At the Bar - How to mix a 'real' Martini

NO trip to Athens would be complete without seeing the Parthenon, and that's exactly what Ashton O'Dwyer had in mind. Meeting at the Intercontinental Hotel on Athen's Syngrou Avenue, a drink in the lobby bar would have sufficed. But Ashton was determined for us to soak up the panoramic view of the Parthenon from the top-floor restaurant, despite the restaurant being closed. A quick chat with the hotel manager and charm and persuasion prevailed - the restaurant was opened just for us to enjoy the view. And Ashton was right - what a view.

But that's not why I'm here. I'm here to find out why, when I mention Ashton O'Dwyer's name, everyone seems to know him. And some even have the odd story to tell. Of course, if you're going to meet up with anyone, Posidonia is the place to do it. But Ashton isn't just out here for the exhibition. He's also here to keep in contact with the many friends and clients he has built up over his thirty years in maritime law.

Ashton has his grandparents to thank for sparking his interest in all things maritime. His grandfather's stories of life at sea, coupled with his trips to Europe as a youngster, set his heart on becoming involved in the shipping industry. Admiralty law took his interest at an early age and today he is a partner at New Orleans-based law firm Lemle & Kelleher, where he has worked since December 1971.

"I am fortunate to have been born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on the father of all waters - the muddy Mississippi," says Ashton. After studying at Loyola University School of Law, he was admitted into practice in 1971 following the successful completion of the Louisiana State Bar exam. Today, he is a leading admiralty and maritime trial lawyer specialising in death and personal injury, collision, pollution, FD&D, cargo and charter party cases. But one of the more recent highlights of his career came when he represented John Angelicoussis in a collision case. "The real challenge was representing such a high-profile and prominent shipowner, but every favourable jury verdict or judgment is a career highlight too," says Ashton.

One of the challenges for the future, for all maritime firms, is competing for new business. "With improved safety resulting in fewer casualties, there are fewer cases to go around," says Ashton. "As a result, firms have to be more efficient and less expensive, and they have to achieve good results just to stay in the game." The volume of firms hasn't helped either. "In the past, there were only five or so firms in New Orleans with all the maritime business. Today there are more than thirty, all chasing the same rainbow. It's no surprise that competition has become the name of the game," says Ashton.

Lemle & Kelleher, however, has over eighty years' experience to fall back on. Ashton cites teamwork as the most important part of the culture at the firm, which today has over a hundred lawyers. Seventeen of those lawyers work in the maritime department which, according to Ashton, is larger than many boutique firms.

Despite the influx of new firms, Ashton is grateful that personal relationships remain highly valued in the maritime world as he reels off a list of names, such as John Tilly, Jim Hamilton and Alexis Nichols, who he considers as good friends and who have helped open doors for him. Having spent an hour in Ashton's company, though, I doubt he needs much help in this department. His name appears to precede him wherever he goes.

Just the day before our meeting I was chatting to a leading P&I man in Greece whose face lit up at the prospect of my rendezvous with Ashton. "Ask him where he keeps his gun," he said. Ashton's face creases with laughter as I pose the question. Reaching into his pocket, he draws out his wallet. "Here it is. No matter where I go, I always have my gun with me," he says pointing at his US gun licence. Shooting is, in fact, one of Ashton's passions, along with running and reading. With six marathons already under his belt - three in New York, two in London and one in Moscow - Ashton still tries to run eight miles each day before work.. And he doesn't appear to show any signs of slowing down.

He may, however, have a successor in his midst where the law is concerned. Accompanying him on his trip to Posidonia is his son Ryan, who is currently contemplating a career in law, and maybe even maritime law. It's a trend that appears to run in the family as one of Ashton's daughters is already an established labour lawyer in New Orleans.

Posidonia, of course, isn't just about work. With the interview out of the way, we head down to the cocktail bar for a pre-dinner drink. Within minutes I'm savouring the delights of a 'real' Martini, southern style. It's amazing how quickly you can get used to a new tipple. Too bad I can't quite remember what was in it.