Mr. Rodgers advises financial institutions and corporate borrowers in domestic and international commercial transactions across the full range of asset-based lending matters. He also guides clients on innovative structured financings, lease financings, and U.S. capital markets transactions. Mr. Rodgers has substantial experience with financing both domestic and foreign flagged vessels, deepwater drilling rigs, and support vessels. He also regularly advises lenders and operators on relevant aspects of the coastwise trade laws (Jones Act) of the United States, the corporate and maritime law of each of the Republic of Liberia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and Vanuatu maritime law.

Kevin P. LaTulip Jr., chair of Baker Donelson’s Financial Services Transactions Group, said, “Dan has an outstanding reputation as a problem-solver and someone who can get transactions done, within the shipping/maritime finance space and beyond. His extensive knowledge and 25 years of experience in handling a variety of transactions have proven invaluable to his clients, and we’re pleased he has brought his talent to our financial services transactions practice.”

Rodgers acted as managing partner of Watson Farley & Williams LLP between 2012 and 2021. A graduate of Tulane Law School and Dartmouth College, he is recognized as one of the leading shipping finance lawyers in the U.S. by Chambers USA, Chambers Global, and Legal 500 US. He has been selected by New York Super Lawyers in the practice area of Transportation & Maritime since 2020.

Mr. Rodgers is the latest in a number of lateral hires for Baker Donelson, including another New Orleans addition – litigator and public policy professional Coleman D. Ridley Jr., who joined as of counsel. Other additions since August have included three laterals across three practice areas joining in the Firm’s Atlanta office, and corporate shareholder Scott Bowers in Raleigh.

“Dan is another welcome addition to our Firm as we continue to pursue an ambitious strategic plan that focuses on growing and deepening our capabilities across practice areas and geography,” said Kent Lambert, managing shareholder of Baker Donelson’s New Orleans office. “We’re very fortunate to have someone with his background join our team of Louisiana attorneys who focus on serving the shipping and offshore industries.”