabilities in maritime litigation, cruise industry disputes, and domestic and foreign arbitration.

Originally from Spain and raised in Puerto Rico, Castells brings a multilingual, multinational perspective to disputes spanning jurisdictions and legal systems. She represents ship owners, cruise lines, resort operators, and travel and hospitality companies in matters involving catastrophic injuries, class actions, and the enforceability of arbitration agreements and forum selection clauses.

Jones Walker LLP is pleased to welcome Rafaela Castells as a partner in the Maritime Practice Group in the firm’s Miami office. An experienced maritime litigator, Rafaela’s practice focuses on domestic and international maritime law claims.

“As we continue to expand our maritime capabilities in key markets, Rafaela brings a valuable combination of litigation experience, international perspective, and detailed client service,” said Bill Hines, the firm’s managing partner. “Her maritime litigation background and worldwide legal experience make her a natural fit for our firm and will further strengthen our ability to serve clients across the United States, Latin America, and beyond.”

Rafaela represents ship owners, cruise lines, resort operators, and other travel and hospitality industry clients in federal and state courts as well as domestic and foreign arbitrations, including matters involving the enforceability of arbitration agreements and forum selection clauses. She has regularly handled pre-litigation investigations, litigation, appellate, and arbitration matters for companies operating in the maritime, travel, and hospitality sectors. Rafaela has also successfully defended clients against class action claims and matters involving novel communicable diseases, catastrophic injury, and death.

“As international commerce and transportation continue to evolve, clients need counsel who can navigate disputes across borders efficiently and strategically. Jones Walker's combination of maritime industry knowledge, established cruise line practice, and international arbitration experience offers a unique platform for serving those clients,” said Rafaela. “I am excited to join a firm that shares my commitment to providing sophisticated, practical solutions in complex international matters.”

Originally from Spain and raised in Puerto Rico, Rafaela brings an international perspective to cross-border matters. Drawing on experience across multiple jurisdictions, she helps clients navigate disputes efficiently while managing legal and business risk.

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