Peter D. Clark, the firm’s co-founding partner, passed away on July 6, 2025. He was a long-time resident of Harding Township, New Jersey. In 2020, he relocated to Lords Valley, Pennsylvania. 

Peter was born in Newton, Massachusetts in 1942. He graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy in 1967. He sailed for seven years on U.S. flag vessels and was a licensed chief engineer. He graduated from St. John’s University School of Law in 1975 and earned a master’s degree in international law from New York University in 1981. He was admitted to the courts of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and the District of Columbia, along with the United States Supreme Court and the United States Court of International Trade. He co-founded the law firm of Clark, Atcheson & Reisert in 1992, and served as Senior Partner until his retirement in 2018. Peter’s areas of specialty included maritime casualties, vessel oil spills, environmental law, ship repair disputes, marine insurance and charter party arbitrations. From 1989-1997, he authored the column “Sea Law” for the Journal of Commerce, wherein he provided legal information to the maritime community. He also served as a mediator and arbitrator for the Superior Court of New Jersey and as an arbitrator for the Society of Maritime Arbitrators. 

The MLA has just learned of the passing of Keith Heard, a long time member of the Association. A memorial service for Keith Heard will be held on April 25, 2025, 10:00 a.m. at Second Congregational Church, Greenwich, Connecticut. The address is 139 E Putnam Ave, Greenwich, CT 06830.

Deborah M. Nolan, married to MLA Past President Frank Nolan III, passed away on April 11, 2025. Debby served as a Deputy Attorney General for New Jersey, was an accomplished painter, and a published author of four novels. She embraced and supported the work of the MLA and was a dear friend and role model to many in our Association. A Mass of Christian burial will be offered on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, Roseland, N.J.