Marcos Martins

Marcos has been an associate lawyer at SMA since 2012. He regularly defends shipping companies in cargo claims and casualties before Courts of Appeal and Superior Court through their respective P&I Clubs being a P&I legal correspondent. 

Marcos Martins heads the firm's litigation department due to his sound knowledge of Maritime Law and Civil Procedure Law. He is actively present at the Maritime Court and in the offices of environmental authorities in the defence of Owners. He has successfully defended Brazilian exporters in proceedings at ANTAQ the regulatory office for waterborne transport. He also has experience representing owners, NVOCC´s and agents in judicial claims. He is registered with the bar at Rio de Janeiro and Espírito Santo.

Marcos graduated at the Federal University of Espírito Santo (UFES) where he then took a master's degree in Civil Procedure Law. In 2014 and 2015 he took courses with the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIARB). In 2015 he attended the 42nd Maritime Law Course at the University of Southampton and in 2019 the Residential Training Course at North of England.

Between 2007 and 2012 he lectured Civil Procedure Law, with emphasis on enforcement procedure and special procedures. Back at UFES he specialized, as a lecturer, in Maritime Law. Due to his sound knowledge of Maritime Law and Civil Procedure Law he was recently consulted about the possibility to enforce mortgage contracts against foreign ships in Brazil and was recently accepted as a member of the prestigious Brazilian Institute of Procedural Law.

He was the Executive Secretary for the Iberoamerican Institute of Maritime Law (IIDM) from march 2014 to march 2016.

Marcos often gives lectures in Maritime Law courses.

Languages:

Portuguese, English and Spanish.

Honour & Awards:

Marcos Martins draws from solid experience and knowledge of civil procedure and maritime law to head the firm's litigation department, advising significant clients in disputes arising from collisions and cargo claims. One source declares: "He is excellent. His command in English is quite remarkable, and his level of professionalism is quite unique." (Chambers & Partners Brazil 2022)

Associate-to-watch Marcos Martins has particular expertise dealing with litigation mandates arising from cargo claims, ship collisions and environmental damages. He continues to receive good recognition from clients, who describe him as "very proactive and knowledgeable,"as well as "a very hard-working professional." (Chambers & Partners Latin America 2021).

Clients describe associate-to-watch Marcos Martins as "a bright lawyer who is very knowledgeable and flexible." He receives plaudits from peers and clients alike in connection with his solid support in contentious maritime cases. Another source appreciates that "he is always open to dialogue and provides clear explanations." (Chambers & Partners Latin America 2020).

Organisations:

• Member of the Brazilian Institute of Procedural Law – IBDP.
• Registered with the Brazilian Bar Association at Rio de Janeiro and Espírito Santo.
• General Secretary of Iberoamerican Institute of Maritime Law – IIDM (March/2014 to March/2016).

Experiences:

• Defence of shipping companies in cargo claims and casualties before Courts of Appeal and Superior Court through their respective P&I Clubs in case of accidents and pollution.
• Defence of Owners before Maritime Court and the offices of environmental authorities.
• Defence of Brazilian Exporters at the waterborne transport regulatory offices ANTAQ.
• Representing owners, NVOCC´s and agents in judicial claims.
• Enforcement of maritime contracts.