Thomas Deen

Partner / Houston, Corpus Christi

P: 713.588.0446


Thomas Deen is a partner in SBSB Eastham’s Corpus Christi and Houston offices. Over a career spanning more than 40 years in maritime law, he has developed a reputation for client service. As a litigator, arbitrator and counsel, he represents clients in other areas including construction, energy, transportation, business transactions and more.

A member of SBSB Eastham since September 2016, Tom is a certified arbitrator and is a past Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Houston Maritime Arbitrators Association. His experience and professionalism across multiple roles earned him the distinct honor of an AV Preeminent rating by Martindale-Hubbell. He also gives back to maritime organizations throughout the Houston area, actively participating in the Houston Yacht Club, the Houston International Seafarer’s Center, the Corpus Christi International Seafarer’s Center and the International Propeller Club of the U.S. – Port of Houston.

Tom is admitted to the State Bar of Texas and is licensed to practice before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and the U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Southern and Eastern Districts of Texas. He is an authority on maritime law and is well-versed in other areas of the law, allowing Tom to provide his expertise across numerous practice areas.

Practice Areas

Practice Areas

  • Admiralty and Maritime
  • Business Transactions
  • Construction
  • Energy
  • General Liability
  • Insurance
  • Premises Liability
  • Subrogation
  • Transportation
  • Trucking
  • Commercial Litigation

Education

  • J.D., South Texas College of Law, 1983
  • B.S., Emory University, 1977

Court Admissions

  • State Bar of Texas
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
  • U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas
  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas

Representative Cases

  • Defended under the Wreck Case Act (win) – 2017

Honors and Distinctions

  • Best Lawyers in America, 2025
  • Rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell

Professional Memberships

  • Houston Maritime Arbitration Association
  • International Propeller Club Port of Houston (member, board of governers)
  • Maritime Law Association
  • Houston International Seafarers’ Center (member, board of directors)
  • Houston Yacht Club (former commodore)
  • Texas Navy Association

Community Involvement

  • Propeller Club of the US Port of Houston (active participation)
  • Houston International Seafarer’s Center (active participation)
  • Houston Yacht Club (active participation)