Biography
Bruce G. Paulsen is a partner and former co-head of Seward & Kissel’s Litigation and Investigations Group, head of the Sanctions Practice. He has been a partner since 2002.
Bruce was named as a member of Legal 500’s “Hall of Fame” in 2023 and as one of the global Top 10 Maritime Lawyers by Lloyd’s List, in December 2020. Legal 500 2024 reported that Bruce “is an industry veteran, and first class in his knowledge and performance” and is “at the top of his game. ”Bruce specializes in handling complex commercial and maritime disputes. Bruce handles finance and securities-related disputes in the shipping industry as well as traditional maritime disputes, lien claims and environmental matters. He also has substantial expertise in the area of international trade sanctions; has been deeply involved in handling piracy issues before U.S. government agencies and is highly experienced in the recognition and enforcement of arbitration awards.
Further, Chambers USA 2024 reported that Bruce “has particular expertise in finance and securities litigation in the shipping industry. He acts for a wide variety of clients including bondholders, secured lenders, shipowners and charterers.” Legal 500 USA 2024 described Bruce as “the best pair of hands in US shipping litigation.” Bruce has written and lectured frequently on litigation, arbitration, bankruptcy, piracy and sanctions issues, and is highly engaged, on a pro bono basis, in non-profit governance.
Capabilities
Areas of Focus
Credentials
Education
Tulane University School of Law
- J.D., 1985
- cum laude
Columbia University
- B.A., 1980
Bar Admissions
- New York
Recognitions
- Recognized by Chambers USA 2026: Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Litigation
- Recognized by Chambers Global 2026: Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Litigation
- Highly Ranked by The Legal 500 U.S. 2026: Transport: Shipping – Litigation and Regulation
- Lawdragon’s 500 Leading Lawyers in Maritime, Admiralty, & The High Seas guide
- Best Lawyers in America: Admiralty and Maritime Law
Areas of Focus
Credentials
Education
Tulane University School of Law
- J.D., 1985
- cum laude
Columbia University
- B.A., 1980
Bar Admissions
- New York
Recognitions
- Recognized by Chambers USA 2026: Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Litigation
- Recognized by Chambers Global 2026: Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Litigation
- Highly Ranked by The Legal 500 U.S. 2026: Transport: Shipping – Litigation and Regulation
- Lawdragon’s 500 Leading Lawyers in Maritime, Admiralty, & The High Seas guide
- Best Lawyers in America: Admiralty and Maritime Law
