Shelley Chapelski: An individual in the spotlight

Shelley Chapelski, a distinguished figure in the maritime legal community, specialises in transactional and litigation aspects of maritime law. With a rich career spanning over two decades, she has handled hundreds of casualties, including collisions, terminal damage cases, cargo losses, and pollution events.

Representing a diverse clientele, Chapelski's portfolio includes ports and terminals, commercial vessel owners and operators, maritime service providers, P&I Clubs, marine insurers, and clients operating in the Canadian Arctic. Her particular interest in Canadian Arctic shipping has led to her working with numerous clients in this region.

Chapelski's expertise extends beyond incident management. She drafts and advises on various maritime contracts, torts, liability claims, and marine insurance matters. Her proficiency in these areas is evident in her successful resolution of many passenger injury and death claims, including those subject to the Athens Convention.

Throughout her career, Chapelski has achieved numerous successful results for clients through mediation and arbitration. She has also represented clients in the provincial, supreme, and appellate courts of British Columbia, Alberta, and the Federal Court of Canada.

Before delving into law, Chapelski honed her analytical skills as a mathematician, studying at the University of Waterloo. This background undoubtedly contributes to her strategic approach in navigating complex maritime legal issues.

In addition to her courtroom prowess, Chapelski has extensive experience with vessel arrests and maritime liens, as well as limitation of liability proceedings. She frequently advises marine insurers on coverage matters and has advised users and suppliers of marine services on their obligations and liabilities under Canadian maritime law.

Frequent meetings with government representatives are a testament to Chapelski's influence in the maritime industry. Her contributions have not gone unnoticed, with her being recognised as one of the leading maritime lawyers in Canada.

In a field where experience and expertise are paramount, Shelley Chapelski stands out as a beacon of knowledge and competence in the intricate world of maritime law.