Alumni Awards

Kelly Duncan ’72

2018 -2019 Martin de Tours Award Recipient 

Kelly Duncan, of the Class of 1972, was the 2018-19 recipient of St. Martin’s Episcopal School’s Martin de Tours Award. “Kelly Duncan is the ideal civic leader and friend of the school to receive this award,” said Head of School Dr. Merry Sorrells in making the announcement. “He will serve as a true role model for our community schoolwide, and particularly for our student body.”

After graduating from St. Martin’s, Duncan graduated cum laude from Georgetown University in 1976. He then attended Tulane University Law School, earning a J.D. in 1979. 

Duncan is a partner in the Maritime Practice Group at Jones Walker in New Orleans. He currently serves as co-chair of the firm’s Gaming Industry Team and was a member of the firm’s Board of Directors from 2006 to 2014. 

Throughout his career, Duncan has held several distinguished positions.  He is a past president of the International Masters of Gaming Law and a member of the International Association of Gaming Advisors. He has served as a speaker at international gaming conferences and at maritime seminars around the world, and is one of only seven gaming attorneys from the United States listed as a notable practitioner in the 2018 edition of Chambers Global Guide.

He has also received numerous accolades. Duncan was recognized as a 2018 Top Lawyer by New Orleans Magazine. In 2016 he was named to the New Orleans CityBusiness Leadership in Law Hall of Fame. He received the New Orleans CityBusiness Leadership in Law Award in 2005, 2009, and 2016.

In addition to impressive professional accomplishments, Duncan has held many leadership roles in the community.  He has been involved with the Audubon Nature Institute, John Charles Olmsted Society for Audubon Park, Louisiana Children’s Museum, Louisiana Nature and Science Center, United Way, Young Leadership Council. and New Orleans Museum of Art. He has been active in Trinity Episcopal Church and School. He currently serves on St. Martin’s Board of Trustees as well.