Evans Martin “Marty” McLeod

Evans Martin “Marty” McLeod is a Partner with extensive experience in admiralty, maritime, energy, bankruptcy, and business litigation. He represents vessel owners, offshore energy companies, and insurers in matters ranging from regulatory compliance to complex disputes involving property loss, pollution, and commercial claims. As practice coordinator of Phelps’ New Orleans admiralty group, McLeod is widely respected for guiding clients through litigation, negotiations, and transactions in highly regulated industries.

McLeod earned his B.A. in Accounting from the University of Mississippi in 1991 and his J.D. from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law in 1996. Before practicing law, he worked for an international ship-owning company, giving him valuable insight into the operational and financial issues facing maritime clients. He is admitted to practice in Louisiana, Mississippi, multiple federal district courts, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court.

McLeod practice covers a wide range of matters, including Jones Act litigation, Coast Guard and BSEE regulatory matters, and disputes under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990. He negotiates and drafts master service agreements, vessel charters, construction and removal contracts, and salvage agreements. In addition, he has extensive experience in bankruptcy and reorganization, where he advises marine and energy clients in insolvency-related litigation, restructurings, and reorganizations that protect their business operations and assets.

Recognized by Best Lawyers in America® (2018–2026) for admiralty and maritime law and Louisiana Super Lawyers (2014–2022), Evans Martin “Marty” McLeod has also been honored for leadership in law by New Orleans CityBusiness. He is an active member of the Southeastern Admiralty Institute, serving as Port Director and Board Member, and remains engaged in civic leadership, including serving as Chair of the Board of Trustees at the Academy of the Sacred Heart. His career reflects a balance of courtroom advocacy, transactional skill, and community service.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Phelps Dunbar LLP
• Member, Licensed by the Securities and Exchange Commission Series 8
• Member, Louisiana State Bar Association
• Member, The Mississippi Bar
• Member, New Orleans Bar Association
• Member, World Trade Center of New Orleans
• Port Director & Board Member Civic, Southeastern Admiralty Institute
• Chair, Board of Trustees, Academy of the Sacred Heart

Licensed State

• Louisiana
• Mississippi

Education

• Loyola University New Orleans College of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Mississippi
  BA in Accounting

Awards & Badges