Hansel Joseph Michael Tillmann

Atty. Hansel Joseph Michael Tillmann is a distinguished lawyer specializing exclusively in maritime law, boasting an exceptional career spanning nearly two decades.

He earned his Bachelor of Laws degree from San Beda College of Law in 2002, following an illustrious academic journey at De La Salle University, where he graduated with honors in Political Science. His leadership abilities were evident early on, serving as vice-president of the Student Government during his pre-law years and later as president while pursuing his legal education.

Beginning his professional journey as a Political Affairs Officer in the Philippine Senate, Atty. Tillmann oversaw critical responsibilities concerning the appointment of government officials. His passion for legal advocacy led him to intern at a prominent trial law firm, gaining invaluable experience as a paralegal. After successfully passing the bar exams in 2002, he joined Pandiphil-Del Rosario and Del Rosario Law Offices, where he quickly rose to the position of Senior Lawyer. Notably, Atty. Tillmann distinguished himself as the lead counsel on priority "must-win" cases, including complex multimillion-dollar disputes in the Cayman Islands and the United States. His role involved collaboration with international counterparts, providing expert insights into Philippine laws and their intersection with foreign legal frameworks.

At the forefront of maritime law practice, Atty. Tillmann has handled numerous landmark cases, solidifying his reputation as a legal authority in the field. One notable case he litigated was Bandila Shipping, Inc. vs. Marcos Abalos (G.R. No. 17710, 2 February 2010), where his arguments influenced the Supreme Court's decision regarding the scope of disability benefits under the Amended POEA Contract. His expertise was further showcased in Roslinda vs. Medline Phils. Inc. and Grecomar Shipping Agency (UDK14164, 10 June 2009), where he successfully defended the interests of vessel owners in a significant ruling on post-employment benefits for seafarers.

Beyond his legal practice, Atty. Tillmann is actively involved in the maritime community, engaging in dialogues with key government officials from the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA), the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC). His advocacy efforts have led to substantial policy changes benefiting Protection and Indemnity (P & I) Clubs and vessel owners, including the recognition of Letters of Guarantee/Undertaking as sufficient collateral for appeals. Currently, he continues to advocate for procedural reforms within the NLRC to ensure fairness in maritime disputes.

Throughout his career, Atty. Tillmann has demonstrated unwavering dedication to the practice of maritime law, earning the respect of his peers and clients alike. His unparalleled expertise and commitment to justice have established him as a pivotal figure in the Philippine legal landscape, making him a trusted advocate for maritime interests nationwide.