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I graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York with a third mate’s license for any ocean and any gross tonnage, a commission in the Navy, and a B.S. degree in Nautical Science. I served in the U.S. Navy Reserve and decided to attend law school. In 1975, I graduated with honors from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law.
I went to work for Cleveland’s largest maritime law firm. I worked on admiralty cases on the Great Lakes and other locations. I handled cases involving seamen, longshoremen, pilots, passengers, cargo, collisions, allisions, and other marine personal injury and property damage cases. I became a partner in the firm and was transferred to the firm’s Chicago office, where I handled cases involving marine causalities on Lake Michigan and Inland rivers. I am admitted to the Illinois Bar.
I returned to Cleveland in 1987. I purchased property in Ashtabula, Ohio on Lake Erie’s South Shore, where I maintain my office. I handle a variety of maritime and civil cases, and defend Coast Guard Licenses. I represent marine companies, seamen, pilots, marine workers, yacht owners, and passengers. My clients include Lakes Pilots Association, Inc., Western Great Lakes Pilots Association, Inc., and The Merchant Officers Protective Syndicate.
ATTORNEY ADVERTISING DISCLAIMER. The contents of this website should not be construed as legal advice on any specific fact or circumstance. Its content was prepared by David M. Spotts, Esq. who is licensed to practice in the States of Ohio and Illinois. His principal office is at 6847 Lake Rd. West Ashtabula, Ohio 44004. His phone number is 440.964.6466. It was designed for general information purposes only. Your receipt of such information does not create an attorney-client relationship with him. You should not act or rely on any of the information contained herein without seeking professional legal advice. Prior results referred to in these materials do not guarantee or suggest a similar result in other matters. He cannot file actions in all states without associating locally licensed attorneys and/or becoming admitted in that jurisdiction for a limited purpose. David M. Spotts is responsible for the content of this website.His designation as a Proctor of Admiralty comes from The Maritime Law Association of the United States.