Marina del Rey Maritime Attorney & Yacht Brokerage Lawyer – Escrow, Charter Law, Asset Protection and Litigation

Legal counsel for yacht owners, brokers, and maritime professionals in Los Angeles' premier harbor.

The Intersection of Law and Luxury on the Water

Marina del Rey isn’t just California’s largest small-craft harbor — it’s a hub of yacht ownership, bareboat charter operations, and high-value maritime assets. Whether you’re handling a vessel transaction, preparing a charter agreement, resolving a brokerage dispute, or structuring ownership through a trust and LLC, you need experienced legal counsel with deep industry knowledge.

I’m Christopher M. Brainard, Esq. — a maritime attorney, licensed yacht broker, and litigator with over 27 years of experience helping clients navigate the legal, tax, and transactional complexities of yacht ownership and brokerage in California.  I am also a seasoned complex litigation expert including for maritime liens and all manner of yacht brokerage disputes.

Maritime Legal Services in Marina del Rey

• ✔ Vessel Purchase & Sale Agreements
• ✔ Escrow Guidance (USCG/DMV Transfers)
• ✔ Brokerage Disputes & Commission Protection
• ✔ LLC Structuring to Avoid Sales & Use Tax
• ✔ Living Trust + LLC Ownership Integration
• ✔ Bareboat & Time Charter Contracts
• ✔ Maritime Liens & Vessel Arrest Defense
• ✔ High-Value Asset Protection (Yachts, Aircraft, IP)

Why Clients Choose Me in Marina del Rey

• Legal + Brokerage Expertise: As both an attorney and yacht broker, I bring 360° insight to every transaction.
• Charter & Commercial Law: I draft and review charter contracts, waivers, and risk management documents.
• Brokerage Defense: I represent brokers in commission disputes and co-brokerage conflicts.
• Privacy-Conscious Structuring: Trust-owned LLCs protect high-profile clients and their assets from exposure.
• Full Litigation Capability: From liens to ownership disputes, I offer experienced maritime litigation counsel.

Don’t Navigate Alone. Protect Your Investment.

If you’re operating in Marina del Rey — whether buying, selling, chartering, or facing legal issues — I provide professional, discreet, and effective legal guidance.

📞 Call or Text: (310) 266–4115
🌐 Website: www.LawBrainard.com
📝 Start Online: Complete Our Maritime Intake Form

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“Chris guided our charter business through a complex vessel transfer and lease agreement in Marina del Rey — flawless work.”
— Charter Client, MDR

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*This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. An attorney-client relationship is only formed through a signed agreement.*