F. Douglas Gatz, Jr.

Partner

Douglas.Gatz@lewisbrisbois.com

F. Douglas Gatz is a partner in the Lafayette office of Lewis Brisbois and a member of the Marine & Energy Practice. During his 30 year career, he has primarily practiced in the area of Admiralty Maritime & Energy Litigation and General Liability Litigation in the state and federal courts of Louisiana and the Southern District of Texas. He has handled cases involving personal injury, property damage, (both offshore and onshore) and vessel collision/allision, claims involving contractual defense and indemnity issues, and insurance coverage disputes. Doug also has experience in defending trucking liability cases. His practice also focuses on negotiation of drafting, interpretation of and litigation involving exploration and production energy contracts and vessel charters.

Primary Area(s) of Practice

  • Marine & Energy
  • General Liability
  • Transportation

Additional Experience

Admissions

Louisiana

United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit

United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit

Eastern District of Louisiana

Western District of Louisiana, Middle District of Louisiana and Southern District of Texas

Associations

  • Louisiana State Bar Association
  • Lafayette Bar Association
  • Louisiana Associate of Defense Counsel 
  • Bar Association of the 5th Circuit

Awards & Honors

  • Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society; Member Louisiana Law Review (1983-85)
  • Associate Editor Louisiana Law Review (1984-85)

Education

Louisiana State University

Juris Doctor, 1985

University of Southwestern Louisiana

Master of Education, 1979

Louisiana State University

Bachelor of Science, 1973

Prior Experience

Taught high school science for 3 years in Lafayette Parish.

Community Activities

Knights of Columbus