Doug Wheat

Partner / Houston

P: 713.588.0446

Doug Wheat is a partner in SBSB Eastham’s Houston office who brings nearly 40 years of trial experience to the firm. He has experience with a wide variety of litigation matters, including product defects, trucking accidents, manufacturing incidents, offshore casualties and commercial disputes. In his practice, he frequently represents vessel owners and related maritime employers regarding issues stemming from stevedoring and terminal operations, the Jones Act, collision, allision, cargo damage and contract disputes.

Doug joined SBSB Eastham in April 2024, bringing a trusted guide in energy-related cases and onshore and offshore production and transmission matters to the firm. Rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell in 2024, his exemplary work in representing clients has been recognized by his peers.

Doug is a trusted legal voice across the Gulf Coast, as he is admitted to the State Bar of Texas and the Louisiana State Bar Association, and he is licensed to practice in multiple U.S. District Courts in both states. He is also licensed to practice on a federal level, including in the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth, Fifth and Eleventh Circuits and the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. He is a seasoned litigator with an expansive regional and national presence.

Practice Areas

Practice Areas

  • Admiralty and Maritime
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Construction
  • Defense Base Act
  • Energy
  • Federal Workers’ Compensation
  • General Liability
  • Insurance
  • Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation
  • Premises Liability
  • Subrogation
  • Transportation
  • Trucking

Education

  • J.D., Tulane University, 1984
  • B.A., University of New Orleans, 1981

Court Admissions

  • State Bar of Texas
  • Louisiana State Bar Association
  • U.S. Supreme Court
  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas
  • U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas
  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana
  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana
  • U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Federal Claims

Honors and Distinctions

  • Rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell

Professional Memberships

  • American Bar Association
  • Maritime Law Association of the United States
  • TXANS Association of Responsible Non-subscribers
  • Houston Mariner’s Club
  • Propeller Club of Galveston
  • Port of New Orleans Mariner’s Club
  • Longshore Claims Association
  • Southeast Admiralty Law Institute
  • DOL Joint Bar Association
  • Propellor Club Port of Houston