Herbert Ray

Of Counsel

Industry focus

How I represent clients at Schwabe

I help clients navigate the myriad of issues facing the ports and maritime industry. My diverse legal background and commitment to understanding the intricacies of my client’s needs results in a multifaceted approach to translating problems into workable solutions.

I have 30 years of experience representing ship owners and operators, P&I Clubs, and insurers. I deliver practical and actionable counsel to my clients in the maritime industry and beyond, including providing advice regarding insurance coverage.

As environmental laws and regulations become more complex and demanding, I assist clients with guidance on regulation and litigation matters in the maritime, insurance, and energy sectors.

Experience

  • Successfully recovered well in excess of $150 million for clients over the course of his career, with the largest recovery just under $100 million.
  • Extensive civil and criminal claims experience arising from large oil spills.
  • Represented ship owners and their insurers in numerous marine casualties, including the total loss of a large commercial vessel and rigs, government investigations and casualty investigations.
  • Skilled in white-collar criminal investigations of clients in heavily regulated industries, including marine salvage, medical malpractice and personal injury claims.
  • Handled numerous natural resource damages assessments under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990.

Education

  • University of Oregon, School of Law, Juris Doctor degree, Ocean and Coastal Law (1988)‎
  • George Mason University, Master of Science degree, Environmental Biology (1985)‎
  • College of William & Mary, Bachelor of Science degree, Biology/Philosophy (1982)‎

Admissions

  • Alaska State Courts

Memberships

  • American Maritime Cases, Anchorage Editor (1994-present)
  • Litigation Counsel of America
  • Maritime Law Association of the United States

Awards

  • Recognized by The Best Lawyers in America® as 2025 Admiralty and Maritime Law “Lawyer of the Year” in Anchorage, AK
  • Selected to the Alaska Super Lawyers List, Transportation/Maritime (2011-2024)
  • Recognized by The Best Lawyers in America®, Admiralty and Maritime Law (2007-2025)
  • Who’s Who Legal (Shipping)

Outside Interests

Spending time in the great outdoors.

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