About Wilton
Wilton E. Bland III: Leading Admiralty and Maritime Law Attorney in New Orleans
For over four decades, Senior Counsel Will Bland, III, has established himself as a titan in the field of maritime law, consistently delivering exceptional results for his clients. As one of the founding members of his firm, Mr. Bland brings unparalleled experience – more than 49 years – to every case, specializing in complex litigation within the admiralty and maritime legal domain. His dedication to meticulous preparation and strategic advocacy has garnered him a national reputation as one of the foremost litigators in the country, consistently recognized by prestigious organizations like Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent, Super Lawyers, and the New Orleans Magazine Top Lawyers.
Mr. Bland’s practice encompasses a remarkably broad range of maritime legal issues, providing comprehensive defense and counsel to a diverse clientele. He expertly handles maritime personal injury defense, meticulously navigating the intricacies of claims arising from vessel incidents. Furthermore, he is a recognized leader in maritime collision and property damage insurance coverage, providing invaluable support to insurers seeking to mitigate risk and manage claims. His expertise extends to contractual indemnity, longshore matters, transportation defense, and general litigation, ensuring a holistic approach to each client’s needs.
Mr. Bland’s clients represent a spectrum of industries, including Fortune 500 corporations and smaller, family-owned boat companies. He routinely represents vessel operators, shipyards (both brown water and offshore), oilfield operators, and their insurers, tackling challenging disputes related to personal injury, collisions, sinkings, products liability, toxic torts, and contractual disagreements. He’s known for a deeply thorough approach, recognizing that “there are a lot of good attorneys, but when it comes to litigation it is all about preparation, finding the witnesses, gathering the evidence and presenting it to the judge or jury as clearly and concisely as possible.” This philosophy consistently drives his success in both jury and bench trials across Louisiana state and federal courts.
Mr. Bland’s journey began with a strong foundation. He graduated from Tulane University Law School and served as an Assistant District Attorney for Orleans Parish, honing his skills in investigation and prosecution. His qualifications are extensive: he is admitted to practice in all Louisiana state and federal courts, as well as the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and the Supreme Court of the United States. Over his illustrious career, he has successfully handled numerous high-stakes jury and bench trials, demonstrating a consistent ability to achieve favorable outcomes for his clients.
Awards & Recognition
Mr. Bland’s expertise and dedication have been consistently recognized by leading legal organizations. He is listed in:Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent, earning the highest rating available for legal ability and client service. He is also a featured attorney in Super Lawyers and the New Orleans Magazine Top Lawyers – Admiralty & Maritime Law (2015-2021; 2023), and The Best Lawyers in America: Admiralty & Maritime Law (2021-2024). His standing in Best Attorney USA has been recognized since 2021.
Practice Areas
- Admiralty and Maritime Law
- Maritime Personal Injury Defense
- Maritime Collision and Property Damage Insurance Coverage
- Contractual Indemnity
- Longshore Matters
- Transportation Defense
- General Litigation
Education & Credentials
Mr. Bland’s commitment to excellence is underscored by his credentials:
- Education: Graduated from Tulane University Law School
- Bar Admissions: Admitted to all Louisiana state and federal courts, United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, and the Supreme Court of the United States
- Awards: Recognized in Best Attorney USA since 2021
City: New Orleans, State: Louisiana, Country: United States
With over four decades of dedicated service, Wilton E. Bland III represents the pinnacle of legal expertise in maritime law. His unwavering commitment to his clients, combined with his strategic acumen and profound understanding of the law, make him the ideal legal counsel for any maritime-related challenge.
