Jo Colbert Stanley

As the Director of Maritime Affairs at Colodny Fass, Jo Colbert Stanley spearheads the firm’s initiatives in the maritime sector. A seasoned litigator who also has over two decades of hands-on experience in the marine industry, Jo lends her expertise to strategic business development, focusing on contract negotiations, shipping and seafarers’ claims, marine and cargo insurance, and regulatory compliance. She is committed to promoting stakeholder satisfaction and industry innovation.

Jo is an appointed member of the Broward County Marine Advisory Committee, where she plays a crucial role in advising the County Commissioners on matters affecting the local marine industry. She collaborates with other industry professionals to address issues such as marine infrastructure development, environmental concerns, and economic impacts, ensuring that the interests of the maritime community and county residents and visitors are effectively represented and promoted. She is also a certified arbitrator on the International Yacht Arbitration Council,

A British/Barbadian national, Jo graduated summa cum laude from Penn State University and earned her Juris Doctor from Widener University School of Law. Jo also holds a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from Shepard Broad College of Law and a Diploma in International Maritime Arbitration from the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution at Nova Southeastern University’s Halmos College of Arts and Sciences.

Jo is a published author and a sought-after speaker, contributing articles to various professional and industry publications, appearing on conference panels, and presenting numerous training seminars on issues related to the maritime industry.

Professional memberships include (but are not limited to):

• Federal Bar Association (Executive Committee – Admiralty Law Section; Chair – ADR Section)
• Broward County Bar Association (Chair – Admiralty & Maritime Law Section)
• American Bar Association
• South Broward Bar Association
• International Yacht Brokers Association
• Port Everglades Association
• Fort Lauderdale Mariners Club
• Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) (Co-Chair – Yachting Committee)
• Southeastern Admiralty Law Institute (SEALI)