Richard Martin is a veteran plaintiff’s advocate and trial attorney with more than three decades of experience. He represents personal injury and wrongful death victims, with a focus on maritime and offshore claims. Richard also represents clients in connection with defective titanium “rib plate” claims and a wide variety of class actions and federal court multi-district litigations.
Recognized as one of the region’s premier federal trial court and federal appeals court lawyers, Richard applies a fluency in the law with intellectual acumen when presenting each client’s unique story to judges and juries. He delivers clear, persuasive arguments that explain each client’s unique position and goals.
Richard knows that his injury clients face serious, if not dire, physical and financial consequences that impact every aspect of their lives. He knows that his clients often face defendants which are major businesses with deep pockets and legal budgets. His years of experience allow him to “level the playing field.”
The hallmark of Richard’s plaintiff advocacy practice is a dedication to meticulous case analysis, comprehensive preparation, and thorough investigation. His investigative techniques and decades of building his network of resources, including expert witnesses, consultants, professionals, and the like, give his clients the advantage they will need to realize the right outcome.
Richard’s maritime experience includes litigation under the Jones Act, Section 905b of the Longshoremen and Harbor Workers Compensation Act, the Death on the High Seas Act, the Public Vessels Act, and the Suits in Admiralty Act. His understanding of maritime matters is enhanced by his prior work experience as a deckhand on Mississippi River tow boats, as a crewman on offshore vessels, as an oil field roustabout, and later as a commissioned U.S. Navy officer who served with the Sixth Fleet.
Following active Navy duty after completing Tulane Law School, Richard served as a Law Clerk to the late Henry A. Mentz, Jr., United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Louisiana. He brings the discipline of service and understanding of how the courts function from the inside out to every client he represents.
The Maritime Law Association of the United States recently named Richard as a Proctor Member. Earning the designation as a “Proctor in Admiralty” typically requires years of practicing in the federal court system and only after the recommendation of two existing Proctors in Admiralty to a peer review committee, which evaluates a variety of factors, including the applicant’s good character, litigation experience, speaking engagements, publications, and contribution to the field of maritime law.
Richard married Elizabeth Wynne in 1983. They are the proud parents of medical doctor Harrison, art professor Olivia Leigh, and attorney Julia. Outside of the law, Richard is active in The Tulane Green Wave Club. He is an avid long-distance BMW motorcycle rider, a weekend track driver, and a high-performance driving instructor with Porsche Club of America and the National Auto Sports Association.
