Jacob D. Curtis

Whether handling complex litigation or counseling clients through insurance disputes, Jake delivers practical solutions grounded in more than a decade of maritime and commercial law experience.

With over 15 years in practice, Jake represents clients in admiralty and maritime matters, commercial litigation, employment disputes, and insurance coverage cases. His background includes an appellate clerkship and work across federal courts nationwide, providing insight into both trial and appellate strategy. Jake’s deep understanding of river operations and commercial vessel activities allows him to effectively counsel clients on the practical realities of maritime commerce.

Admitted to practice in five states and experienced in federal courts across the country, Jake provides responsive legal counsel to clients throughout the inland waterway system and beyond.

Areas of Practice

• Admiralty and Maritime Law
• Commercial Litigation
• Trial and Appellate Practice
• Insurance Coverage

Bar Admissions

• Missouri
• Illinois
• Mississippi
• Tennessee
• Kentucky

Jake has Practiced in These Courts:

• United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
• United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit
• United States District Court for the Southern District of Alabama
• United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
• United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois
• United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky
• United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana
• United States District Court for the District of Minnesota
• United States District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi
• United States District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi
• United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri
• United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri
• United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee
• United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee

Education

• University of Mississippi, Oxford, Mississippi
  • J.D. (2011)
  • M.A., Political Science (2005)
  • B.A., Political Science (2004)

Representative Cases

• Jarvis v. Hines Furlong Line, Inc., No. 21-5937, 2022 WL 1929364 (6th Cir. 2022)

Clerkships

• Honorable Kenneth M. Romines, Judge, Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District, Law Clerk, 2011 – 2012
• Honorable Chief Justice William L. Waller, Jr., Supreme Court of Mississippi, Judicial Extern, Summer 2010
• Honorable Michael P. Mills, Chief Judge, United States District Court, Northern District of Mississippi, Judicial Intern, Fall 2009
• Honorable Lewis M. Blanton, Federal Magistrate, United States District Court, Eastern District of Missouri, Judicial Intern, Summer 2009

Presentations

• “Vessel Wake and Speed Regulation in Chicago: Three Layer. One Waterway System” Present at 2026 Maritime Industry Day, International Shipmasters Association, Chicago Lodge 3.

Professional Associations and Memberships

• The Missouri Bar, Member
• The Illinois Bar, Member
• The Kentucky Bar, Member
• The Mississippi Bar, Member
• The Tennessee Bar, Member
• Vessel Wake and Speed Regulation in Chicago: Three Layers. One Waterway System.” Presented at 2026 Maritime Industry Day, International Ship Masters’ Association, Chicago Lodge 3.