Douglas W.
Truxillo

Position: Special Counsel
Office: Lafayette

Douglas Truxillo is a member of the Maritime Practice Group, with more than 45 years of experience representing clients in complex maritime, admiralty, and offshore energy-related disputes.

Doug helps clients navigate high-stakes litigation, contractual matters, and regulatory challenges across the maritime and oilfield industries. Drawing on decades of courtroom and industry experience, Doug provides practical, business-oriented counsel designed to protect client interests and achieve efficient resolutions.

Doug is an experienced trial lawyer trying jury and nonjury cases in both state and federal courts throughout Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi. His litigation experience includes maritime casualty and commercial disputes; insurance coverage and policy interpretation involving P&I, Hull, CGL, and employer’s liability policies; and complex civil litigation arising from offshore and energy operations.

As a result of litigating complex contractual issues, Doug effectively advises clients on the negotiation and structuring of oilfield master service agreements, vessel charters, commercial shipbuilding contracts, vessel sales, and maritime financing transactions. Doug has been the legal advisor to the Association of Diving Contractors International Inc. since 1991. His deep understanding of the maritime industry allows him to provide strategic guidance that extends beyond dispute resolution and supports clients’ long-term business objectives.

A recognized leader in the maritime legal community, Doug served as chair of the ABA Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section Admiralty and Maritime Law Committee for 2022–2023 and has long been active in the Federal Bar Association, serving as one of the charter members of the Admiralty Section and as a board member of the Federal Litigation Section and the Maritime Law Association. He is also a frequent speaker on maritime and oilfield contracts, insurance, and litigation topics.

Noteworthy

Louisiana Super Lawyers, Transportation & Maritime, Construction Litigation, General Litigation (2012–present)
The Best Lawyers in America, Energy Law (2016–present)

Publications

"Fifth Circuit Federal Maritime Case Surveys," Federal Bar Association Admiralty Law Section, Admiralitas, 2016–present

Memberships

Acadiana Symphony Orchestra, board member (2015–2021)
American Bar Association, Chair, Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section, Admiralty and Maritime Law Committee (2022–2023); Member, Admiralty and Maritime Law Committee (2012–2026)
Bar Association of the Fifth Federal Circuit
Federal Bar Association, Lafayette Chapter chair (2005–2006, 2010–2011), circuit VP for Fifth Circuit, charter member of Admiralty Section, and board member of Federal Litigation Section
Louisiana Bar Foundation, Fellow
Louisiana State Bar Association
Maritime Law Association, Proctor in Admiralty
Southeast Admiralty Law Institute
Supreme Court of Louisiana Historical Society, Membership Committee