Baker Donelson added asset finance attorney Daniel Rodgers to its financial services transactions group. Rodgers, who focuses his practice on transactions in the shipping and offshore industries, joined as a shareholder in the firm’s New Orleans office.

Rodgers advises financial institutions and corporate borrowers in domestic and international commercial transactions across a range of asset-based lending matters. He also guides clients on structured financings, lease financings and U.S. capital markets transactions. Rodgers has experience with financing both domestic and foreign flagged vessels, deepwater drilling rigs and support vessels. He also regularly advises lenders and operators on relevant aspects of the coastwise trade laws (Jones Act) of the U.S., the corporate and maritime law of each of the Republic of Liberia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and Vanuatu maritime law.

“Dan has an outstanding reputation as a problem-solver and someone who can get transactions done within the shipping/maritime finance space and beyond,” Kevin P. LaTulip Jr., chair of Baker Donelson’s financial services transactions group, said. “His extensive knowledge and 25 years of experience in handling a variety of transactions have proven invaluable to his clients, and we’re pleased he has brought his talent to our financial services transactions practice.”

Prior to joining Baker Donelson, Rodgers was a partner in the New York office of Watson Farley & Williams and acted as managing partner of that office between 2012 and 2021. Rodgers is recognized as one of the leading shipping finance lawyers in the U.S. by Chambers USA, Chambers Global and Legal 500 US. He has been selected by New York Super Lawyers in the practice area of transportation and maritime since 2020.

Rodgers is the latest in a number of lateral hires for Baker Donelson, including another New Orleans addition – litigator and public policy professional Coleman D. Ridley Jr., who joined as of counsel. Other additions since August have included three laterals across three practice areas joining in the firm’s Atlanta office, and corporate shareholder Scott Bowers in Raleigh, NC.

“Dan is another welcome addition to our firm as we continue to pursue an ambitious strategic plan that focuses on growing and deepening our capabilities across practice areas and geography,” Kent Lambert, managing shareholder of Baker Donelson’s New Orleans office, said. “We’re very fortunate to have someone with his background join our team of Louisiana attorneys who focus on serving the shipping and offshore industries.”