Conrad Duke Williams
OF COUNSEL
ABOUT DUKE
Conrad S.P. “Duke” Williams, III
A Past President of the Louisiana Trial Bar and a Maritime Lawyer of the Year.
Conrad S.P. “Duke” Williams, III is a distinguished trial lawyer who has been recognized by his peers with the highest accolades for leadership and legal excellence. Now serving as Of Counsel to the firm, Duke’s career is highlighted by his service as President of the Louisiana Association for Justice and by being named the New Orleans Bar Association’s “Maritime Lawyer of the Year.” His practice is a testament to his profound commitment to his clients, the legal profession, and the pursuit of justice.
A Leader Dedicated to the Law and Its Practitioners
Duke’s philosophy is defined by leadership through service. Having been elected by his peers to lead the state’s largest organization of plaintiff attorneys, the Louisiana Association for Justice, he has a proven history of advocating for the rights of victims and the integrity of the civil justice system. His long-standing commitment to fostering legal excellence and ethics is further demonstrated by his teaching many experiential learning courses at Loyola Law School, including trial practice/advocacy, legal storytelling and the Natural Law, and his membership in the St. Thomas More Inn of Court where he has helped mentor and guide generations of trial lawyers.
This dedication to the profession’s highest standards is the foundation of his client advocacy. Duke believes that successful representation requires not only a mastery of the law but also an unwavering commitment to professionalism and ethical conduct, ensuring clients receive counsel of the highest caliber.
Experience
Over a career span of 40 years, Duke has litigated cases in venues throughout the Gulf South and nationally, in both federal and state courts. These cases have involved representation of the catastrophically injured, survivors in wrongful death claims, individuals and businesses in environmental damage claims, and class action/mass tort litigation.
As an adjunct skills instructor at Loyola Law School, he has taught admiralty/maritime personal injury, trial advocacy, Natural Law theory and story telling skills courses. He has been invited to speak at more than twenty-five continuing legal education courses and seminars sponsored by the Louisiana, Kentucky, New Orleans and Terrebonne Parish Bar Associations, the Louisiana and Montana Trial Lawyers Associations and the U.S. District Court for Montana at its annual Montana Judicial Institute Program.
Credentials & Education
Bar Admissions:
- State of Louisiana
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of Louisiana
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth and Eleventh Circuits
- United States Supreme Court
Education:
- Loyola University, J.D., 1984 (Chairman, Loyola Moot Court Board
- U.S. Naval War College, Strategy & Policy Division, 1978
- Naval Aviation Schools Command/Aviation Officer Candidate School, 1975-76
- Loyola University, B.A., 1974
Military:
- Officer, U.S. Navy
- Patrol Squadron Four, 1977-1980
- Bureau of Naval Personnel, 1980-1981
Awards & Recognitions
- AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell®: The highest possible rating for legal ability and ethical standards.
- Maritime Lawyer of the Year (2015): New Orleans Bar Association
- Best Lawyers in America© (2016 – 2026): Recognized for Admiralty & Maritime Law by U.S. News & Best Lawyers Magazine.
- AVVO 9.3 Rating – Superb
- Louisiana Super Lawyers (2008–2024)
Professional Memberships & Affiliations
Duke’s career is marked by significant leadership roles in the most respected legal organizations.
- Fellow, International Academy of Trial Lawyers
- Louisiana Association for Justice (LAJ): President (2007–2008)
- St. Thomas More Inns of Court: Member (2000–Present)
- Montana Trial Lawyers Association: Member (2005-Present)
- Louisiana State Bar Association: House of Delegates, Thirty-Second Judicial District (2008-2012), Professional Assessment Committee
- Member: Maritime Law Association of the United States, Southeastern Admiralty Law Institute, American Association for Justice, Louisiana Bar Foundation
Community Involvement
Duke’s commitment to service extends deep into the community. He maintains an active pro bono practice concentrating on the representation of local active duty and retired service members, veterans and the homeless. He has also served two terms as a member of the Board of Visitors of the Medical University of South Carolina, is an ex-board member of the Montana Wildlife Federation, and a current member of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the National Center for Appropriate Technology. He is also a current member of the Board of Trustees of Loyola University of New Orleans.
Ready to Discuss Your Case?
Our team is here to provide a free, confidential consultation to evaluate your case and explain your legal options. We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you.
