George A. Gaitas was born and raised in Greece by a seafaring family, originating in the island of Andros, but also has roots in Zakynthos and Crete. He received all of his higher education in the United States where he was first licensed to practice law (in Kansas). Later on the allure of the sea brought him to Tulane University in New Orleans where he studied maritime law and earned his L.L.M. After some years with a traditional maritime law firm in New Orleans, George returned to Greece and joined a privately-owned shipping group as general counsel where he worked in all areas of the business in both the dry cargo and tanker sectors, accumulating considerable hands-on shipping experience. As in-house counsel, George handled arbitration and litigation in many jurisdictions and tribunals worldwide.   In recent years George headed the office of a well-known maritime law firm in Houston. There, he carried on a nation-wide and international practice concentrated o

Jonathan M. Chalos is a native Texan and lifelong Houstonian. He comes from a seafaring family from the Greek Island of Chios. Jonathan graduated from The University of Texas at Austin where he earned his degree in Economics and from South Texas College of Law Houston where he earned his Juris Doctor degree.

Jonathan has developed in-depth knowledge and expertise in the areas of quality and safety management, and environmental compliance to help clients be proactive in meeting the strict requirements of the U.S. Coast Guard. He has sharp investigation skills, and an insightful understanding of complex facts having participated in many shipboard investigations and MARPOL enforcement actions. Jonathan also has extensive experience in dealing with issues of shipping taxation, fraudulent business restructurings, defective bunker/fuel claims, vessel allisions and collisions, and maritime debt enfor

Justinian C. Gaitas is licensed to practice law in Texas and Illinois.  Prior to joining us, Justinian was in private practice in the Chicago area concentrating on bankruptcy matters, business planning and reorganizations, transactional matters including contract negotiation and drafting, and asset protection and estate planning.   Justinian is a member of the Hellenic Bar Association and was raised in Athens, Greece.  He received his higher and professional education in the United States.  Justinian has been always close to the business of shipping which is a family tradition.  Proficient in Greek and technologically-savvy, Justinian brings a valuable business focus to our traditional shipping law firm.