Atty. David B. Sharpe
David focuses on marine insurance coverage; marine finance and vessel documentation; bankruptcy, restructuring, and creditors’ rights; admiralty and maritime; and international and cross-border law. He represents clients that own, operate, charter, or employ vessels, and helps them understand and manage their risks in the United States, Gulf of Mexico, and worldwide offshore maritime oilfield and alternative-energy markets.
Profile Summary
About David B. Sharpe at a glance
David B. Sharpe is a maritime attorney based in New Orleans, Louisiana, practicing at Lugenbuhl, Wheaton, Peck, Rankin & Hubbard. Admitted to practice in Louisiana, Louisiana. Educated at George Washington University (J.D., 1990) and Tulane University (B.S.E.E., 1985). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Admiralty and Maritime Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (2026). Serands clients in New Orleans, LA and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About
- David focuses on marine insurance coverage
- marine finance and vessel documentation
- bankruptcy, restructuring, and creditors’ rights
- admiralty and maritime
- and international and cross-border law
- He represents clients that own, operate, charter, or employ vessels, and helps them understand and manage their risks in the United States, Gulf of Mexico, and worldwide offshore maritime oilfield and alternative-energy markets
- Originally from Bethesda, Maryland, David attended Tulane University in New Orleans, graduating in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering
- After graduation, David worked for several years at Motorola Communications in Houston, Texas, where as a systems engineer, he helped design and implement radio systems for commercial and public safety customers in the U.S
- Gulf Coast region and offshore energy markets
- In 1987, David began his law studies at George Washington University’s National Law Center in Washington, D.C
- In 1990, David graduated with honors with a Juris Doctor and returned to New Orleans, where he has practiced admiralty and maritime law ever since
- David’s law practice concentrates on maritime contracts (time and bareboat charter parties, master service contracts, insurance and indemnity agreements, marine-insurance coverage, and ship sale and finance) and related commercial litigation (maritime liens, vessel arrest and attachment, and mortgage foreclosure)
- David also remains involved with academia and teaches a course on towage and offshore service law at Tulane Law School, where he is an adjunct professor of law
- David is a co-editor of the current West Publishing casebook, “Cases & Materials on Admiralty” (Healy, Sharpe, Sharpe & Winship – 5th Ed. 2012) and the Handbook of Maritime Laws & Forms (West 2007)
- David has published numerous articles, and he travels worldwide to speak and teach on issues such as offshore supply vessel contracts, vessel-construction contracts, and indemnity agreements
Practice Areas Explained
David B. Sharpe's Areas of Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases David B. Sharpe handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.
Maritime attorneys for Jones Act claims, longshore injury, cruise ship cases, and offshore matters.
David B. Sharpe is one of 11,568 maritime attorneys indexed nationally. Browse maritime attorneys in Louisiana →
Jurisdictional Context
Why local counsel matters in Louisiana
Practicing law in Louisiana. Legal matters in Louisiana are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in New Orleans are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Louisiana state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Louisiana brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Louisiana courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Looking for additional Louisiana attorneys? Browse all attorneys in New Orleans or all attorneys in Louisiana.
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