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Kelly M.
Haas

Position
Partner
Office
Houston

Kelly Haas is a partner in the Maritime Practice Group. She regularly counsels clients on maritime law and offshore energy‑related disputes and issues in state and federal courts along the Gulf Coast.


Kelly represents vessel owners, charters, shipyards, offshore operators, and energy clients regarding collisions, property damage, personal injury, pollution, environmental, cargo, insurance, construction and contract claims related to the Jones Act, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, OPA 90, Limitation of Liability, COGSA and the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act.

Kelly’s extensive experience includes conducting investigations, vessel arrest, indemnity demands and administrative proceedings. She guides and counsels clients through all phases of mediation, arbitration, litigation, and appeals.

A recognized leader in the maritime bar, Kelly has served as president of the Galveston County Bar Association and chair of the Southeastern Admiralty Law Institute. She is currently chair of the Houston Marine & Energy Insurance Conference. As noted, she is consistently recognized by industry publications for her excellence in admiralty and maritime dispute resolution.

Noteworthy

  • The Best Lawyers in America®, Admiralty and Maritime Law (2021–2026)
  • Lawdragon 500, Leading Litigators in America (2024–2026)
  • Texas Super Lawyers, Thomson Reuters (2014–2017, 2019–2026)
  • Texas Rising Stars, Thomson Reuters (2013–2014)
  • Chair of Merit Selection Panel to Reappoint Federal Magistrate Judge John R. Froeschner
  • Outstanding Young Lawyer of Galveston County
  • AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rating in Martindale-Hubbell
  • Houstonia Top Lawyer for Houston in Admiralty and Maritime

Publications

  • "Recent Developments in Admiralty and Maritime Law," Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Law Journal, Winter 2017
  • "Recent Developments in Admiralty and Maritime Law," Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Law Journal, Winter 2016

Presentations

  • "Nuclear Verdicts in Maritime and Energy Litigation," Houston Marine & Energy Insurance Conference, September 2024
  • "Judicial Sale of Vessels – Canadian and US Perspectives," BLG's 34th Annual Maritime Law Seminar, December 2022
  • "Anadarko's $100M Deepwater Horizon Coverage Battle," Houston Marine & Energy Insurance Conference, September 2019
  • "Vessel Seizure under the Federal Rules," 28th Annual David W. Robertson Admiralty and Maritime Law Conference, September 2019
  • "From Bow to Stern: A Quick Look at Maritime Litigation," Institute for Energy Law: 3rd Annual National Young Energy Professionals Conference, April 2019
  • "Ethical Pitfalls of a Distracted Lawyer," Southeastern Admiralty Law Institute Annual Meeting, October 2016
  • "Recent Maritime Developments: Fifth, Ninth & Tenth Circuits," Southeastern Admiralty Law Institute Annual Seminar, June 2014
  • "Settlement and Contribution: Fifteen Years After McDermott v. AmClyde," Southeastern Admiralty Law Institute Annual Seminar, June 2009

Memberships

  • Galveston County Bar Association, Past President
  • Houston Marine & Energy Insurance Conference Planning Committee, Chair
  • Houston Maritime Arbitrators Association, Advisory Board
  • Houston Mariners Club, Past Skipper
  • Maritime Law Association of the United States, Proctor
  • Southeastern Admiralty Law Institute, Past Chair
Houston
Suite 2900
811 Main St
Houston, TX 77002
D: 713.437.1854
F: 713.437.1922
Emailkhaas@joneswalker.com

Education

  • South Texas College of Law Houston
    JD, 2007
  • Trinity University
    BS, 1994

Bar Admissions

  • Texas

Court Admissions

  • US Supreme Court
  • US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
  • US District Court for the Eastern District of Texas
  • US District Court for the Northern District of Texas
  • US District Court for the Southern District of Texas
  • US District Court for the Western District of Texas

Related Practices

  • Maritime
  • Maritime Litigation and Dispute Resolution
  • Environmental & Toxic Torts
  • Offshore Energy

Related Industries

  • Maritime Industry
  • Energy, Environmental & Natural Resources
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