John H. Thomas

John H. Thomas. J.D., is an assistant professor at the Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Florida International University, Miami, Florida. He is a graduate of Dartmouth College and the University of Miami School of Law. After more than thirty years as a practicing attorney in Miami, he began teaching as an adjunct professor at FIU then joined the faculty full time in 2008. Thomas was a partner at several law offices during his legal career, practicing in both transactions and litigation. He is a member of the bar of the State of Florida, as well as several Federal jurisdictions including the United States Court of International Trade. He has earned Board Certification in Admiralty and Maritime Law by The Florida Bar and has served as Chair of their Admiralty Law Committee. Thomas is especially knowledgeable regarding international law and business transactions, having extensive experience in international trade, travel, shipment of cargo, and regulations for cruise, cargo ships, aircraft, yachts and passengers. He has provided legal services and counsel to individuals, organizations, small and large businesses, cruise lines, banks, insurers, and owners of yachts, ships and aircraft of all sizes. In representation of parties in the purchase and operation of cruise ships, he has undertaken casino licensing, ship registration, operational certificates, and personnel and vendor contracts. He has handled numerous cases involving personal injuries, contract disputes and government regulations. Thomas is an advocate of alternative dispute resolution, particularly by mediation or arbitration. He was a founder, and first president, of the Miami Maritime Arbitration Council. He has participated in arbitration of numerous disputes, both as counsel and as an appointed arbitrator. Thomas is an active member of the International Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Educators, HospitalityLawyers.com, International Travel and Tourism Advocates, Miami International Arbitration Society, and the Southeastern Admiralty Law Institute. Thomas has authored materials and presented lectures on a wide range of topics for both lawyers and industry professionals. Recent publications include articles in the Cornell Hospitality Quarterly and the Journal of Travel and Tourism Marketing.