Grady S.Hurley
- Position
- Partner
- Office
- New Orleans
Grady Hurley is a partner in and co-leader of the maritime litigation, arbitration, and dispute resolution team and co-chair of the Energy, Environmental & Natural Resources Industry Team. Since 1979, he has focused on maritime, oilfield, and energy litigation.
Grady has broad-ranging dispute resolution and transactional experience at the intersection of energy and maritime law, including in areas such as offshore energy exploration, production, and distribution, where a range of complex legal, regulatory, and business issues collide. He regularly counsels clients on matters involving cargo, collision, allision, product liability, toxic tort, insurance, indemnity, death, personal injury, property damage, lease cancellation, right-of-way disputes, explosions, and multi-party complex and commercial litigation in state and federal courts. An industry thought leader, Grady is deeply involved in emerging issues such as autonomous shipping, cybersecurity, wind, and other challenges and opportunities facing industry participants.
In recognition of the excellence of his work, numerous industry and legal publications and ratings agencies have listed him among the top practitioners, regionally and nationally including Chambers USA and The Legal 500 United States.
In his maritime practice, Grady has engaged in brown water, offshore, blue water, and pleasure craft litigation, including drafting of briefs to the US Supreme Court on Suits in Admiralty Act cases, indemnity, and amicus briefs. Grady is also a certified mediator and arbitrator focused on maritime, offshore industry, and energy disputes.
As part of his oilfield practice, Grady represents pipeline companies, offshore platform operators, crewboats, drilling companies, exploration and production companies, seismic operators, catering companies, and other oilfield service concerns in transactional matters, torts, and commercial disputes. He has drafted complex maritime and energy service agreements involving vessels, pipelines, rigs, and platforms, and was actively involved in the initial litigation defining the Louisiana Oilfield Indemnity Act. Grady has represented oil companies in fishery laws and lobbying, including oyster and coastal restoration cases.
Grady has lectured extensively on risk management, discovery, ethics, indemnities, and admiralty and energy law, while remaining active in local and national bar associations. He has authored numerous publications on issues such as contracts, Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) jurisdiction, and regulatory matters, and is co-author of the chapter on admiralty and maritime law in the highly regarded publication, Business and Commercial Litigation in the Federal Courts, which is updated and published annually by Thomson Reuters.
Grady is currently president of the Maritime Law Association (MLA) and chaired its Offshore Industry Committee. He serves as a vice chair of the American Bar Association Admiralty & Maritime Law Committee. A past president of the Tulane Alumni Association, he is a member of the advisory council of Tulane's Admiralty Law Institute and the Tulane Maritime Law Journal board.
Noteworthy
- The Legal 500 United States, Transport: Shipping – Litigation (2019); Transport: Shipping – Litigation and Regulation (listed annually since 2020); Energy Litigation: Oil and Gas (listed annually since 2022); Energy – Energy Regulation: Oil and Gas (2023, 2024); Energy – Energy Transactions: Oil and Gas (2024)
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New Orleans Bar Association, Distinguished Maritime Award (2022)
- Chambers USA, Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Litigation (outside New York) (listed annually since 2021)
- New Orleans's Best Lawyers (2013–2018)
- New Orleans Magazine, Top Lawyer (listed annually since 2013)
- Corporate Counsel and The American Lawyer Magazines, "2013 Top Rated Lawyer," Energy, Environmental and Natural Resources
- Louisiana Super Lawyers, Transportation/Maritime (listed annually since 2007)
- Litigation 2007 and 2012 – A Supplement to The American Lawyer and Corporate Counsel, Top Lawyer, Energy, Environmental, and Natural Resources Law
- New Orleans CityBusiness, Leadership in Law Award (2006)
- The Best Lawyers in America®, Admiralty and Maritime Law, Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Construction, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants and Transportation Law (listed annually since 2005)
- AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rating in Martindale-Hubbell
Publications
- "The Offshore Renewable Industry Status Report: Navigating Worker and Vessel Classifications," Benedict's Maritime Bulletin, December 2024 Issue
- "Fifth Circuit Expands Marcel Exception To Include Third-Party Contractor," Jones Walker LLP Maritime Client Alert, December 9, 2024
- "Regulators Respond to Casualty Incidents, Harassment Cases Across the Maritime Industry," Professional Mariner, October 21, 2024
- "When Does Maritime Law Apply?" Charting the Course: Navigating Offshore Energy Client Alert, July 17, 2024
- "Offshore Operations: State, Local and Federal Legal Complexities," WorkBoat, March 27, 2024
- "Which Laws Apply?" North American Clean Energy, March 15, 2024
- "The Status Report: Navigating Worker and Vessel Classifications for the Offshore Renewable Industry," The Energy Transition ERA: Environmental, Renewables & Alternative Energy Client Alert, November 13, 2023
- "Recognizing and Meeting the Challenges of Autonomous Vessels," Marine News, June 12, 2023
- "Vessel Classification and the Offshore Wind Industry," Marine Log, November 2022
- "Trends and Developments," Chambers Global Practice Guide, Energy: Oil & Gas 2022 – USA Chapter, 2022
- "Admiralty and Maritime Law," Business and Commercial Litigation in Federal Courts, 5th Edition, Thomson Reuters, 2022
- "Beyond the Blog — COVID-19 Recap — January 16, 2022," Jones Walker LLP Disaster Prep & Recovery Client Alert, January 16, 2022
- "Supply Chain: Crisis, Solutions And Opportunities," Waterways Journal, December 22, 2021
- "Charter Party and Service Agreements Will Lead the Way to Ida Recovery but Have Consequences," Jones Walker LLP Maritime Newsletter, September 2021
- "Hurricanes and Act of God Defenses," Jones Walker LLP Maritime Newsletter, September 2021
- "Offshore Jurisdictional Issue Primer," Jones Walker LLP Maritime Newsletter, September 2021
- "Terminals in the Crossroads of Executive Order," Marine Log, August 2021
- "The Future of MASS is Drawing Closer After IMO Scoping," Marine News, July 2021
- "Maritime Worker Injury Claims After 5th Circ. Welder Ruling," Law360, May 21, 2021
- "Impact of Dredging on Maritime Law," Marine News, May 2021
- "Beyond the Blog — COVID-19 Recap — April 11, 2021," Jones Walker LLP Disaster Prep & Recovery Client Alert, April 11, 2021
- "Fifth Circuit to Reconsider Jones Act Seaman Status Decision En Banc," Maritime Executive, November 10, 2020
- "One if by Land, Two if by Sea: Differentiating Between Maritime and Non-Maritime Workers on Offshore Wind Installations," Jones Walker LLP Maritime Newsletter - Special Offshore Wind Edition, October 2020
- "The Long Arm of OCSLA Extended by the Fifth Circuit in Mays v. Chevron," Jones Walker LLP Environmental Client Alert, October 19, 2020
- "Fifth Circuit en Banc Consideration Suggested for Rig Worker Seaman Status," Jones Walker LLP Maritime Client Alert, August 27, 2020
- "When is a Rig Worker a Seaman Under the Law?" Maritime Executive, August 10, 2020
- "Beyond the Blog — COVID-19 Weekly Recap — July 26, 2020," Jones Walker LLP Disaster Prep & Recovery Client Alert, July 26, 2020
- "Beyond the Blog — COVID-19 Weekly Recap — May 31, 2020," Jones Walker LLP Disaster Prep & Recovery Client Alert, May 31, 2020
- "COVID-19-Related Jones Act Suit Filed," Jones Walker LLP Maritime Newsletter, May 28, 2020
- "COVID-19-Related Jones Act Suit Filed," The National Law Review, May 19, 2020
- "COVID-19: Vessel Owner Obligations, Part II," The National Law Review, April 17, 2020
- "Safety and Legal Issues in 2020," Marine Log, April 2020
- "COVID-19: Vessel Owner Obligations, Part I," The National Law Review, April 15, 2020
- "COVID-19 and the Shipowner's Legal Obligations," The Maritime Executive, April 7, 2020
- “Court Rules ‘Game Over’ for Jones Act Seamen Seeking Punitive Damages” Professional Mariner, August 27, 2019
- "Supreme Court Reverses Batterton - No Punitive Damages for Unseaworthiness," Jones Walker LLP Maritime Client Alert, June 2019
- "US Supreme Court Decision May Affect How Offshore Operations Are Conducted," Trade Winds, March 14, 2019
- "Injured Jones Act Seaman? Call 911," WorkBoat, January 23, 2019
- "Master Service Agreements Should Address Cyber Security Risks," Offshore Magazine, December 1, 2018
- "Evolving Contract Issues on the OCS," Texas Lawyer, March 30, 2018
- "USA v. Moss Limits Regulatory Jurisdiction on the OCS," Best Lawyers Legal Insights, November 16, 2017
- "Hurricanes and Act of God Defenses," Jones Walker LLP Disaster Preparedness & Recovery Client Alert, September 12, 2017
- "Determining OCS Jurisdiction For Lessees And Operators," Law360, June 6, 2017
- "Regulating Autonomous Shipping," WorkBoat, December 8, 2016
- "Business and Commercial Litigation in Federal Courts, Fourth Edition," Chapter 88 - Admiralty and Maritime Law, December 1, 2016 with yearly edits to date
- "LexisNexis Expert Commentaries," Energy Law 2008, January 1, 2008
- "District Court Refuses to Recognize Duty on Behalf of Maritime Employer," Jones Walker LLP Admiralty & Maritime EZine, December 18, 2002
- "Fifth Circuit holds that a floating casino is a 'recreational operation' as defined in Section 902(3)(b) and, as such, employees thereof are not entitled to LHWCA coverage," Jones Walker LLP Admiralty & Maritime EZine, December 18, 2002
- "Fifth Circuit Upholds Reciprocal Indemnity Agreement for Injury on Outer Continental Shelf," Jones Walker LLP Admiralty & Maritime EZine, December 18, 2002
- "Recent Fifth Circuit Case Law Addressing the Enforceability of Contractual Indemnity Provisions In the Oil Patch," Jones Walker LLP Energy EZine, December 16, 2002
Presentations
- "Overview of Offshore Energy & Maritime Personal Injuries and Related Disputes," New Orleans Paralegal Association, January 15, 2025
- "Overview of Offshore Energy & Maritime Personal Injuries and Related Disputes," Mediation Arbitration Professional Systems, Inc., (MAPS) CLE, November 12, 2024
- "Commercial Litigation and Tort Claims," Brother Martin High School's Law Studies Class, October 2024
- "Energy Generation and Generational Gaps," Houston Marine & Energy Insurance Conference, Houston, Texas, September 24, 2024
- "The Undiscovered County: Admiralty from Deep Seas to Deep Space," Tulane Law School 30th Biennial Admiralty Law Institute, New Orleans, Louisiana, March 20, 2024
- "Offshore Industry, the Intersection of Energy and Maritime Disputes," AAA-ICDR State of Energy in Alternative Dispute Resolution Seminar, Houston, Texas, November 19, 2023
- Brother Martin High School's Law Studies Class, November 17, 2023
- "Ever Changing Marine Insurance Landscape," Offshore Marine Services Association Fall Conference, November 8, 2023
- "Jones Walker on seaman status impacts to the offshore space," Marine Log's Listen Up! Podcast, May 9, 2023
- John R. Brown Admiralty Moot Court Competition, Semi-Final Judge, March 24, 2023
- "Presenting and Defending a Tort Claim in Louisiana," Panel Presentation, Brother Martin High School's Street Law Studies Class, New Orleans, Louisiana, March 9, 2023
- "Marine Contracts," Brother Martin High School's Law Studies Class, New Orleans, Louisiana, February 2022
- "Jones Walker 2022 Ports and Terminals Cybersecurity Survey," Cyber Security Committee Meeting, 2022 Maritime Law Association Fall Meeting, October 28, 2022
- "The Jones Act After 100 Years," Tulane's 29th Biennial Admiralty Law Institute, March 30–April 1, 2022
- "Mediating Jones Act Claims," Maritime & Offshore Personal Injury Litigation, Mediation Arbitration Professional Systems, Inc., (MAPS) CLE, June 17, 2021
- "Mediating a Maritime Injury Claim," Mediation Arbitration Professional Systems, Inc., (MAPS) CLE, February 2, 2021
- "Contracts of Sale and Carriage of Goods," Client In-House CLE, October 2020
- "Inspecting Ships and Regulating Their Operations," Admiralty Law Institute of Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, March 11, 2020
- "Law and Remedies for Offshore Operations on the Outer Continental Shelf," Occidental Petroleum, Houston, Texas, November 2019
- "U.S. Maritime Jurisdiction Overview," Key U.S. Maritime Law Issues Affecting International Companies, Lex Mundi Webinar, October 30, 2018
- "Louisiana Duty Risk Analysis," Brother Martin High School, Law Studies Lecture, March 7, 2018
- "Offshore Jurisdiction & Choice of Law," Admiralty Law Institute of Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, March 1, 2018
- Hurley Presents at Brother Martin High School's Law Studies class, 2017 – 2022
- "Job Prep Panel: What You Can Do Now to Succeed Later," Tulane Law School, March 21, 2017
- "An Overview of Maritime Law," Lorman, February 27, 2017
- "Generational Expectations and Legal Professionalism - GELP needs HELP," New Orleans Bar Association, September 23, 2016
- "Street Law Lecture - Civil Code Tort Claims," Brother Martin High School, New Orleans, Louisiana, March 21, 2016
- "Offshore Energy Issues: Rights, Remedies and Regulations," New Orleans Bar Association Procrastinators' Programs, New Orleans, Louisiana, December 28, 2015
- "Street Law: Bet the Company Litigation," Brother Martin High School, New Orleans, Louisiana, April 20, 2015
- "Litigating a Maritime Disaster—How Do You Get it Done?" 25th Biennial Tulane Admiralty Law Institute, New Orleans, Louisiana, March 12, 2015, New Orleans, Louisiana
- "Does the Doctrine of Negligence Per Se Under the Jones Act/Federal Employers Liability Act Apply for Violations of Regulations Outside of USCG Regulations?" 12th Annual Judge Alvin B. Rubin Conference on Maritime Personal Injury Law at the Paul M. Hebert Law Center, Louisiana State University, April 11, 2014
- "Recent Developments in the Laws of Seamen," ACI's 3rd Annual Admiralty & Maritime Conference, February 27, 2014
- "Generational Perceptions and Expectations," New Orleans Bar Association's Procrastinators' Program, December 30, 2013
- "Regulating the Oil Patch - Who is BSEE," 7th Annual Offshore Marine Service Assocation ("OMSA")/Loyola University New Orleans College of Law Industry Seminar, November 14, 2013
- "Unseaworthiness and Punitive Damages; McBride v. Estis Well Service," Presentation to the Board of the Offshore Marine Service Association (OMSA), October 16, 2013
- "2012 Maritime Law Overview in the Fifth Circuit," New Orleans Bar Association's Procrastinator's Program, December 27, 2012
- "Why Women Still Can't Have It All," 2012 NOBA Women in the Profession Committee Lunch Symposium, October 23, 2012
- "Offshore Maritime, Jurisdictional, and Construction Law Issues," Fluor LawCon Conference, New Orleans, Louisiana, November 9, 2011
- "Maritime Death Actions: Time for a Change?" LSU Law Center's 9th Judge Alvin B. Rubin Conference on Maritime Personal Injury Law, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, May 13, 2011
- "Current Maritime Release Issues: The Effects of AmClyde and Medicare Secondary Payer Act," Tulane Admiralty Law Institute, New Orleans, Louisiana, March 23, 2011
- "Procrastinators' Programs," New Orleans Bar Association CLE Program, New Orleans, Louisiana, December 21, 2010
- "Everything You Need to Know About Louisiana's New Advertising Rules," Bench Bar Conference, Biloxi, Mississippi, April 17, 2010
- "Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Extension: What Every Lawyer Must Know and Do," New Orleans Bar Association, April 17, 2010
- "Big Easy Bootcamp: Basic Training for Lawyering in New Orleans," New Orleans Bar Association, November 1, 2009
- "The Nuts and Bolts of Law Practice Management," New Orleans Bar Association, October 16, 2009
- "Principles of Maritime Torts," Overview of Maritime Law, Lorman Education Services, May 14, 2009
- "Troubled Waters—Admiralty Law: Insurance, Pollution, and Finance Issues," Tulane Admiralty Law Institute, New Orleans, Louisiana, March 11, 2009
- "Right Client, Right Terms, Right Time," New Orleans Bar Association Procrastinator's Program, December 1, 2008
- Tulane University Law School Annual Professionalism Orientation, 2008–2010
- "Bridging the Generation Gap," LLTA, January 1, 2007
- "Shipbuilding and Repair Disputes," OMSA Seminar, January 1, 2007
- "Ethics and Professionalism," New Orleans Bar Association, Procrastinator's Program, December 1, 2006
- "E-Discovery and Spoliation," El Paso Pipeline Conference, Birmingham, Alabama, October 1, 2006
- "Attorney Advertising," New Orleans Bar Association, March 1, 2006
- "Delivering Bad News to Clients," New Orleans Bar Association, January 1, 2006
- "Ethical Consideration in Business Litigation," Lorman Educational Seminar – Business Torts In Louisiana, April 22, 2005
- "Ethics Considerations in E-Discovery and Spoliation," Lorman Commercial Litigation, January 1, 2005
- Jones Walker Hurricane Katrina Seminar, January 1, 2005
- "Jones Act Sexual Harassment," Jones Walker LLP Seafood Seminar, April 1, 2004
- "Oilfield Master Service Agreement," New Orleans Bar Association, January 1, 2004
- "Shakespeare and the Law of Detrimental Reliance," Bench/Bar Conference, January 1, 2004
- "Law Day," Civil District Court, January 1, 1999
Memberships
- American Arbitration Association, Energy & Maritime Panel; Energy Advisory Council
- American Bar Association, Vice-Chair, Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section, Admiralty and Maritime Law Committee (2012–2022); House Delegate (2004–2006); Former Chairman, Subcommittee on Wrongful Death and Workman's Compensation (1990–1992); Member, TIPS, Maritime Law Committee, Subcommittee on Collision Law; Mid-Year Planning Committee (2006)
- American Heart Association, Heart Walk Executive Leadership Team (2016)
- Association of Average Adjusters
- Bar Association of the Fifth Federal Circuit, Member, Delegate to Fifth Circuit Judicial Conference, (2002 and 2005)
- COMITE Maritime International, International Working Group on Mobile Offshore Renewable Units
- East Jefferson General Hospital Board of Directors, Treasurer (2012–2013); Member (2011–2013)
- East Jefferson General Hospital Foundation, Executive Committee, Chair Elect; Board of Directors, (2007–2015); Executive & Finance Committee (2009–2015)
- Energy Bar Association
- Federal Bar Association
- Fifth Circuit Bar Association
- Institute for Energy Law, Advisory Council
- Judge John R. Brown Admiralty Moot Court Competition, Brief Judge (2014–2020)
- Louisiana Bar Foundation, Fellow; Member Gala Committee (2008); YLS Representative to the Board; Judicial Liaison Committee (2005–2006); Fellows Gala Committee (2008)
- Louisiana State Bar Association, First Board District; Representative, Young Lawyers Section (1986–1987); Executive Committee, National Mock Trial Championship (1991); Assistant Tort Examiner, Committee on Bar Admissions (1998–2018)
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Marine Log, Editorial Advisory Board (2022)
- Mariners' Club of New Orleans
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Maritime Law Association, Officer; President (2024–present); 1st Vice President (2022–2024); 2nd Vice President (2020–2022); Chair, Special Committee on COVID-19 (2020); Secretary (2018–2020); Membership Secretary (2016–2018); Board of Directors (2005–2009); Proctor, Chairman of Offshore Industries Committee (2004–2008); Committee on Maritime Personnel; Young Lawyers Committee (1989–1995); Proctor Member (2001)
- Mediation Arbitration Professional Systems, Inc., Mediator, Maritime & Offshore Energy Disputes, Louisiana
- New Orleans Bar Association, President (2002); Vice President (2000); Treasurer (1998); Secretary (1997); Executive Board of Directors (1994–1999); Chairman, Maritime Law Committee (1990–1992); Editor, Briefly Speaking (1993); It's the Law Committee (1994–2001); Chairman, Bench/Bar Conference (2005)
- The New Orleans Bar Association American Inn of Court, President (2003–2005)
- New Orleans Bar Foundation, President (2007–2009); Board of Directors; Vice President (2006)
- New Orleans Lympho-Maniac Cancer Fund Inc., Advisory Board (2015–2017)
- Offshore Marine Services Association
- The Pro Bono Project, Member, Board of Directors, (2001–2002); Volunteer
- Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Institute
- Southeast Admiralty Law Institute, Member, Board of Directors/Port Captain (2003–2006)
- St. Thomas Moore Society
- Tulane Admiralty Law Institute, National Advisory Board, Planning and Program Committee
- Tulane Law School, Dean's Advisory Committee on Law Journals (2016)
- Tulane Maritime Law Journal, Board of Advisory Editors
- Tulane University, Alumni Association, President (1996), Associated Student Body President (1975)
- World Trade Center, Transportation and Energy Committee

Education
- American Arbitration Association
Panel Member, 2017 - The Mediation Institute
Certified Mediator, 2016 - Tulane University Law School
LLM, Admiralty, 1981 - Tulane University Law School
JD, 1979
Representative, University Senate; Vice Justice, Phi Alpha Delta - Tulane University
BA, 1976
President, Associated Student Body; Omicron Delta Kappa; Kappa Delta Phi; Phi Alpha Theta
Bar Admissions
- Louisiana
Court Admissions
- US Supreme Court
- US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
- US Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
- US District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana
- US District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana
- US District Court for the Western District of Louisiana