Atty. Derick W. Betts

Atty. Derick W. Betts

Derick W. Betts, Jr. is a member of Seward & Kissel’s Corporate Finance and Tax Groups.

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Profile Summary

About Derick W. Betts at a glance

Derick W. Betts is a maritime attorney based in New York, New York, practicing at Seward & Kissel LLP. Educated at New York University (J.D., 1973). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Admiralty and Maritime Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Tax Law (2026). Serands clients in New York, NY and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Derick W. Betts, Jr. is a member of Seward & Kissel’s Corporate Finance and Tax Groups
  • Derick has practiced law since 1970
  • Derick specializes in international corporate law, limited liability company, tax and ship finance matters principally related to mergers and acquisitions, capital markets and joint venture shipping transactions
  • He has particular expertise in taxation of the shipping industry, specifically the U.S. taxation of foreign shipping and joint venture shipping transactions
  • Derick has written multiple articles on the U.S. taxation of shipping, inclusive of The Section 883 Proposed Regulations: The Ship Is Almost In Port” (Tax Management International Journal 2000) (as co-author), and “The Shipping Provisions of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004” (Benedict’s Maritime Bulletin 2006)
  • In addition, he has spoken on U.S. shipping tax-related issues at seminars sponsored by the Greek Shipping Cooperation Committee (London), the International Ship Registry Review, the Connecticut Maritime Association, the World Trade Institute of Shipping, BIMCO, the International Tax Planning Association, the Association of the Bar of the City of New York (Admiralty Committee), Marine Money and ATLAS

Practice Areas Explained

Derick W. Betts's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Derick W. Betts handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Maritime & Admiralty Law

Maritime attorneys for Jones Act claims, longshore injury, cruise ship cases, and offshore matters.

Derick W. Betts is one of 11,568 maritime attorneys indexed nationally. Browse maritime attorneys in New York →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in New York

Practicing law in New York. Legal matters in New York are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in New York are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate New York state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in New York brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in New York courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional New York attorneys? Browse all attorneys in New York or all attorneys in New York.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Derick W. Betts

Where is Derick W. Betts's law office located?
Derick W. Betts's law practice is located in New York, New York. The firm is Seward & Kissel LLP. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Derick W. Betts handle?
Derick W. Betts focuses on maritime. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in New York.
Where did Derick W. Betts go to law school?
Derick W. Betts earned their education at (J.D., 1973).
How can I contact Derick W. Betts for a consultation?
You can contact Derick W. Betts directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Derick W. Betts received?
Derick W. Betts's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Admiralty and Maritime Law; Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:; Best Lawyers in America — Tax Law.

Education

J.D.
New York University
- 1973

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Admiralty and Maritime Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Tax Law
- 2026

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