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Steven Michael Stancliff
About Steven
Biography
Steve Stancliff's legal practice is concentrated in maritime industry litigation, where he is recognized for his creative and effective problem-solving skills. He advises and represents a broad spectrum of clients, including commercial ship owners, salvors, ship repairers, and marine construction companies, along with their insurers. Steve's unique legal skills cover all aspects of marine operations, commercial transactions, and government compliance. He is adept at managing casualty responses for collisions, groundings, marine pollution, and machinery issues, including conducting governmental investigations. Licensed to practice in both Virginia and North Carolina, Steve manages vessel arrests, attachments, limitation actions, and salvage proceedings in federal and state courts. Moreover, he aids underwriters by analyzing marine insurance contracts, providing reliable coverage opinions, and defending against bad-faith claims. His detailed approach and industry knowledge make him an essential guide in maritime legal affairs.
The Only Law Firm You May Ever Need - Creative Approaches. Predictable Outcomes. Cost-Effective Solutions.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Admiralty and Maritime
40%
Litigation
40%
Transportation
20%
Fees and Rates
Awards
2025
Licenses
Licensed in North Carolina for 17 years
State: North Carolina
Acquired: 2008
No misconduct found
Licensed in Virginia for 19 years
State: Virginia
Acquired: 2007
No misconduct found
Licensed in Ohio for 29 years
State: Ohio
Acquired: 1996
No misconduct found
Location
Ventker Henderson Stancliff, PLLC
256 W. Freemason Street, Norfolk, VA, 23510
ventkerlaw.com/team/steve-stancliff/Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Steven online.
Steven Michael Stancliff's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
6 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 review | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by anonymous | September 24, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Admiralty & Maritime
Practical & Extremely Knowledgeable
Steve is extremely knowledgeable, practical, and a pleasure to work with. We’ve worked with him for over 10 years and continue to engage him for the bulk of our maritime matters. We appreciate both his common sense approach and his legal expertise. We also appreciate his strong work ethic and enjoy w...
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Experience
Honors
2025
Client's Choice, Avvo
2025
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2018
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2017
Listed in Virginia Super Lawyers, Transportation/Maritime, Virginia Super Lawyers
2017
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2016
Listed in Virginia Super Lawyers, Transportation/Maritime, Virginia Super Lawyers
2016
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2015
Listed in Virginia Super Lawyers, Transportation/Maritime, Virginia Super Lawyers
2015
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2015
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
Listed in Virginia Super Lawyers, Transportation/Maritime, Virginia Super Lawyers
2014
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2013
Listed in Virginia Super Lawyers, Transportation/Maritime, Virginia Super Lawyers
2013
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
Work Experience
2022 - Present
Maritime Partner, Ventker Henderson Stancliff, PLLC
2007 - 2022
Partner and Chair of the Admiralty & Maritime Practice Group, Crenshaw, Ware and Martin
1999 - 2001
Trial Attorney & Coast Guard Liaison, United States Dept. of Justice
1984 - 2006
Commander, United States Coast Guard
Associations
2014 - Present
Southeastern Admiralty Law InstituteEditorial Board
2012 - Present
James Kent American Inn of Court
2008 - Present
North Carolina Bar Association
2007 - Present
Southeastern Admiralty Law InstituteMember
2007 - Present
Virginia Bar Association
2007 - Present
Norfolk and Portsmouth Bar Association
2001 - Present
Maritime Law Association of the United StatesProctor
Propeller Club of Norfolk
2012 - 2013
Southeastern Admiralty Law Institute, Long Range Planning CommitteeChairman
Sample of Legal Cases
Flame S.A. v. Indus. Carriers
Verdict and Judgment for client
Finguerra v. ACE Insurance and Atlantic Boat Basin, Inc.
Verdict and Judgment for client.
Norfolk and Portsmouth Belt Line Rail Road Co. v. M/V MARLIN
Awarded $286,456.00, plus prejudgment interest.
Education
1996
Case Western Reserve University
law
1992
University of Rhode Island
MMA
1984
United States Coast Guard Academy
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2015
2015 Bench Bar Conference
Top 10 Things Every Lawyer Should Know About Admiralty Law
2012
2012 Annual Seminar
Maritime Law Developments in the United States Supreme Court and the United States Courts of Appeal for the First, Second, and Fourth Circuits
2009
Southeast Admiralty Law Institute - 2009 Fall Meeting
Continuing Vitality of the Shipowner's Limitation of Liability Act
2008
CLE: A Legal Guide to Pleasure Boating
Salvage, Search and Rescue, Maritime Security, Marine Pollution, and Rules of the Road
2004
NASBLA - 2004 45th Annual Conference
State and Federal Cooperation in Maritime Homeland Security Missions
Publications
2015
Norfolk & Portsmouth Bar Association
10 Useful Things Lawyers Should Know About Admiralty Law
2012
Southeastern Admiralty Law Institute (SEALI)
Recent Maritime Law Developments in the United States Supreme Court and the United States Courts of Appeal for the First, Second, and Fourth Circuits
2009
Southeastern Admiralty Law Institute (SEALI) - Fall Meeting
The Continuing Vitality of the Shipowner's Limitation of Liability Act