Kaufman Dolowich Expands Maritime and Admiralty Practice with Addition of Joseph B. Staph, 10-26-2026

HACKENSACK, N.J. (Oct. 26, 2026) — Kaufman Dolowich today announced that Joseph B. Staph has joined the firm as a partner in its Maritime and Admiralty Law Practice Group. Staph will split his time between the firm’s New York City and Hackensack, New Jersey offices, bringing experience in maritime liability defense, cargo subrogation and complex transportation and insurance litigation.

Staph handles a broad range of maritime and transportation disputes, including personal injury and wrongful death claims, cargo loss and damage, insurance coverage and subrogation matters. His experience spans both sides of maritime litigation, beginning his legal career at an established maritime defense firm, and most recently at a maritime and insurance litigation boutique prosecuting subrogation actions. Staph has represented vessel owners, carriers and terminal operators in liability defense matters, as well as U.S. and London-based insurers and subrogated underwriters pursuing cargo recovery claims. He represents clients in state and federal courts and in domestic and international arbitrations.

“Joseph brings a valuable combination of maritime defense and cargo subrogation experience that complements our existing capabilities and creates opportunities to expand the services we provide to clients,” said Gino Zonghetti, chair of Kaufman Dolowich’s Maritime and Admiralty Law Practice Group. “His understanding of both sides of these disputes, coupled with his relationships throughout the maritime and insurance industries, will be a tremendous asset as we continue to grow our practice nationally.”

His arrival strengthens the firm’s ability to serve maritime clients along the East Coast and nationwide, particularly in major shipping and transportation markets such as New York, New Jersey, Florida and Texas.

“Gino has built an exceptional reputation in the maritime industry, and the opportunity to work alongside him was a major factor in my decision to join Kaufman Dolowich,” said Staph. “In addition, the firm’s resources, collaborative environment and nationwide network will help me grow my maritime defense and cargo subrogation practice while better serving clients across multiple jurisdictions.”

Staph received his J.D., cum laude, from Roger Williams University School of Law, and his undergraduate degree, cum laude, from Northern Arizona University. He is a member of the Maritime Law Association of the United States and regularly participates in events with the Marine and Insurance Claims Association (MICA).

About the Firm

Kaufman Dolowich LLP is a leading national law firm serving a broad range of industries in practice areas including labor and employment, directors and officers liability, professional liability, commercial litigation, insurance coverage and litigation, data privacy and cybersecurity, consumer financial services, real estate, general liability and construction law. Headquartered on Long Island, N.Y., Kaufman Dolowich attorneys represent national and global clients of all sizes nationwide. For more information, visit kaufmandolowich.com and follow the firm on LinkedIn.