Walter W. Dukes

Walter W. Dukes is a seasoned trial lawyer with over forty years of experience representing clients in high-stakes litigation. His courtroom track record spans multiple states, including Mississippi, Texas, and West Virginia, where he has defended complex cases involving wrongful death, paralysis, and catastrophic injuries.

Walter earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Southern Mississippi, where he was named to the Dean’s List. He later received his Juris Doctor from the Mississippi College School of Law. Since 1978, he has been admitted to practice in the state and federal courts of Mississippi and the Fifth and Eleventh Circuit Courts of Appeals.

Walter’s experience includes a wide-ranging insurance defense practice focusing on premises liability, transportation law, construction disputes, and municipal defense. He regularly represents insurers and public entities in jury trials and mediations across the southern United States.

Walter is highly regarded in the defense bar. He maintains active membership in the DRI and Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel, where he has served on the board and spoken nationally. He is also a Fellow of the Mississippi Bar Foundation and a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates member, reflecting his recognized excellence among peers.

Walter W. Dukes is frequently selected as panel counsel for major insurance carriers and has received honors such as the FDCC Joseph R. Olshan Award and inclusion in Best Lawyers in America. He is AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell, confirming his strong ethical standards and legal ability.

Walter continues to be a trusted advocate for insurers and municipalities facing high-risk claims. His deep litigation experience and strategic defense work make him a leading figure in Mississippi’s legal community.

Law Office Affiliations

• President/Director, Dukes, Keating, Hatten, McRaney, Blum, P.A.
• Member, Mississippi Bar Association
• Member, Harrison County Bar Association
• Member, Federal Bar Association
• Member, Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel
• Member, CLM Alliance
• Member, Litigation Counsel of America
• Member, U.S. District Court, Southern District of Mississippi
• Member, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Mississippi
• Member, U.S. Court of Appeals, 5th Circuit
• Member, U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit

Licensed State

• Mississippi

Education

• Mississippi College School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Southern Mississippi
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges