Douglas "Doug" M. Muller

For his maritime clients, Doug often works with tight deadlines and on very short notice to respond around the clock to those with urgent needs. His broad-based knowledge informs his general maritime practice, in which he represents ship owners, vessel charterers, shippers, marine contracting companies, marine insurance carriers, and recreational boaters.

Similarly, he provides his general litigation clients prompt attention and efficient service. Doug possesses experience in a wide variety of commercial litigation, including banking, health care, and contractual disputes. He also represents both insurance carriers and policyholders in insurance matters. 

His overriding goal in his performance for all his clients is to be accessible and provide quality work that is timely, responsive and efficient. 

Representative Experience

The following examples are representative of the attorney’s practice and are not intended to indicate or predict similar results can be obtained for other clients. See Disclaimer 

• Successfully defended a marine contracting company in a federal court trial involving a maritime personal injury lawsuit, in which the plaintiff alleged permanent back injuries and disability and sought in excess of $1 million in recovery
• Successfully defended a dredging client in a U.S. Coast Guard administrative hearing, in which it was alleged that the client’s vessels violated maritime security regulations
• Assisted an international client in creating long-term contracts for the transportation of raw materials from South America and Canada to its plant, and then transportation of the manufactured product to the United States

• Assisted a domestic client in drafting transportation contracts for the transport of petroleum products and liquefied natural gas
• In a federal court trial, established an insurance company’s lack of coverage under an errors and omissions insurance policy for the unauthorized acts of a real estate agent

Notable

• Best Lawyers in America, Charleston Admiralty and Maritime Law "Lawyer of the Year," 2018, 2024-2025; Charleston Appellate Practice "Lawyer of the Year," 2019, 2022, 2025
• Best Lawyers in America, Admiralty and Maritime Law, 2011-2025; Appellate Practice, 2011-2025; Commercial Litigation, 2019-2025; Energy Law, 2023
• Board of Advisors, Charleston Maritime Law Institute, Charleston School of Law
• Board of Directors, Maritime Association of the Port of Charleston, 1999-2005
• Propeller Club of the United States, Port of Charleston;
  • President, 1998-2000;
  • Board of Governors, 1995-2003
• Maritime Law Association of the United States: Proctor member; Chair, Young Lawyers’ Committee; Ad Hoc Special Committee on the Future of the MLA; Planning & Arrangements Committee, 2001; Nominating Committee, 1998
• Board of Directors, Southeastern Admiralty Law Institute, 1992-1994, 1998-2000
• 12 years as local correspondent for the International Group of Protection & Indemnity Clubs

News

Affiliations

• South Carolina Bar Association
• Maritime Law Association of the United States
• Board of Directors, Southeastern Admiralty Law Institute
• Past President, Propeller Club of the Port of Charleston
• Board of Directors, Maritime Association of the Port of Charleston