C. Douglas "Doug" Dooley

C. Douglas 'Doug' Dooley: Experienced Tennessee Litigation Attorney in Chattanooga

C. Douglas Dooley is a seasoned litigation attorney with over 25 years of experience handling workers’ compensation, trucking accidents, personal injury law, insurance coverage disputes, premises liability, food-borne illness cases, dram shop liability, and complex litigation. Doug has been invited to lecture on these topics by risk managers, human resource administrators, and insurance claims professionals across the country.

Practice Areas

• Insurance Law
• Litigation - Construction
• Litigation - Health Care
• Litigation - Insurance
• Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
• Workers' Compensation Law - Employers

Education & Credentials

• Firms: Leitner, Williams, Dooley & Napolitan PLLC
• Affiliations: DRI (Diplomates of the American Board of Trial Advocacy), IADC (International Association of Defense Counsel), ALFA International Workers’ Compensation Steering Committee
• Recognized Since: Recognized in Best Attorney USA since 2016

Awards

• Lawyer of the Year: Insurance Law, Chattanooga (2026)
• Lawyer of the Year: Construction Law, Chattanooga (2021)
• Lawyer of the Year: Litigation - Insurance, Chattanooga (2019)
• Recognized: Construction Law
• Recognized: Insurance Law
• Recognized: Litigation - Construction
• Recognized: Litigation - Health Care
• Recognized: Litigation - Insurance
• Recognized: Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
• Recognized: Workers' Compensation Law - Employers

Firms

• Leitner, Williams, Dooley & Napolitan PLLC (current)

Affiliations

• DRI Board of Directors: Southern Regional Director
• Past President, Tennessee Defense Lawyers Association (TDLA), served on the TDLA Board of Directors for over ten years as Secretary/Treasurer and President-Elect
• Fellow of Chattanooga Bar Foundation and active member of IADC
• Senior Warden for St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Stewardship Chair, served on the vestry
• Past President and coach of Signal Mountain Soccer League, former board member of Habitat for Humanity
• Advisory Council to Board of Directors, Girls Preparatory School

Languages

• English (native)

Bar Admissions

• Tennessee State Bar
• Chattanooga Bar Association
• [Other applicable bar admissions]

Universities & Education

• Samford University (Law School)
• Graduated with a Juris Doctor degree in [Year of Graduation]

Recognized Since:

In his community, Doug has served multiple terms as Senior Warden for St. Paul's Episcopal Church, as a Stewardship Chair and served on the vestry. He is also a Past President of Signal Mountain Soccer League and former board member of Habitat for Humanity. He serves on the Advisory Council to the Board of Directors for Girls Preparatory School.

Throughout his career, Doug has developed extensive experience in complex litigation and insurance coverage disputes. His expertise includes workers' compensation cases, personal injury law, and premises liability, among others. He also handles catastrophic injuries from food-borne illnesses and dram shop liability claims.

Doug’s leadership roles within the legal community have solidified his reputation as a trusted advocate for defendants in various litigation contexts. As a former President of TDLA, he brings invaluable insight to issues involving defense counsel, risk management, and insurance coverage disputes. His active role with DRI further emphasizes his commitment to staying updated on the latest developments in trial advocacy.

In addition to these roles, Doug's commitment to his clients extends beyond legal representation. He understands that understanding their individual needs is crucial to crafting effective strategies tailored to each case. By combining this empathetic approach with a deep knowledge of the law, Doug has earned the trust and respect of both his peers and his clients.

Doug's dedication to excellence in all aspects of litigation ensures he remains at the forefront of legal practices. Whether handling complex construction disputes or navigating intricate insurance coverage issues, Doug brings a unique blend of experience and passion to every case. His commitment to professional development has led him to participate on DRI Annual Meeting Marketing Committees, including serving as State Representative for Tennessee for three years.

Doug is a firm believer that effective communication is essential in the legal profession. He values building strong relationships with clients, partners, and opposing counsel alike. By fostering these connections, Doug creates an environment where everyone feels heard and understood.

Ultimately, Doug Dooley's comprehensive background makes him uniquely suited to handle even the most challenging cases with a calm, composed demeanor. His multifaceted expertise in litigation ensures that he remains at the pinnacle of his field.