As we launch into a new year, uncertainty remains the word of the day. Whatever your political leanings, it would be hard to dispute that the inauguration of the Trump administration augurs change on many fronts, from shifting and testing political alliances to evolving trade and energy policies and infrastructure development and growth. Predicting just how and when change will come, however, seems more difficult than ever.

Change brings challenges, but change also presents opportunities, and the businesses that will thrive and survive any change are those that can most consistently put themselves in the right place at the right time. Luck is always a factor, but asit’s often been said: those who work the hardest tend to have the most luck. Part of that hard work involves studying and understanding what is driving the changes that seem certain toalter the commercial landscape in the coming years.

Blank Rome’s policy and political law practice has never been more relevant, with our attorneys well-versed in the myriad government relations and regulatory compliance matters that are at the forefront of our national and global news headlines these days. As such, we dedicate much of this issue of Mainbrace to attempting the impossible: predicting how the Trump administration might impact the shipping and commercial world as the new administration attempts to implement its world view. It is a daunting task, but hopefully one that will trigger thought and reflection on possible new opportunities for the coming year.

In the meantime, we wish everyone a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2017!