Phelps Mourns the Sudden Loss of Counsel Bob Nicholas

Phelps counsel Bob Nicholas Jr. passed away Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020. Bob concentrated his practice in the admiralty, environmental and international trade law areas for energy industry clients, as well as companies engaged in the international trade. He is survived by his wife Mary, two daughters, and four grandchildren.

Bob was a leader in Phelps’ maritime practice. He counseled on issues involving the U.S. Maritime Administration, Coast Guard and Customs and Border Protection regulations and disputes. Bob also advised extensively in connection with the storage, transfer and transportation of liquid and dry bulk cargos within the United States and internationally. He shared his legal insights through law review articles and speaking engagements for law schools around the south.

Before joining Phelps, Bob served as in-house counsel to SeaRiver Maritime, Inc.; general counsel for Exxon Shipping Company, a position he held at the time of the Exxon Valdez oil spill; and Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas. He practiced law for over fifty years.

We will miss Bob’s talent, his passion for and deep understanding of Maritime law and, most of all, his friendship. Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.