Spotlight on Douglas J. Shoemaker
to law school to concentrate on maritime law. I was able to get my U. S. Coast Guard 100-ton master’ s license while in New Orleans and was also quite fortunate to clerk for the excellent maritime firm Gelpi, Sullivan, Caroll & Laborde. The rest is history.
DOUGLAS J. SHOEMAKER Partner
HOW DID YOU GET INTO MARITIME LAW? I grew up sailing in the Midwest. While in college for international studies, I learned there was such a thing as“ maritime law,” and I immediately knew that was what I wanted to do. I visited Tulane Law School while researching my baccalaureate thesis— searches and seizures on the high seas— and knew that was where I wanted to go
WHAT DO YOU FIND MOST INTERESTING ABOUT THE MARITIME INDUSTRY? Everything about the maritime industry is interesting— the people, the stories, the travel, the casualties, the contracts, the technology, the international aspects, the camaraderie, the challenges. Every day I learn something new, and I get to work with some of the best maritime industry professionals in the world.
HOW DO YOU BUILD AND MAINTAIN RELATIONSHIPS WITH CLIENTS? Be responsive, stay in touch, do good work, and know when you need to refer your client to someone else.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO OUTSIDE OF YOUR LEGAL PRACTICE? Sailing, outdoor exercise, travel, time with family, good food and drinks, live music / plays / shows. p – 2025 BLANK ROME LLP
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