Jessica Link Martyn
Founder & Managing Attorney
Proctor in Admiralty | Maritime Counsel | Trusted Advisor to Shipowners, Insurers, and Corporate Legal Teams
Founding Story & Current Role
Jessica founded Link Martyn PLLC to meet a growing need for flexible, specialized maritime counsel. Drawing on more than 15 years of experience in BigLaw maritime and government contracting practice, boutique admiralty firms, and federal government service, she created a practice designed to integrate seamlessly with corporate legal departments, law firms, and marine insurance claims departments.
Her vision was simple but powerful: provide clients with the depth of maritime expertise they expect from a large firm, delivered with the agility and personal attention of a dedicated boutique. Today, Jessica advises on pre‑litigation claims, complex disputes, regulatory compliance, and transactional matters, helping clients navigate the shifting tides of maritime law with confidence.
Expertise Snapshot
Vessel and cargo casualties
Marine insurance and coverage
Maritime contracts and finance
Environmental liability and regulation
Litigation, arbitration, and dispute resolution
Leadership & Professional Service
Jessica is an active leader in the admiralty bar. She currently serves as a Board Member of the Maritime Law Association of the United States and is Chair Emerita of the MLA International Organizations Conventions and Standards Committee. She is also a member of the MLA Proctor Admissions Committee.
Within the American Bar Association, Jessica is Chair Emerita and current Steering Committee Member of the Admiralty and Maritime Law Committee of the Torts Trial and Insurance Practice Section. She also co‑chairs the Steering Committee for the ABA’s biennial “Admiralty Disruption” Conference, a leading forum for dialogue on emerging issues in maritime law and co-chairs the AMLC’s Annual Law Student Writing Competition.
Through these roles, Jessica has presented and written extensively on maritime law topics, contributing to the profession’s ongoing development and thought leadership.
Skills & Recognition
Maritime Law · International Law · Civil Litigation · Dispute Resolution
Legal Writing · Legal Research · Business Development · Legal Management
Recognized as a Proctor in Admiralty, reflecting her expertise and standing in the field
Speaking & Writing
Jessica is a frequent speaker and writer on maritime law. She has:
Presented at national conferences and webinars, including the Federal Bar Association’s 2023 program “Making Waves: Penalties, Verdicts, Lost Submersibles and More” and the Southeastern Admiralty Law Institute’s fall meeting with a presentation on divided damages in marine casualties.
Served as co‑chair and moderator for the ABA’s biennial “Admiralty Disruption” Conference, shaping dialogue on emerging issues in the maritime industry.
Authored and presented on topics ranging from marine insurance coverage to international conventions and vessel regulation through her leadership roles in the MLA and ABA.
Lead- and co‑authored “Recent Developments in Admiralty and Maritime Law” in the ABA TIPS Law Journal, contributing analysis on seamen’s claims, maritime liens, vessel casualties, and regulatory developments.
Professional Background
Jessica’s career has been defined by her commitment to helping clients navigate the complexities of maritime law from every angle: private practice, government service, and industry leadership.
She began her legal career at Troutman Sanders LLP, where she spent six years in the firm’s Maritime Law and Government Contracts Practice Group. There, she gained deep experience in maritime transactions and litigation, including vessel and cargo casualties, marine financing, maritime liens, and insurance defense.
Jessica went on to serve as Of Counsel at Palmer Biezup & Henderson LLP, where she focused on admiralty and maritime litigation for both domestic and international clients.
In 2017, Jessica founded Link Martyn PLLC, a boutique practice designed to provide flexible, specialized maritime counsel to corporate legal departments, law firms, and marine insurers. As Managing Attorney, she continues to advise clients on pre‑litigation claims, litigation strategy, regulatory compliance, and transactional matters.
In 2019, as Managing Attorney of Link Martyn PLLC, Jessica joined Rawle & Henderson LLP as Of Counsel and Co‑Chair of the Maritime Section, co‑leading the firm’s admiralty practice. In this role, she represented shipowners, operators, and insurers in complex disputes, further cementing her reputation as a trusted advocate in the admiralty bar.
Earlier in her career, Jessica also gained valuable federal government experience as a Special Agent with the U.S. Department of Defense, and as a legal extern during law school with the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Department of State, and the U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General’s Corps. These roles gave her unique insight into international law, regulatory enforcement, and national security. These are perspectives that continue to inform her maritime practice today.
Personal Note
Jessica lives in the Boston suburbs with her husband and four children. Outside of her practice, she enjoys family life, yoga, reading, camping, and hiking, and remains deeply connected to the maritime community through both professional and personal pursuits.