St. Louis, Missouri
phone: (314) 516-1714
fax: (314) 421-2832
email: doug@gp-law.com
A seasoned trial attorney, Doug brings knowledge and a methodical approach to the table that can only be achieved through years of experience.
Doug has been handling trial and appellate matters involving maritime law, insurance coverage, complex commercial disputes and toxic torts for more than 30 years. Doug has handled a wide variety of complex toxic tort claims in Illinois state courts, ranging from claims for exposure to asbestos, benzene, petroleum products, and other industrial chemicals. Doug is also an experienced appellate lawyer who has handled a variety of complex maritime appeals in several federal courts of appeals.
Doug’s experience in maritime litigation led the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit to ask him to serve as one of only two attorneys on its subcommittee on the Model Civil Admiralty Jury Instructions. He has also served as Chairman of the Admiralty Committee of the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis in the past. Doug provides valuable insights to our clients learned through experience in the field and courtroom and not found in any statute or treatise.
Areas of Practice
• Admiralty and Maritime Law
• Trial and Appellate Practice
• Toxic Torts
• Insurance Coverage
Bar Admissions
• Missouri
• Illinois
Courts where Doug has practiced
• United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
• United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
• United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit
• United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
• United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas
• United States District Court for the Central District of Illinois
• United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
• United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois
• United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri
• United States District Court for the District of Kansas
• United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky
• United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky
• United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana
• United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri
• United States District Court for the Southern District of New York
• United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee
• United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas
Education
• J.D., University of Missouri Columbia School of Law, Columbia, Missouri
– Phi Delta Phi
• A.B., University of Missouri
– With Honors
Representative Cases
• In re American River Transportation Company, 800 F.3d 428 (8th Cir. 2015)
• Rodriguez v. Johnston’s Port 33, Inc., 178 P.2d 882 (Ok. Ct. App. 2008)
• Essex Ins. Co. v. Inland Marine Sales, LLC, 387 F.Supp.2d 978 (W.D. Ark. 2005)
• In re Missouri Barge Line, Inc., 360 F.3d 885 (8th Cir. 2004)
• City of Fort Madison, Iowa v. Emerald Lady, 990 F.2d 1086 (8th Cir. 1993)
• Institute of London Underwriters v. Eagle Boats, Ltd., 918 F. Supp. 297 (E.D. Mo. 1996)
• Merrill Marine Services, Inc. v. Union Planters Nat. Bank, 774 F.Supp. 1207 (E.D. Mo. 1991)
Published Works
• “Government Claims Under the Rivers and Harbors Act,” Maritime Law Seminar Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis, October 2011.
• “Wrongful Discharge Claims Under 46 U.S. Code § 2114 (With Emphasis on § (a)(1)(B), Maritime Law Seminar, Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis, October 2006.
• “The Jones Act,” Conference of the Admiralty Law Committee, Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis, 2003.
• “Compensable Damages for Maritime Personal Injury and Death in the Wake of Miles v. Apex Marine Corp.” (Co-Author), Federal Court Practice and Procedure Seminar, University of Missouri-Kansas City, 1992.
• “Recent Changes in the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and Current Proposals for Further Reform” (Co-Author), Federal Court Practice and Procedure Seminar, University of Missouri-Kansas City, 1992.
Professional Associations and Memberships
• Missouri Journal of Dispute Resolution, Member
• Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis, Member
• The Missouri Bar, Member
• American Bar Association, Member
• Maritime Law Association of the United States, Member
Past Employment Positions
• Hon. James R. Reinhard, Judge, Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District, Law Clerk, 1988 – 1990
Community Involvement
• Advisor – Missouri River Relief
• Various Committees, Holy Redeemer Parish