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Julia Bonestroo
Banegas

Position
Special Counsel
Office
Washington, DC

Julia Banegas serves as special counsel in the Maritime Practice Group and is a member of the maritime regulatory team. She advises clients on federal and state maritime regulations to facilitate smooth business operations in the US and internationally.


Julia advises clients on establishing global operations, preparing for significant projects, and developing compliance programs that support uninterrupted trade and efficient operations. She counsels clients on transportation issues and regulatory compliance.

Julia represents clients before the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and the Federal Trade Commission, as well as in state and federal courts. Her experience includes supply chain regulatory counseling, state investigations, litigation, commercial contracting, and federal regulatory compliance. Julia drafts agreements to facilitate international trade and domestic shipping; establishes FMC compliance programs for rules tariff publishing, Negotiated Rate Arrangements (NRAs), and bills of lading terms and conditions; and represents Non-Vessel Operating Common Carriers (NVOCCs), freight forwarders, importers, and exporters in FMC proceedings and appeals.

When state and federal court litigation arises, she collaborates with clients to navigate the issues and provide strategic guidance to resolve disputes and safeguard their business interests in an ever-evolving regulatory landscape. Julia regularly represents logistics companies, third-party logistics companies (3PLs), freight forwarders, importers, exporters, warehousers, and consolidators.

Noteworthy

  • Capital Pro Bono Honor Roll, Honors, 2021 and 2023; High Honors, 2022

Experience

  • Advised clients in negotiating and drafting maritime contracts with ocean carriers.
  • Developed strategies to navigate regulatory scrutiny and competition challenges.
  • Assisted non-vessel operating common carriers in pursuing claims related to cargo damage during transport, working closely with cargo owners and third parties, including insurers, to achieve favorable settlements.
  • Developed and implemented comprehensive risk management strategies for a maritime logistics company, reducing exposure to legal and operational risks while optimizing vessel and cargo management.
  • Advised global logistics providers on compliance with FMC regulations and international maritime conventions related to cargo security, safety, and hazardous materials transportation.
  • Managed litigation related to detention and demurrage fees in federal court and at the FMC.
  • Advised clients on loss of value and damaged cargo claims.
  • Engaged in advocacy efforts on behalf of clients, working with industry associations and regulatory bodies to shape agency policies and regulations that align with client interests.

Publications

  • "Court Partially Vacates FMC's D&D Invoicing Rule: What It Means for NVOCCs, Importers, Exporters, and Motor Carriers," Jones Walker LLP Maritime Newsletter, October 2025
  • "Heightened DOJ Focus on Tariff Evasion Underscores Importance of Trade Compliance," Jones Walker LLP International Trade Compliance Client Alert, August 4, 2025
  • "FMC's New Demurrage and Detention Invoicing Rules: What NVOCCs Must Do Now," Jones Walker LLP Maritime Newsletter, June 2025
  • "Preparing for USTR 301 Fees on Chinese Vessels," Jones Walker LLP Maritime Client Alert, May 1, 2025

Presentations

  • "A Look Inside the FMC: Detention, Demurrage and other issues concerning importers and exporters," CONECT Northeast Trade & Transportation Conference, October 29–31, 2025
  • "Staying Ahead of FMC Rule Changes: What You Need to Know," International Freight Forwarders & Customs Broker Association of New Orleans Lunch & Learn, New Orleans, Louisiana, July 15, 2025
  • North Atlantic Alliance Association 2025 Annual Meeting, Houston, Texas, May 15, 2025

Memberships

  • American Bar Association
  • Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association
Washington, DC
Suite 600
1 M Street SE
Washington, DC 20003
D: 202.203.1032
F: 202.203.1124
Emailjbanegas@joneswalker.com

Education

  • George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law School
    JD, 2019
    Moot Court Board, Best Team Brief at ABA National Appellate Advocacy Regional Competition; Civil Rights Law Journal, Senior Research Editor; Supreme Court Clinic; Administrative Law Clinic
  • University of Southern California
    BA, Political Science, Economics, 2013

Bar Admissions

  • District of Columbia
  • Maryland

Court Admissions

  • US Court of International Trade
  • US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit
  • US District Court for the District of Maryland

Related Practices

  • International Trade & Customs Law
  • Maritime Regulatory and Government Relations
  • Maritime

Related Industries

  • Maritime Industry
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