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Elizabeth Starkey has been practicing for over 30 years, after graduating from Fordham University School of Law in 1976. Her interest in representing working people and unions led to a longtime association with a maritime union, the International Organization of Masters, Mates and Pilots where she served as labor union co-counsel. Gradually her practice focused on maritime personal injury claims (Jones Act and Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act), in which she successfully represented numerous clients at trial (Belle v. Waterman Steamship Co.,) and occasionally on appeal (Reyes v. Delta Dallas Alpha Corp, et al, 199 F.3d 626, 2nd Cir. 1999). Countless others were resolved through mediation or settlement negotiations.

Over the years, Elizabeth has represented many female seafarers whose personal injuries arose in the context of sexual harassment in the course of their employment. One such claim led to close cooperation with the U.S. Coast Guard which investigated and prosecuted the offending supervising officer. This incident led the Coast Guard to adopt a "no-tolerance" policy with regard to sexual harassment on ships in 1998.

Additional areas of specialty include Seamen's Penalty Wage Claims on behalf of seamen who had not been paid the wages due them. Breslin v. Maritime Overseas Corp., 662 F. Supp. 195 (SDNY, 1987). Many of these wage claims required the arrest of the vessel by the U.S. Marshal in the New York/New Jersey Harbor in order to obtain payment of back wages and benefits from the ship owner.

Elizabeth has also successfully represented many disabled persons in connection with claims for Social Security Disability benefits. For many years, she served on the pro bono panel of the Federal District Court for the Eastern District of New York, representing on appeal those claimants who had been denied disability benefits.

BAR ADMISSIONS:

Elizabeth is admitted to all courts in New York State and the following federal courts: Southern District of New York, Eastern District of New York, Second Circuit Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, United States Supreme Court.

EDUCATION:

Law School: Fordham University School of Law, J.D., 1976, New York City, NY
College: Loretto Heights College, cum laude, B.A. History, 1955, Denver, CO
Graduate: L'Institut d'Etudes Politiques, University of Paris, diplome, 1959

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