Business Details
46 Years
experience
Your Trusted Mississippi Legal Partner for Complex Cases
For over four decades, Dukes Dukes Keating has established itself as one of Mississippi's most respected legal firms. Founded in Gulfport, our practice delivers cost-effective, comprehensive legal solutions to businesses, corporations, insurance companies, government agencies, and individuals. Our attorneys possess deep expertise across multiple legal domains, including employment law, construction law, insurance defense, and products liability defense. Recognized with an AV-Rating by Martindale-Hubbell and listed in the Bar Registry of Preeminent Lawyers, we combine rigorous legal advocacy with personalized service.Our team's decades of collective experience ensure clients receive strategic representation tailored to their unique needs. Active in local communities, we prioritize ethical standards and client trust, maintaining accessibility for direct communication. With a legacy of successful case outcomes and client testimonials, we remain committed to building long-term professional relationships grounded in excellence.
Services
Employment Law
Construction Law
Insurance Defense
Airport Law
Products Liability Defense
Professional Liability Defense
Creditor Rights
Premises Liability Defense
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Details
- Year established: 1980
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of combined legal experience in Mississippi courts
- Our attorneys hold Martindale-Hubbell AV-Ratings for legal excellence
- We provide personalized service with direct attorney accessibility
- Recognized as a top firm in employment and insurance defense law
- Active community involvement demonstrates our local commitment
Associations and certifications
- Martindale-Hubbell AV-Rated
- Bar Registry of Preeminent Lawyers
What people say
Excellent communication
Thorough case representation
Respectful and professional
Prompt and economical results
AV-rated attorneys
Services
Employment Law
Our employment law practice addresses workplace disputes, discrimination claims, wage violations, and regulatory compliance. We represent employers and employees in litigation, contract negotiations, and policy development. With deep knowledge of federal and Mississippi labor laws, we provide strategic counsel to prevent disputes and resolve complex employment matters efficiently. Our attorneys have successfully handled cases involving wrongful termination, harassment, and workplace safety regulations.
Insurance Defense
We defend insurance companies against complex claims through strategic litigation and alternative dispute resolution. Our practice covers property damage, liability claims, and coverage disputes with a focus on cost-effective solutions. Attorneys leverage decades of trial experience to protect insurers' interests while maintaining compliance with regulatory standards. We handle high-stakes cases involving catastrophic injuries and large-scale property losses across Mississippi.
Products Liability Defense
Our defense practice protects manufacturers and distributors against product liability claims involving design defects, manufacturing flaws, and inadequate warnings. We combine technical expertise with aggressive litigation strategies to minimize exposure. Attorneys work with industry experts to build strong defenses while maintaining compliance with federal safety regulations. Our track record includes successful dismissals in complex multi-jurisdictional cases.
Construction Law
We provide comprehensive legal services for construction disputes, contract negotiations, and regulatory compliance. Our practice covers project delays, defect claims, and payment disputes for contractors, developers, and property owners. Attorneys with construction industry expertise deliver practical solutions while representing clients in mediation and litigation. We maintain strong relationships with industry professionals to resolve complex construction law matters efficiently.
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Our certified mediators and arbitrators facilitate dispute resolution through tailored ADR processes. With decades of combined litigation experience, we help parties achieve cost-effective settlements in commercial, insurance, and employment disputes. Our neutrals maintain active involvement in Mississippi's legal community, serving on state mediation panels while delivering impartial guidance for complex civil matters across the Gulf Coast region.
People
Walter W. Dukes
President/Director
Founding member with 40+ years of civil litigation experience, specializing in catastrophic injury cases and complex commercial disputes. Recognized AV-Rated attorney and active community leader in Gulfport.
W. Edward Hatten, Jr.
Shareholder
33-year legal veteran with arbitration expertise, serving as mediator in 15+ cases. Listed in Mississippi Bar's Directory of Mediators, combining trial experience with dispute resolution leadership since 1995.
Trace D. McRaney
Shareholder
AV-Rated trial attorney with 30+ years in personal injury defense, recognized for ethical standards and courtroom excellence. Active in Mississippi legal community with Martindale-Hubbell peer recognition.
Je'Nell Blocher Blum
Shareholder
Experienced litigator with focus on insurance defense and commercial disputes. Maintains active role in Gulfport legal community with demonstrated commitment to client advocacy since joining the firm.
Bobby Ray Long
Of Counsel
Seasoned attorney with 20+ years of shareholder experience, providing strategic counsel in complex litigation matters while maintaining strong client relationships through personalized legal representation.
Questions
What areas of law does Dukes, Keating, Hatten, McRaney, Blum specialize in?
We specialize in employment law, construction law, insurance defense, airport law, products liability defense, professional liability defense, creditor rights, premises liability defense, and alternative dispute resolution.
How long has the firm been practicing in Mississippi?
Our firm has served Mississippi clients for over 40 years, with attorneys possessing decades of combined legal experience in state and federal courts.
What makes your firm different from other Mississippi law practices?
We combine AV-rated legal excellence with personalized service, direct attorney accessibility, and deep local community involvement across the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Do you offer consultations for new legal cases?
Yes, we offer initial consultations to discuss your legal needs. Contact our Gulfport office at 228-868-1111 to schedule an appointment.
What professional recognitions has the firm received?
We maintain Martindale-Hubbell AV-Ratings and are listed in the Bar Registry of Preeminent Lawyers, reflecting our legal excellence and peer recognition.
