David Michael Collins, Of Counsel, Womble Bond Dickinson, Charleston, SC

David Michael Collins brings 39 years of admiralty law experience with particular expertise in recreational boating matters. As an avid boater and sailor himself, Collins was drawn to a practice aligned with his personal interests, finding the ancient historical roots and distinct attributes of maritime law compelling.

Collins helped represent the state in the dispute over rights to the CSS Hunley, resulting in the vessel remaining in possession. He acknowledges that the combined influence of Senators Thurmond and Hollings was likely more significant than his legal work. Other memorable cases include a matter involving lost building modules destined for a Bahamas hotel construction and a sailboat sinking during a hurricane that became the subject of the Lifetime movie “Desperate Voyage.”

He represents major boat and engine manufacturers including Mercury Marine and Brunswick Boat Group, as well as large marine insurers such as GEICO Marine. Collins serves as past chairman of the Southeastern Admiralty Law Institute and has been on its advisory committee for over twenty years.