“I stay on the front side of the wave. My clients appreciate that.”
Douglas P. Matthews
Doug Matthews has practiced law in New Orleans for over 30 years and specializes in maritime trial practice as defense counsel. Doug has defended numerous Jones Act and 905 (b) personal injury claims and also focuses on the Longshore Act practice, having presented the “employers” case to Administrative Law Judges, the Benefits Review Board and the U.S. Fifth and Seventh Circuit Courts of Appeals. He has specialized experience defending occupational illness claims under the Longshore Act, including audiological and pulmonary illnesses. In addition to Doug's practice in the Longshore and maritime fields, he has litigated state workman compensation claims, patent infringement claims, anti-trust claims, insurance coverage issues, claims of legal malpractice and product liability claims, both as individual suits and class actions.
Most notably, as a result of a request for the Maritime Law Association, he offered an amicus brief on behalf of the organization to the U.S. Supreme Court in the matter entitled Randall v. Chevron addressing status under the Longshore act. Doug has made frequent presentations on various maritime and Longshore Act issues at local and national seminars.
Beginning his career at Lemle Kelleher, Doug went on to be a founding partner of Frilot, LLC. In April 2008, Doug became a member of King, Krebs, & Jurgens. He’s a graduate of Loyola Law School and is “AV” rated by Martindale Hubbell.
REPRESENTATIVE MATTERS:
- Andrepont v. Murphy, Successful in winning US. 5th Circuit Court appeal, circumscribing claimant's ability to force an employer to pay attorney's fees.
- Worked with major developer and producer of genetically modified organisms to resolve licensing issue. Guided enforcement of licensing agreement and stewardship of their patents
Honors & Recognition
- SuperLawyers, 2008-2010
- Martindale-Hubbell AV-Preeminent Rated (5.0 out of 5)
News & Appearances
Professional & Community Affiliations
- Louisiana State Bar Association
- Maritime Law Association of the U.S., Past Chair, Standing committee on Stevedore Maritime and Vessel Services
- Southeastern Admiralty Law Institute, Past Port Director
