Sarah Yantakosol Gayer

 
 

Of Counsel

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Admiralty Litigator | Proctor in Admiralty | Author & Speaker on Maritime Law

Current Role & Practice

Sarah serves as Of Counsel to Link Martyn PLLC, where she provides litigation support and day‑to‑day advice to maritime clients. She has represented shipowners, ferry operators, tug and tow companies, maritime pilots, vessel manufacturers, marine construction firms, underwriters, boatyards, and marinas in all aspects of admiralty and maritime law.

Her practice spans vessel arrest, maritime liens, Jones Act and unseaworthiness claims, Coast Guard investigations, marine construction disputes, vessel construction contracts, and marine insurance coverage. She is known for delivering practical, client‑focused solutions to complex maritime challenges.

Expertise Snapshot

  • Admiralty litigation and casualty response

  • Vessel arrest and maritime liens

  • Jones Act and unseaworthiness claims

  • Marine insurance and coverage disputes

  • Coast Guard investigations and regulatory compliance

  • Vessel and marine construction contracts

  • Pleasure craft and personal watercraft liability

Leadership & Professional Service

Sarah is a former Chair of the Admiralty and Maritime Law Committee of the American Bar Association’s Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section. She has authored numerous articles on admiralty and maritime law and contributed the chapter on punitive damages under General Maritime Law in the Second Edition of Damages Recoverable in Maritime Matters.

Speaking & Writing

Sarah is a recognized thought leader and frequent speaker at national and international maritime conferences, including:

  • American Bar Association – Admiralty Disruption Conference (Moderator, 2019)

  • Tulane Admiralty Law Institute – Offshore Jurisdiction & Choice of Law (2018)

  • Federal Bar Association – Admiralty Law Symposium, Vessel Arrest & Attachment (2016)

  • American Conference Institute – Punitive Damages in Maritime Claims (2017)

  • Maritime Law Association of the U.S. – Recreational Boating Committee (2017)

  • Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA) – Hot Maritime Topics (2017)

She has also spoken at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, the Maine State Bar Association, and other professional forums, reinforcing her reputation as a trusted voice in maritime law.

Professional Background

  • Of Counsel, Link Martyn PLLC (2023–present) – Outside counsel for maritime businesses, insurers, and law firms.

  • Attorney, Thompson Bowie & Hatch LLC (2016–2023) – Represented maritime clients in litigation and regulatory matters.

  • Attorney, Thompson & Bowie LLP (2009–2016) – Focused on admiralty litigation and insurance defense.

  • Law Clerk, Thompson & Bowie LLP (2006–2008)

Education

  • University of Maine School of Law (J.D., 2008) – Certificate in Admiralty & Maritime Law.

  • Bowdoin College (B.A., Government & Legal Studies; Russian, 2005)

Personal Note

Sarah is admitted to practice in Maine, where she lives with her husband and four children. She enjoys traveling, boating, fishing, and lobstering. These passions keep her connected to the maritime world outside the courtroom.