Liam T. O'Connell has extensive experience in maritime law and international law. He received his JD from Suffolk University Law School with a concentration in international law and was awarded distinction. He has worked as an instructor for the Department of Defense on international law topics and served for over a decade in the United States Coast Guard and Coast Guard Reserve, holding positions including senior marine inspector and legal duty officer. O'Connell also co-founded an international maritime consulting firm and taught courses on maritime law and regulations. He maintains active security clearances and professional certifications related to maritime operations, international law, and environmental compliance.

1. Liam T. O’Connell
7 Cardinal Lane, Gloucester, MA 01930 - Phone: 713-248-1951 - E-Mail: ltoconnell@suffolk.edu
Education
JD, Suffolk University Law School, Boston, MA (2014)
 Concentration in International Law, awarded with Distinction
BS, Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Buzzards Bay, MA (2005)
 Marine Transportation
Professional Experience
Department of Defense Institute of International Legal Studies (2014)
Instructor and International Law Clerk – Newport, RI
• Instructed international military officers and diplomats on Use of Force and Rules of Engagement law as
part of the resident courses “Law of Armed Conflict and Human Rights,” and “International Law of Military
Operations.”
• Instructed two courses, “Maritime Security and Antiterrorism” and “Maritime Boarding and Seizures” for
the International Surface Warfare Office School at U.S. Navy’s Surface Warfare Officer School.
• Conducted research on International Human Rights, International Humanitarian Law and the Laws of
Armed Conflict.
• Performed extensive research on the Inter-American Court of Human Rights and used findings to produce
academic curriculum.
United States Coast Guard Reserve (2011 – Present)
Lieutenant - US Coast Guard Legal Service Command - Norfolk, Virginia (2015 – Present)
• USCG Reserve Legal Duty Officer.
Lieutenant - US Navy Coastal Riverine Squadron EIGHT, Groton, Connecticut (2013-2015)
• Activated to serve as Officer in Charge and Mission Commander for the US Navy’s first domestic High
Value Unit Detachment, providing Anti-Terrorism Force Protection for 22 USN nuclear-powered
Submarines. Innovations and operational successes will be the model for six other similar domestic
detachments.
• Trained and Led 36 US Navy Sailors in daily operations, mission planning, and mission execution.
• Appointed as Safety Officer and Operational Risk Manage, to ensure the over 500 personnel command
located across six states was in compliance of USN safety and risk mitigation policies.
United States Coast Guard (2005 – 2008)
Ensign, Lieutenant Junior Grade - US Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston, Texas
• As Senior Marine Inspector, I surveyed over 1500 vessels ensuring compliance with US and international
regulations.
• Lead investigator for all environmental law criminal investigations in Eastern Texas and Western
Louisiana, including five criminal pollution cases that were taken by the US DOJ.
• Consulting expert to the US DOJ Environmental Crimes Section for multiple criminal cases.
• Trained Coast Guard criminal investigators across the Gulf Coast on case protocols for maritime pollution
cases.
H&O Marine, LLC. - International Maritime Consulting Firm (2010 – 2015)
Co-Founder & Managing Partner – Beverly, MA
• Retained by law firms, ship owners, marine terminals, and US Government agencies as: expert witness,
auditor, and planner for maritime regulatory matters. Court-Appointed Monitor and Auditor for US
Department of Justice mandated Environmental and Enhanced Compliance Programs.

2. Massachusetts Maritime Academy (2008 – 2010)
Contract Faculty/Professor, Department of Continuing Education – Buzzards Bay, MA
• Created and taught an accredited course entitled, “Marine Pollution and Vessel Engineering Systems” to
approximately 20 domestic and foreign personnel from entry-level to executive-level maritime professionals.
Third Mate and Training Officer, United States Training Ship USTS Kennedy
• Conducted training for 500+ merchant marine Cadets while at sea on navigation, watch-standing, fire-
fighting, and lifesaving.
Licenses & Professional Development
 Active DOD/DHS Security Clearance: SECRET
 ISO 14001 Lead Auditor Certification (2009)
 USCG Boarding Officer, Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (2006)
 US Merchant Marine Unlimited 3rd Officer Deck License (2005)
 ISO 14001 Lead Auditor USCG Marine Inspector, USCG Training Center (2005)
Awards / Honors / Recognition
 Various Military awards
 Houston Federal Executive Committee Excellence in Government Award (2008)
 Law Enforcement Award Category, for leading the multi-agency Investigation of the US v. M/V
Windsor Castle case. Investigation led to criminal prosecution and a fine of $1.5 million against
the vessel operators for violating US environmental laws.
 Subject of Military Officer magazine “Active Duty Spotlight” for Triathlon accomplishment (June 2008)
 Former Elite Triathlete: Team USA Short and Long Course, 3 x IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship
Qualifier