Jones Walker LLP is pleased to welcome Rafaela Castells as a partner in the Maritime Practice Group in the firm’s Miami office. An experienced maritime litigator, Rafaela’s practice focuses on domestic and international maritime law claims.

“As we continue to expand our maritime capabilities in key markets, Rafaela brings a valuable combination of litigation experience, international perspective, and detailed client service,” said Bill Hines, the firm’s managing partner. “Her maritime litigation background and worldwide legal experience make her a natural fit for our firm and will further strengthen our ability to serve clients across the United States, Latin America, and beyond.”

Rafaela represents ship owners, cruise lines, resort operators, and other travel and hospitality industry clients in federal and state courts as well as domestic and foreign arbitrations, including matters involving the enforceability of arbitration agreements and forum selection clauses. She has regularly handled pre-litigation investigations, litigation, appellate, and arbitration matters for companies operating in the maritime, travel, and hospitality sectors. Rafaela has also successfully defended clients against class action claims and matters involving novel communicable diseases, catastrophic injury, and death.

“As international commerce and transportation continue to evolve, clients need counsel who can navigate disputes across borders efficiently and strategically. Jones Walker's combination of maritime industry knowledge, established cruise line practice, and international arbitration experience offers a unique platform for serving those clients,” said Rafaela. “I am excited to join a firm that shares my commitment to providing sophisticated, practical solutions in complex international matters.”

Originally from Spain and raised in Puerto Rico, Rafaela brings an international perspective to cross-border matters. Drawing on experience across multiple jurisdictions, she helps clients navigate disputes efficiently while managing legal and business risk.

About Jones Walker
Jones Walker LLP (joneswalker.com) is among the largest 140 law firms in the United States. With offices in Alabama, Arizona, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, New York, and Texas, we serve local, regional, national, and international business interests. The firm is committed to providing a comprehensive range of legal services to major multinational public and private corporations, Fortune® 500 companies, money center banks, worldwide insurers, and emerging companies doing business in the United States and abroad.